2016 Macbook Pro Issue - High Pitched Keyboard Clicking Sound

[djlythium]

Just wanted to weigh in here: I just got a 2016 rMBP – Escape Edition, and the D, F, G, and H keys all had the OP's popping sound. Within a few hours of heat-cycling with the lappy, only the G and H keys remained effected.

I took it back to BestBuy for an exchange (it's amazing otherwise!), and told them that this was a known issue. I remarked that Apple may have ironed out the issue with newer-manufactured batches, and that BestBuy may want to look for newer inventory for the exchange. The service rep searched through her stock, and said they had received new items within the previous month. She swapped outlay defective unit with, presumably, a newly-stocked item, and it was, and continues to be, flawless (this keyboard is something else! I agree it's louder than my mid-2014 rMBP, but I don't feel it's intrusive, and I like the feel of the keys, and the shorter travel).

Hope this helps anyone out there!

 

[parajba]

Can't tell what you're disagreeing with. If you use a soft touch on the new keyboard, it's quiet. It may not be as quiet as the 2010, but that doesn't mean it isn't quiet. It may be that the ones with extra-clicky keys are noisier.

The problem does not depend primarily on how hard people type. The keyboard is louder, the keys produce different inconsistent sounds, regardless of how people type.

 

[Sanpete]

The problem does not depend primarily on how hard people type. The keyboard is louder, the keys produce different inconsistent sounds, regardless of how people type.

The problem of the keyboard being loud does depend on how hard one hits the keys. Again, louder at the same force doesn't imply loud when typed softly. Inconsistent sounds is a different issue. I agree that doesn't depend on how one types.

 

[Guy123]

Just wanted to weigh in here: I just got a 2016 rMBP – Escape Edition, and the D, F, G, and H keys all had the OP's popping sound. Within a few hours of heat-cycling with the lappy, only the G and H keys remained effected.

I took it back to BestBuy for an exchange (it's amazing otherwise!), and told them that this was a known issue. I remarked that Apple may have ironed out the issue with newer-manufactured batches, and that BestBuy may want to look for newer inventory for the exchange. The service rep searched through her stock, and said they had received new items within the previous month. She swapped outlay defective unit with, presumably, a newly-stocked item, and it was, and continues to be, flawless (this keyboard is something else! I agree it's louder than my mid-2014 rMBP, but I don't feel it's intrusive, and I like the feel of the keys, and the shorter travel).

Hope this helps anyone out there!

Have you tried your new keyboard after full CPU usage for around 30 minutes? My MBP gets reeealy clicky after it warms up on several keys (even after two replacements). Just wondering if there are actually fixed ones floating around out there or if some people are just lighter on the CPU.

Side note to all: A quick way to check for this issue is to use a blow dryer to warm up the keys rather than waiting for the CPU and GPU to do it. If you don't get any clicks using this method then you can be pretty sure your keyboard is OK. (Side side note: When doing this test on my latest keyboard 36 keys were affected)

 

[parajba]

The problem of the keyboard being loud does depend on how hard one hits the keys. Again, louder at the same force doesn't imply loud when typed softly. Inconsistent sounds is a different issue. I agree that doesn't depend on how one types.

I am glad we finally agree on the inconsistent sound. Which on a £1,445 laptop is a travesty.

Oh well, we just cannot agree that this generation of MBPs does have a louder keyboard, everything else equal...of course it depends on how one types, but that applies to all keyboards, past, present and future. To each its own then. Hope you enjoy yours because detested mine so much that I had to return it!

PS: I am actually a fan of the new larger size of keys, shorter travel, and overall idea. When typing on my 2010 MBPs it feels spongy and the gaps between keys are too large I.e waste of space. However, I simply believe it has been poorly engineered.

 

[djlythium]

Have you tried your new keyboard after full CPU usage for around 30 minutes? My MBP gets reeealy clicky after it warms up on several keys (even after two replacements). Just wondering if there are actually fixed ones floating around out there or if some people are just lighter on the CPU.

Side note to all: A quick way to check for this issue is to use a blow dryer to warm up the keys rather than waiting for the CPU and GPU to do it. If you don't get any clicks using this method then you can be pretty sure your keyboard is OK. (Side side note: When doing this test on my latest keyboard 36 keys were affected)

The short answer to your question is 'no', but I'm hard-pressed to remember a time when I fully used the CPU for 30 minutes. You may be right in that some users are just lighter than others, a category under which I fall. That said, the previous model popped before, and after, settling. This one doesn't, though I will add an update: I noticed the 9 key is a bit poppy outside of any temperature changes, but the pop sound reduces across numbered keys (i.e. there is an increase in key-press pitch when moving from 1 to 9); however, this issue is marginal for me.

Your second point is a good idea, as long as the lappy itself isn't damaged due to the heat. And DANG! 36 keys! Are you sure you didn't damage the keyboard with the excessive heat?

 

[Sanpete]

I am glad we finally agree on the inconsistent sound. Which on a £1,445 laptop is a travesty.

Oh well, we just cannot agree that this generation of MBPs does have a louder keyboard, everything else equal...of course it depends on how one types, but that applies to all keyboards, past, present and future. To each its own then. Hope you enjoy yours because detested mine so much that I had to return it!

PS: I am actually a fan of the new larger size of keys, shorter travel, and overall idea. When typing on my 2010 MBPs it feels spongy and the gaps between keys are too large I.e waste of space. However, I simply believe it has been poorly engineered.

We never disagreed about the inconsistent sound. Some people are more sensitive to that than others, evidently, but my point was about the "loudness."

I never said the new keyboard doesn't make more sound, so we haven't disagreed about that either. Again, as I keep saying, that it makes more sound doesn't imply it has to be loud. Again, if you type softly, the sound is soft. That works fine for most people. I understand that it doesn't work for everyone.

 

[xinatanil]

Hey guys,
MBP 15" 2016 (manufactured 2016-12-26) owner here.
Experiencing the same issues, the keyboard is fine until my laptop gets hot. Luckily, the issue is only with two keys "T" and "U". But, after keeping the laptop hot for two hours (video conversion), it looks like "E" is also slightly affected. But after that video conversion, "Z" started registering two clicks for one press (even when cold), but it looks like it fixed itself right now.

Just leaving a comment here, because the more noise, the better.

 

[kotlos]

I also had problems with all iterations of butterfly keys. First generation of macbook 12" lasted few days before few keys become unresponsive. Waited for the second generation of macbook hoping that it will get fixed. Nope. Some improvement though, but still keys can easily get stuck. Ordered the MBP 15" 2016 and other than the constant hangs, reboots, GPU errors (which I believe are fixed), keyboard showed the same (over)sensitivity to dust(?). I returned that one, waited few months got another but few keys were being loud even without any heat. The edges of the huge trackpad were also not working, so that went back as well. I have no problem with the travel, sound or feedback but when it is even across all keys. I have to agree with others that it is just poor engineering. Waiting for the new models this summer, hoping these issues will get sorted.

 

[Sanpete]

Waiting for the new models this summer, hoping these issues will get sorted.

Summer may well extend to October or later.

 

[kotlos]

Summer may well extend to October or later.

I know... I am now debating whether I should give the 13" a try. Who knows maybe I will have better luck.

 

[Chris8920]

Just received my new MacBook Pro 13" model without touch bar and popping sound on the power button. My primary use will be in clamshell mode so some keys which are inconsistent wouldn't bother me so much, but I would be using the power button every day. Should I exchange this or if I left it for a while and fixed it with AppleCare would they replace just the one key?

 

[kwcwong]

Just received my new MacBook Pro 13" model without touch bar and popping sound on the power button. My primary use will be in clamshell mode so some keys which are inconsistent wouldn't bother me so much, but I would be using the power button every day. Should I exchange this or if I left it for a while and fixed it with AppleCare would they replace just the one key?

If they're going to repair it, they will most likely replace the top case, not that one key

 

[Chris8920]

If they're going to repair it, they will most likely replace the top case, not that one key

Has anyone had issues with Apple not repairing it?

 

[nikhsub1]

My 15" TB MBP that I got in November of 2016 had the keyboard fail last week. The B key would not work at all. Maybe one in 10 times. I took it to Apple, they sent it to the 'depot' which always makes me nervous. Anyway, 5 days later it was back and fixed. They replaced the 'upper case' which includes pretty much the entire computer besides the monitor and logic board. New battery too. Well, I can say that this keyboard is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the original one, it is more responsive, a bit softer and definitely much quieter. My original was very hollow sounding an clicky, this one has a more solid feel and sound to it. They definitely made some sort of change IMO and it is much better.

 

[tomwilson]

Taking my maxed out 15" that I've had since launch to the genius bar tomorrow. I've put up with it for a while but my O J and L keys do the high pitched click when using the GPU for a while. Hopefully I don't end up with an even worse one! lol.

 

[TripleMoxy]

Taking my maxed out 15" that I've had since launch to the genius bar tomorrow. I've put up with it for a while but my O J and L keys do the high pitched click when using the GPU for a while. Hopefully I don't end up with an even worse one! lol.

I'm sorry to hear that. Please let us know how you get on at he Genius Bar. I'm hoping that they at least recognise it as an issue now and that they'll deal with it under warranty. That might persuade me not to give up hope and buy a Surface Book that I've been circling.

 

[tomwilson]

I'm sorry to hear that. Please let us know how you get on at he Genius Bar. I'm hoping that they at least recognise it as an issue now and that they'll deal with it under warranty. That might persuade me not to give up hope and buy a Surface Book that I've been circling.

I went in with a video I recorded on the desktop of it being loud so we wouldn't have to load a game and heat it up. They attempted to fix it on the spot by changing the key caps or something but it just made the key really bad with almost no movement which they recognised and said they'll have to replace the whole top of the bottom case which is gonna take a few days as the part wasn't in stock. Kind of annoying.

 

[rawweb]

I went in with a video I recorded on the desktop of it being loud so we wouldn't have to load a game and heat it up. They attempted to fix it on the spot by changing the key caps or something but it just made the key really bad with almost no movement which they recognised and said they'll have to replace the whole top of the bottom case which is gonna take a few days as the part wasn't in stock. Kind of annoying.

Can you report back after they conduct this repair? I have the same issue and am not thrilled to turn it over because I've read mixed results. Very curious how this works out for you. Thanks for reporting. Do you think recording a video is the best way to show store employees?

 

[Bonaqua]

God this generation is so disappointing. My wife's 13TB never lasts more than 5 hours. My 15 has the hinge crack and several keys now that are either stuck or mushy and make that clicking sound. Other than that my 15 inch has been pretty much spot on in terms of performance and battery life. So frustrating. This new keyboard design is unergonomic and just pure trash.
Hope things work out for the rest of you.
I'm on a deadline to finish a thesis so I cant fix this at the moment. However I have started to think about selling the computer after having it repaired. This keyboard design is just terrible both in terms of reliability and ergonomics. It has killed all joy that associate with typing. I have to use an external keyboard to avoid the fatigue I get when typing on this keyboard. /rant complete

 

[kwcwong]

Can you report back after they conduct this repair? I have the same issue and am not thrilled to turn it over because I've read mixed results. Very curious how this works out for you. Thanks for reporting. Do you think recording a video is the best way to show store employees?

Hey I had a similar issue with my MacBook which required a top case with battery replacement and I made a post recently about it (I think you can find it on page 25).

So I got my MacBook back today from repair and fortunately, I did not have to pay for the repair despite damaging one of the keys while attempting to fix it myself. They replaced the entire top case with battery and also had to replace the left fan because apparently it was making too much noise. But i've been testing it a bit and so far the new keyboard replacement is good, in fact a little better than before. The keys are more firm when pressed and are not as loose in it's unpressed state. There is also no sticky sound in any of the keys yet, and I do plan to test it again under more heat tomorrow when I have the time. The top case replacement also includes a fresh battery and I noticed that the full charge capacity with the new battery is higher than before (checked with Coconut Battery). However after picking it up today and thoroughly checking my MacBook for any physical damages, I noticed that there is a tiny dent on one of the edges. I have not spoke to them about it as is only noticeable when I run my fingers along the edge and that it was quite busy at the Apple Store. I don't mind it but I do recommend that you thoroughly check yours for any scratches or dents before you leave if you do plan to bring it in for service.

 

[rawweb]

Hey I had a similar issue with my MacBook which required a top case with battery replacement and I made a post recently about it (I think you can find it on page 25).

So I got my MacBook back today from repair and fortunately, I did not have to pay for the repair despite damaging one of the keys while attempting to fix it myself. They replaced the entire top case with battery and also had to replace the left fan because apparently it was making too much noise. But i've been testing it a bit and so far the new keyboard replacement is good, in fact a little better than before. The keys are more firm when pressed and are not as loose in it's unpressed state. There is also no sticky sound in any of the keys yet, and I do plan to test it again under more heat tomorrow when I have the time. The top case replacement also includes a fresh battery and I noticed that the full charge capacity with the new battery is higher than before (checked with Coconut Battery). However after picking it up today and thoroughly checking my MacBook for any physical damages, I noticed that there is a tiny dent on one of the edges. I have not spoke to them about it as is only noticeable when I run my fingers along the edge and that it was quite busy at the Apple Store. I don't mind it but I do recommend that you thoroughly check yours for any scratches or dents before you leave if you do plan to bring it in for service.

Appreciate the report! Please let us know if the keys start "clicking" again when heated up. Mine tends to start that behavior around 50°C or so. Easy enough to achieve by throwing it in clamshell with my Thunderbolt Display forcing the dGPU, couple of safari windows and photoshop in the background.

 

[Guy123]

The short answer to your question is 'no', but I'm hard-pressed to remember a time when I fully used the CPU for 30 minutes. You may be right in that some users are just lighter than others, a category under which I fall. That said, the previous model popped before, and after, settling. This one doesn't, though I will add an update: I noticed the 9 key is a bit poppy outside of any temperature changes, but the pop sound reduces across numbered keys (i.e. there is an increase in key-press pitch when moving from 1 to 9); however, this issue is marginal for me.

Your second point is a good idea, as long as the lappy itself isn't damaged due to the heat. And DANG! 36 keys! Are you sure you didn't damage the keyboard with the excessive heat?

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that it wouldn't damage anything. I used my hand in front of the keyboard to gauge the temperature and make sure it wasn't getting too hot. If my hand can handle it I'm sure the keyboard can And everything goes back to normal after the keyboard cools down to room temperature. Sadly for me, I use the cpu a lot while typing so this issue is almost constantly noticeable during a work day.

 

[kotlos]

After 2 iterations of 15" with a "clicky" keys, I went with a new 13" only to find out that it suffered from the same problem.

I am starting to believe that most 2016 macbook pros suffer from this (what apple calls by design) and most people just don't notice it. Participating in this forum definitely sensitized me to this issue. In any case, clearly the design needs more fine tuning. Maybe butterfly v.3 will be great.

 

[Guy123]

After 2 iterations of 15" with a "clicky" keys, I went with a new 13" only to find out that it suffered from the same problem.

I am starting to believe that most 2016 macbook pros suffer from this (what apple calls by design) and most people just don't notice it. Participating in this forum definitely sensitized me to this issue. In any case, clearly the design needs more fine tuning. Maybe butterfly v.3 will be great.

Yep after several replacements here, I'm thinking all of them have the issue as well. The keyboard shim thing does work, but it reduces key travel even more and I'm not yet convinced those shims will stay in place for the life on the computer. Hopefully Apple releases a revised keyboard which fixes this issue one of these days. Loosing hope though since this laptop has already been out for 5 months with no fixes other than the shims.