2016 Macbook Pro Issue - High Pitched Keyboard Clicking Sound

[ihatetoregister]

Thanks very much for posting to the thread. So sorry to hear about that; it is good though that your genius bar was willing to try to refit the key. @mbezzo reported that taking the keycap off and pressing the underlying mechanism directly a couple of times actually solved the issue (at least temporarily, it's only been a day since that discovery), so perhaps if the clicking noise continues on your new keyboard, you can ask the genius bar to try that for you (I think that way you'd be covered if they broke a key, but double check).



Sometimes it does seem that way! Glad that you haven't been plagued by this issue so far. Frankly, from my brief time owning it, the new machine seems absolutely wonderful, which makes these manufacturing defects all the more frustrating. The screen was beautiful, the smaller footprint very welcome, and the speakers boomed.

Hehe I'm mostly unhappy with mine but wasn't ready to make the jump to Windows yet because, well, it's Windows, also didn't pay for it.
In any case, crossing fingers so this doesn't happen to mine. I can't really afford to send it back (I mean in terms of workload).

 

[monstermac77]

Hehe I'm mostly unhappy with mine but wasn't ready to make the jump to Windows yet because, well, it's Windows, also didn't pay for it.
In any case, crossing fingers so this doesn't happen to mine. I can't really afford to send it back (I mean in terms of workload).

Sorry to hear you don't like the machine! I relate to your predicament regarding workload; right now is a very busy time for my company, and this whole ordeal has been a rather huge distraction.

 

[Erik_Eriksen]

Sounds like chinese dust mites being squashed.

it's your FORNIT...use care and caution...

and DO NOT feed after midnight...

 

[atalkingfish]

I got a MacBook Pro w/ TB 15" from Apple and I noticed that, when the computer gets warm, my N key does what is being described in this thread and the thread from discussions.apple.com that linked to it.

I took it to a reseller and they said to keep an eye on these forums before going forward with a decision on how to resolve it.

He suggested a possibility that I thought was interesting: perhaps it is some sort of adhesive in the keys? The adhesive, at most temperatures, is dry, but when it gets hot, it becomes sticky and causes the click and tug that we're hearing? He took apart the keyboard and could not find anything visually, but it sounds like a definite possibility. It's possible that simply replacing the keys could solve the problem. I would imagine adhesives could be used in the keys themselves, and if the application of the adhesive is not precise, sporadic keys would have this problem (overfilling it or misaligning the adhesive, for example).

 

[pshifrin]

I just returned the

Sorry to hear that you've hit the issue too. Glad to hear that you have a perfect 13", though. Regarding what the issue may be based on the evidence:

I just returned this model to the Apple Store less than 24 hours after purchasing it. I asked the specialist to please record the keyboard issues in their POS system instead of just choosing the default "buyers remorse".

 

[monstermac77]

He suggested a possibility that I thought was interesting: perhaps it is some sort of adhesive in the keys? The adhesive, at most temperatures, is dry, but when it gets hot, it becomes sticky and causes the click and tug that we're hearing? He took apart the keyboard and could not find anything visually, but it sounds like a definite possibility. It's possible that simply replacing the keys could solve the problem. I would imagine adhesives could be used in the keys themselves, and if the application of the adhesive is not precise, sporadic keys would have this problem (overfilling it or misaligning the adhesive, for example).

Thanks for reporting your issue and I'm sorry to hear the reseller wasn't able to resolve it for you. That's an interesting thought that I definitely hadn't considered. However, my suspicion is the metal dome under the key is more subject to deformation when heated, and when certain keys are pressed with pressure, part of the dome snaps into a bad state which produces a clicking sound with each subsequent key press. I think this is likely the case because @mbezzo was able to fix the issue by removing the key cap and touching the underlying mechanism a few times, perhaps snapping the dome back into the correct state (which I don't think would have ceased the sound if adhesive were the issue).

I just returned this model to the Apple Store less than 24 hours after purchasing it. I asked the specialist to please record the keyboard issues in their POS system instead of just choosing the default "buyers remorse".

Thanks for ensuring the issue was properly documented in their system. We all have to do our part for this to be recognized by Apple; so everyone should follow your example when they return their machine. Somebody posted this link in the Apple Discussion forum, but it hasn't been posted in this thread yet.

Everyone, please report this issue to Apple's Macbook Pro feedback form: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookpro.html.

If it's the case, mention that you have/are considering returning the machine so that they know this is a serious issue that is affecting their return rate. You may also want to link to this thread.

 

[TripleMoxy]

Really sorry to hear about your replacement machine, but that's great news about the machine it was intended to replace. Please let us know if the clicking sound returns on your 'E' key (I'm assuming you're keeping your original machine and returning the replacement). Did you notice any difference in appearance before v.s. after pressing the mechanism under the keycap? I have a pretty strong suspicion that a firm key press/heat (or both) causes the little dome under the key to mal-align/deform slightly, producing a loud clicking noise when subsequently pressed. It seems this might be curable by removing the keycap and fidgeting, based on your experiment!

On my side:

I received a replacement machine today (which is actually going to a family member). My family member used the keyboard lightly to setup the machine, and then let me run my tests. I first went around pressing every key ~5 times to see if any had the high pitched click issue. None did. Then, I started heating up the machine using the terminal command I posted earlier. After very warm (10 minutes later), I repeated the click of each key (~10 times each) to see if the high pitched click was activated on any key. None were activated. Immediately afterward (computer still warm), I went through and very firmly pressed each key, holding my finger down for ~1 second. This actually activated the high pitched click on the '9' key. After being activated, even a normal key press caused the high-pitched click noise (most reliably when pressed in the center of the key, lesser so the corners of the key). As expected, once the machine cooled down, the clicking went away.

Regarding other issues people have reported on MacRumors: the screen appears fine to me (no discernible unevenness or yellow hue when displaying white or gray). I did discover a scratch near the speaker in the exact same place others have reported (below the left speaker); it is only visible at narrow angles, so it's almost impossible to discover unless you're looking for it. I did notice a rather large variation in the general sound keys make when pressed: keys near the center of the computer appear to have a louder, more hollow sound while those near the edges seem to be more quiet and subtle. The space bar is very loud.

Quick note: one upside was Apple's impressive delivery time: it took only 6 days from the day I ordered the replacement (BTO) for it to arrive. Hats off.

I've had a few days with my replacement, and while I've not had a repeat of the noise I complained of earlier in the thread, there is definite inconsistency between the sound and feel of the keys that is exacerbated by the laptop heating up. That inconsistency is extremely distracting and does not engender confidence in the quality of the machine overall.

So I am now unsure whether to continue the farce of return, replace and re-test or simply return and wait until the next generation. Unfortunately, I am tied into the Apple ecosystem and it would be quite costly to replace many of the applications that I've already bought with their Windows equivalents, not to speak of the interoperability that I would lose with my other devices. I need a new machine, so this has been a bit of a nightmare.

I like to think that I'm not a neurotic who looks for fault in everything, but this release has been a bit of a mess.

 

[Maurier]

I have it on the delete key on a 13 tbMPB.
I hate to say it but I think all of them will have it on different key.
In my case heat is not responsible for it. The delete key is longer then other keys and if I click on the left side it doesn't do it, only on the right side or middle.
Reminds me of my galaxy s7 edge home button. If I clicked it in the middle it would make this high pitch sound, but not when pressing it on the left side.
I think with this new mechanism Apple is using this is pretty normal.
I'm sure if enough people complain they will fix it in a next revision.

 

[pshifrin]

On my 13 3.3/16/512 I ran a video transcode off my TiVo using ffmpeg. It pegged the processor at 3.4ghz and 100c for something like 20 mins. At no point were there any keyboard issues like the 15 I had for less than 24 hours while simply installing apps from the App Store and encrypting the drive during normal setup.

My non scientific conclusion: if the keyboard has no defects, you won't have a problem heat or not. If it does have a defect, it is exacerbated by heat.

 

[Maurier]

It's also possible that with more frequent use the noise will diminish.
To be honest my 15 MBP 2015 keyboard it's not perfect either. Some keys feel extremely loose/wobbly, like they are going to fall off.

 

[nathanhelms93]

I have a new MBP 13" TB base model. The clicking happens on my spacebar once the computer hits 40C and it's pretty annoying. When the computer reaches 55C+ the W, E, R, and return key do it. I'm going to an Apple Store tomorrow to have it checked out. I could deal with it, and I really don't want to return it and wait until January 19th for a replacement. If I were to purchase Apple Care, would they cover it if anything happened? Also, is there really a risk of damage to the keys at all?

 

[dwsolberg]

Okay, I got my new MBP, and so far at least, the keyboard works without any issues after 10 minutes of running the script plus forcing the high power graphics card while running a lot of software.

It was manufactured on Dec 26, 2016, and I've been using it for about three days.
[doublepost=1483379153][/doublepost]

I have it on the delete key on a 13 tbMPB.
I hate to say it but I think all of them will have it on different key.
In my case heat is not responsible for it. The delete key is longer then other keys and if I click on the left side it doesn't do it, only on the right side or middle.
Reminds me of my galaxy s7 edge home button. If I clicked it in the middle it would make this high pitch sound, but not when pressing it on the left side.
I think with this new mechanism Apple is using this is pretty normal.
I'm sure if enough people complain they will fix it in a next revision.

I think you have a different issue. My guess is that there's some dust in the key. Try turning it upside down and shaking or else blow in some compressed air.

 

[monstermac77]

My non scientific conclusion: if the keyboard has no defects, you won't have a problem heat or not. If it does have a defect, it is exacerbated by heat.

@pshifrin, that is really awesome. Thank you for doing that test. I'm hoping in that case I can get lucky on one of my returns and get a machine that doesn't have the issue. I know it's a lot to ask, but would you be willing to repeat the heating up experiment while also going through each key and (with one finger) pressing down and holding with a bit of pressure? If still nothing happens, then I'll be pretty darn convinced of your hypothesis. But either way, if it takes all of those conditions on even a "spared' computer for the problem to arise, then I may be able to accept it and just be careful to avoid those conditions.

It's also possible that with more frequent use the noise will diminish.

@Maurier, that's a good point; if anyone here has found that the issue goes away after a couple of weeks, please speak up. One thing almost all of us have in common is that we're reporting the issue soon after receiving the machine, likely without extended use.

I have a new MBP 13" TB base model. The clicking happens on my spacebar once the computer hits 40C and it's pretty annoying. When the computer reaches 55C+ the W, E, R, and return key do it. I'm going to an Apple Store tomorrow to have it checked out. I could deal with it, and I really don't want to return it and wait until January 19th for a replacement. If I were to purchase Apple Care, would they cover it if anything happened? Also, is there really a risk of damage to the keys at all?

@nathanhelms93, thanks for reporting your issue and for specifying the actual temperature that activates the issue. Please let us know what they say. I can't speak for your local store specifically, but I'm very confident (based on all my past repairs) that if I went into my local Apple Store with AppleCare and explained the issue, they'd offer a full keyboard replacement for free. You could also ask them if they are willing to remove the keycaps of the affected keys and tap the underlying components a couple of times, which @mbezzo reported fixed the issue; if they break a key while it's in their care, I'm pretty sure it's policy that they replace it for free (you should ask, though). Also note that your purchase should come with a full year of AppleCare already, so purchasing AppleCare would just mean extending coverage to 3 years.

Okay, I got my new MBP, and so far at least, the keyboard works without any issues after 10 minutes of running the script plus forcing the high power graphics card while running a lot of software.

It was manufactured on Dec 26, 2016, and I've been using it for about three days.

@dwsolberg, that's really great news. Have you tried tapping and holding (with a bit of pressure) on each key for about 1 second while the computer is hot? That was how I was able to trigger the click on the replacement my family member received (he hasn't had issues since, fortunately). Either way, that's a huge improvement over your last machine.

Edit: CrazyPurpleBacon on Reddit has the same issue and noticed that iFixit's teardown of the 2016 13" has a high resolution image with the command keycap removed (which may be helpful for discussion) and also noticed that they broke the key in the process (disconcerting for those worried about breaking their keys when removing the caps). Here's a link to that step of the teardown, which also includes an image of the mechanism under the same key on the Macbook keyboard: https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Function+Keys+Late+2016+Teardown/72415#s144857

 

[Atreyu25]

very sad to report that my replacement also has a bad key, this time the B key. It's not nearly as bad as my older one's E key but it's definitely noticeable. The worst part is the display - it's noticeably worse than my current one. Much yellower and uneven. REALLY unfortunate. Not sure what to do!
[doublepost=1482960596][/doublepost]Alright, I absolutely CAN NOT recommend doing this, but I took matters into my own hands and VERY VERY carefully removed the E key from my original MBP. I pressed the actual switch underneath a few times, then put the key back on.... and (crossing fingers!) the noise is GONE! Also, the key still works

SO, if you're brave and/or technical this may be a solution, but PLEASE note - if you break it, you buy it. Apple WILL NOT cover this under warranty! You've been warned...


thanks,
mbezzo

Can I ask how you did this? My keys are clicky and I need help removing them to clean.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[mbezzo]

there's lots of vids on youtube for it - I'd suggest looking at a few. Just be very careful. I used a very thin piece of plastic from a disposable flosser to gently pry the top of the key up (they clip at the top, and slide into a tab on the bottom - so you need to start prying at the top, once the top clips pop off, slide the key towards the screen to release the bottom tabs. Revers this process to pop back on.)

Good luck! Do note that the scissor mechanism is not really removable. If it breaks, the only fix is a full top case replacement... which will be $$$. If the key cap is broken, individual keys can be replaced by Apple.

 

[tigredicarta]

Same issue, in my Pro 13" with the "Y" and "I" keys. I'll take it to an Apple Store, it is no longer in the period of return.

 

[monstermac77]

Same issue, in my Pro 13" with the "Y" and "I" keys. I'll take it to an Apple Store, it is no longer in the period of return.

Thanks for posting, @tigredicarta. Sorry to hear you're outside the return period (if you're in the U.S. though, remember if you bought it after November 10th then you have until January 8th to return it). Let us know what the Apple Store suggests; I'm hoping they'll be amenable to swapping the keyboard for free since you're under Applecare.

 

[tigredicarta]

I live in Italy, I think that here the returning period is 15 days.
So, this is a confirm that the problem is for all the models, also with different layouts.
I will go to the Apple Store next Thursday. I hope for a fast repair, I'll let you know.

 

[monstermac77]

I live in Italy, I think that here the returning period is 15 days.
So, this is a confirm that the problem is for all the models, also with different layouts.
I will go to the Apple Store next Thursday. I hope for a fast repair, I'll let you know.

All right, best of luck!

 

[atalkingfish]

I've been continuing to use my computer over the last couple weeks and I've noticed that, while heating the computer up quickly causes the N key to click loudly, so does just using it lightly for an extended period of time, even if the computer itself does not get too hot (barely warm to the touch). Worth noting.

 

[monstermac77]

I've been continuing to use my computer over the last couple weeks and I've noticed that, while heating the computer up quickly causes the N key to click loudly, so does just using it lightly for an extended period of time, even if the computer itself does not get too hot (barely warm to the touch). Worth noting.

Thanks for following up. That's definitely concerning that the clicking starts even after using the computer for an extended period. That said, I think if a large number of models were affected to that degree more people would be posting about it?

Let us know what you decide to do and what the results are (from Apple/the reseller). I'd offer advice, but I don't have any experience with Macs purchased from resellers.

 

[tCC_]

My replacement 13 tb will come next week, hope I'll have a better batch, will try several things as well again
[doublepost=1483644766][/doublepost]Talking 'bout batches, maybe it's worth noticing the manufacture dates

 

[atalkingfish]

Thanks for following up. That's definitely concerning that the clicking starts even after using the computer for an extended period. That said, I think if a large number of models were affected to that degree more people would be posting about it?

Let us know what you decide to do and what the results are (from Apple/the reseller). I'd offer advice, but I don't have any experience with Macs purchased from resellers.

To clarify, the Mac was not bought from a reseller; it was bought online. I just don't have an Apple Store nearby and, after calling Apple (and after convincing them that I wasn't the only one with the problem), they said I could bring it to a reseller to have them look at it.

 

[monstermac77]

My replacement 13 tb will come next week, hope I'll have a better batch, will try several things as well again
[doublepost=1483644766][/doublepost]Talking 'bout batches, maybe it's worth noticing the manufacture dates

Yeah, I'm really hoping by now the newly manufactured machines do not have this problem (I ordered my replacement a couple days ago, but I bumped the GPU up to the 460, so it won't ship for 2-3 weeks). It's hard to tell, but it seems as though nobody has posted recently who got a machine that was also manufactured recently. If anyone has this issue on a machine that was manufactured recently (say, in the last 2 weeks), please make a comment with your manufacturing date. You can use this site to figure out which week it was built: http://www.appleserialnumberinfo.com/Desktop/index.php.

To clarify, the Mac was not bought from a reseller; it was bought online. I just don't have an Apple Store nearby and, after calling Apple (and after convincing them that I wasn't the only one with the problem), they said I could bring it to a reseller to have them look at it.

Ah, got it. Thanks for the clarification. Since you said you've had yours for a couple weeks, I'm guessing you're out of the return window (unless the holiday return applies to you)? If you aren't out of the return window, I'd suggest trying a return if you can afford to be without that machine for a while. If you are out of the return window and the noise is sufficiently annoying for you, I'd probably recommend calling Apple Support, explaining the issue, linking them to this thread and the Apple Discussion thread, and seeing what options they give (I know they really want you to go into a store before they offer to replace parts, but if you send them a video of it happening on your machine I think that might be sufficient). I'm not sure what options the reseller might have for you, but you could also try going back to them.

Edit: Another Macrumors user, @semihunaldi, has experienced the high pitched click noise as well:

 

[pshifrin]

I have a 13 3.3/16/512 purchased 11/16 in an Apple Store (basically the very first day the stores had stock) which is PERFECT, no flaws with the keyboard not matter how hot it gets, etc. Since this laptop was eligible for the holiday return period, I flirted with moving up to the 15 inch and subsequently purchased and returned FOUR units, one as recently as 12/27. All 4 had major keyboard issues ranging from keys not working at all or double lettering, to the issue in this thread. The 13 inch, which I'm keeping as it meets my needs, is obviously from an early batch since I purchased it mid-November. So the theory that early units have this problem and later may not, doesn't necessarily jive with what i've experienced.

I really feel sorry for everyone on this thread, especially BTO people or people in locations without Apple Stores. I can easily keep going to and play the lottery with getting a perfect unit. I live less than 1 mile from an Apple Store and within easy driving distance of 5 others.

The universe is telling me to keep the 13, so I am. Until the 2017s with Kaby Lake come out that is