2016 Macbook Pro Issue - High Pitched Keyboard Clicking Sound

[glhughes]

How many times have you replaced the TopCase on your unit? At some point you should try and see if you can push for a (1) replacement or (2) refund.

It has only had 1 previous top case replacement for a stuck spacebar. I did not notice the popping issue with the original keyboard, but it had other keyboard issues (non-responsive keys, multiple hits w/ single press, stuck spacebar). I actually do not want a top case replacement because I don't think it will fix this issue -- trying to get them to just shim the problematic keys instead.

I asked if they could just sell me the shim kits so I could fix the keys myself. Of course they said no to that.

The machine is already 8 months old so I don't quite think it's fair to ask for a refund. The replacement is likely to still have the same problem, so.... I'm kind of stuck at this point. I just want the keys fixed. If they can show me what the shim actually looks like I can 3D print the damn things and glue them on myself. I really don't care. I just want this fixed.

I have a 2017 rMB that has no KB issues so far, so I am thinking this is mostly a QA issue and the design is actually OK (+/- engineering tolerances).

 

[BaronS]

It has only had 1 previous top case replacement for a stuck spacebar. I did not notice the popping issue with the original keyboard, but it had other keyboard issues (non-responsive keys, multiple hits w/ single press, stuck spacebar). I actually do not want a top case replacement because I don't think it will fix this issue -- trying to get them to just shim the problematic keys instead.

I asked if they could just sell me the shim kits so I could fix the keys myself. Of course they said no to that.

The machine is already 8 months old so I don't quite think it's fair to ask for a refund. The replacement is likely to still have the same problem, so.... I'm kind of stuck at this point. I just want the keys fixed. If they can show me what the shim actually looks like I can 3D print the damn things and glue them on myself. I really don't care. I just want this fixed.

I have a 2017 rMB that has no KB issues so far, so I am thinking this is mostly a QA issue and the design is actually OK (+/- engineering tolerances).

The MacBook has a slightly different KB and doesn't suffer the issue.

I am actually considering keeping the defective MBP 13 as the keys only exhibit the noise when its warm but this isn't something we should have to contend with.

2nd option is to stick with the 12 MacBook and just get the refund rather than having a third trip to apple, I don't believe the issue won't be present in any replacement, think it's a defect of the design and is exasperated by heat.

Another reason I use my iPad Pro!

 

[MrGuder]

Brought my 2016 nTB MBP into the "genius" bar this evening. This was the fourth time it has been in there for keyboard issues. Boy was this an unpleasant experience. Initial denial that the popping key issue exists because Apple hasn't said anything about it. Offers to show this thread about the number of people with the problem or even add a link to it to the technical notes was dismissed with an "I don't care." No knowledge that a "shim kit" exists until checking in the back room. Very passive-aggressive interaction with the "genius" the whole time. Statements along the line of he is just a tech and he can't affect anything engineering does WRT fixing the problem. Bizarre discussion about whether or not this was a "defect" and how can Apple have a fix for something that isn't a defect? Not sure where the attitude was coming from. Definitely the worst experience I've had in an Apple Store in 10+ years.

In terms of actually trying to solve the problem, I was initially told they wouldn't install the shim kit since 13 keys were affected. Then was told they can try but it may result in a new top case (which we both agreed would likely not fix the problem) if something went wrong since the keys are delicate. Sigh. So I guess I'm getting a new top case (which won't fix the problem, obviously). :/

Seriously frustrated with this machine and the whole Apple experience right now.

(Oh, and back on my trusty 2012 13" rMBP that has never missed a beat in 5+ years).

If that was me, I would have told them there customer service experience is horrible and then I would have written down all the managers names and people that you talked with them I would have asked for my laptop back and then I would have told them how long you have been a customer of Apple and reminded them how much this laptop costs and how old it is to be having issues already. All in a professional low but form voice.

Then I would have told them I was writing a letter to Tim Cook to document this customer experience and reference everyone you came in contact with your visit. Then I would have asked for the laptop back and went to another Apple Store even if it meant driving 50 miles to find one. I wouldn't have told them the last part though.

That is not the kind of experience that Apple wants its customers to have inside an Apple Store.

 

[glhughes]

I am actually considering keeping the defective MBP 13 as the keys only exhibit the noise when its warm but this isn't something we should have to contend with.

I was thinking the same as it is annoying but only really manifests when I occasionally push the machine hard, but then there was a bit of a heat wave around here a couple weeks back (nothing terrible; maybe 85-90 degrees F ambient -- I don't have A/C) and at least 3 of the keys started popping with normal / minimal use. The computer was totally fine -- fans weren't even running (watching in iStat) -- but the keyboard was popping. If I can't even use the thing normally when it's a little warm out what's the point?

 

[0110076]

Update to the ongoing repair:

Went to the store to get my 2016 mbp, with what should have been a fixed keyboard.
The repair report said both keys with the high pitched noise were replaced and the return key that was unstable was now fixed. It also said that it passed Apple tests.

However, I got a whole new problem. One of the keys that was exhibiting the high pitched noise was now barely moving. The bottom half of the key wouldn't even go down. Only the top half. Had to send it back again for repair.

How is it possible that the mbp was returned like this? Didn't they even press the key after being "replaced"? Anyways, this whole thing is becoming increasingly frustrating. I have yet to fully enjoy this machine. It's like, here's 6 months of rent, now give me a month worth of problems.

 

[BaronS]

I was thinking the same as it is annoying but only really manifests when I occasionally push the machine hard, but then there was a bit of a heat wave around here a couple weeks back (nothing terrible; maybe 85-90 degrees F ambient -- I don't have A/C) and at least 3 of the keys started popping with normal / minimal use. The computer was totally fine -- fans weren't even running (watching in iStat) -- but the keyboard was popping. If I can't even use the thing normally when it's a little warm out what's the point?

Is it too late to push for a refund?

Its clear the mbp's keyboards are defective and until they actually fix the underlying issue (not shim repairs) I don't think anyone should buy them as you'd be hoping not to get one with problems but they could appear later.

 

[TripleMoxy]

Update to the ongoing repair:

Went to the store to get my 2016 mbp, with what should have been a fixed keyboard.
The repair report said both keys with the high pitched noise were replaced and the return key that was unstable was now fixed. It also said that it passed Apple tests.

However, I got a whole new problem. One of the keys that was exhibiting the high pitched noise was now barely moving. The bottom half of the key wouldn't even go down. Only the top half. Had to send it back again for repair.

How is it possible that the mbp was returned like this? Didn't they even press the key after being "replaced"?

If one replaces the word 'Apple' with 'HP' and 'mbp' with 'Spectre' in your story, how may people do you think would defend this ridiculous state of affairs.

I even tried the 2017 MacBook, in desperation, and while it didn't have squeaky keys, it developed a loose return key in about two days of use and some of the other keys lost their travel.

I am amazed that more people aren't complaining. I can only imagine that there are lots of people who are using these 'Pro' machines for light browsing and social media so aren't using the keyboard enough to come across these issues.

A sad state of affairs.

 

[seadragon]

The keyboard is an absolute disaster.

 

[0110076]

I am amazed that more people aren't complaining. I can only imagine that there are lots of people who are using these 'Pro' machines for light browsing and social media so aren't using the keyboard enough to come across these issues.

My thoughts exactly. People who just do casual browsing, edit documents and what not won't even notice it.

When I got my mbp I went to a swift convention, very loud, so I didn't even notice. Then for about another week I barely used the thing and it wasn't until I got back from vacations that I notice the issue. And only because I started working on it.

Doing 2, 3 builds in a row with a big xcode project is more than enough to warm it to the point of that annoying click sound. I do hundreds of builds in my workflow every day, so you can imagine the frustration... :\

 

[glhughes]

Is it too late to push for a refund?

Its clear the mbp's keyboards are defective and until they actually fix the underlying issue (not shim repairs) I don't think anyone should buy them as you'd be hoping not to get one with problems but they could appear later.

I've had the machine for 8 months at this point, so yeah. I also really like the thing except for the keyboard problems. The keyboard itself is actually alright when it works, and the thing is so sleek and light. Also coming from a 5 year old machine it's lots faster too.

 

[glhughes]

Brought my 2016 nTB MBP into the "genius" bar this evening. This was the fourth time it has been in there for keyboard issues. Boy was this an unpleasant experience. Initial denial that the popping key issue exists because Apple hasn't said anything about it. Offers to show this thread about the number of people with the problem or even add a link to it to the technical notes was dismissed with an "I don't care." No knowledge that a "shim kit" exists until checking in the back room. Very passive-aggressive interaction with the "genius" the whole time. Statements along the line of he is just a tech and he can't affect anything engineering does WRT fixing the problem. Bizarre discussion about whether or not this was a "defect" and how can Apple have a fix for something that isn't a defect? Not sure where the attitude was coming from. Definitely the worst experience I've had in an Apple Store in 10+ years.

In terms of actually trying to solve the problem, I was initially told they wouldn't install the shim kit since 13 keys were affected. Then was told they can try but it may result in a new top case (which we both agreed would likely not fix the problem) if something went wrong since the keys are delicate. Sigh. So I guess I'm getting a new top case (which won't fix the problem, obviously). :/

Seriously frustrated with this machine and the whole Apple experience right now.

(Oh, and back on my trusty 2012 13" rMBP that has never missed a beat in 5+ years).

They had my 2016 MBP ready for pick up at noon today -- only 17 hours since I dropped it off! Met the tech that actually did the repairs -- all 13 keys! -- and he was super cool. Very appreciative of his diligent work and attention to detail. Machine was also in perfect condition when I got it back (no dirt or smudges or anything). Said he tested the machine under serious load for 30 minutes and did not experience the clicking noises, so hopefully that means I'm good. I'll see how this fares over the next few days but right now I'm super happy vs. what I was expecting from last night (3-5 days, oops we broke it, another 3-5 days for the top case, still problems, etc.).

Today was a fantastic experience compared to yesterday evening and has restored my faith in Apple CS.

 

[seadragon]

So, what exactly is wrong with these keyboards in you're opinions? Is this a bad design or is the manufacturing and assembly to blame.

I'm really ticked at Apple over this. I wanted to buy a new MBP, but have not bothered after hearing of these keyboard problems. My "spider sense" tells me that this is a rather common problem vs just a few people on the forum experiencing it.

 

[jeh72]

Update to the ongoing repair:

Went to the store to get my 2016 mbp, with what should have been a fixed keyboard.
The repair report said both keys with the high pitched noise were replaced and the return key that was unstable was now fixed. It also said that it passed Apple tests.

However, I got a whole new problem. One of the keys that was exhibiting the high pitched noise was now barely moving. The bottom half of the key wouldn't even go down. Only the top half. Had to send it back again for repair.

How is it possible that the mbp was returned like this? Didn't they even press the key after being "replaced"? Anyways, this whole thing is becoming increasingly frustrating. I have yet to fully enjoy this machine. It's like, here's 6 months of rent, now give me a month worth of problems.

It sounds like you had the misfortune of getting a really lazy-ass repair tech (this coming from someone who is a repair tech for our IT dept). "Work order says 'Replace this part'. Part has been replaced. My work here is done."

 

[glhughes]

So, what exactly is wrong with these keyboards in you're opinions? Is this a bad design or is the manufacturing and assembly to blame.

I'm really ticked at Apple over this. I wanted to buy a new MBP, but have not bothered after hearing of these keyboard problems. My "spider sense" tells me that this is a rather common problem vs just a few people on the forum experiencing it.

Given that random keys are affected it's got to be some kind of manufacturing tolerance or QA issue, which I suppose you could attribute to the engineering / design. Part of engineering something to be mass-produced is ensuring that it can be, well, mass-produced with a low failure rate. So I suspect whatever the real "fix" is will require some design tweaks.

 

[wiffle]

They had my 2016 MBP ready for pick up at noon today -- only 17 hours since I dropped it off! Met the tech that actually did the repairs -- all 13 keys! -- and he was super cool. Very appreciative of his diligent work and attention to detail. Machine was also in perfect condition when I got it back (no dirt or smudges or anything). Said he tested the machine under serious load for 30 minutes and did not experience the clicking noises, so hopefully that means I'm good. I'll see how this fares over the next few days but right now I'm super happy vs. what I was expecting from last night (3-5 days, oops we broke it, another 3-5 days for the top case, still problems, etc.).

Today was a fantastic experience compared to yesterday evening and has restored my faith in Apple CS.

Kudos to Apple for finally getting something right in this regard... Once my next replacement machine comes through - assuming all else is good (the most recent one I had had 15 keys with the issue + a cosmetic defect; they wanted to replace it again) - I'll obviously check for the high-click issue again and if it persists just ask for shim fixes rather than topcase replacements...

Good luck with the machine!

 

[glhughes]

Kudos to Apple for finally getting something right in this regard... Once my next replacement machine comes through - assuming all else is good (the most recent one I had had 15 keys with the issue + a cosmetic defect; they wanted to replace it again) - I'll obviously check for the high-click issue again and if it persists just ask for shim fixes rather than topcase replacements...

Good luck with the machine!

Sounds like others have had success with the shims as well. That seems to be the way to go until Apple tweaks the design / manufacturing of the keyboard to address the issue. FWIW, I've been typing on the shimmed keys for ~60 minutes so far and they don't feel any different from the other keys.

Thanks for the well wishes. Fingers crossed!

 

[0110076]

Kudos to Apple for finally getting something right in this regard... Once my next replacement machine comes through - assuming all else is good (the most recent one I had had 15 keys with the issue + a cosmetic defect; they wanted to replace it again) - I'll obviously check for the high-click issue again and if it persists just ask for shim fixes rather than topcase replacements...

Good luck with the machine!

Something right? All I read was a customer grateful for the day.

 

[Frankied22]

I recently got a refurbished 2016 13" MBP and a few of my keys make that loud popping sound after pressing them when the laptop is warm. I'm returning it. Maybe I'll get a refurbished 2015. The only thing I really like on the new ones is the space gray. Everything on the older ones is better.

 

[paging_dr]

Hi guys, I had a 2017 13" MBP with this issue (the first batch from the initial release) and exchanged for a new one from the most recent shipment (Apple store near me [Eaton Centre, Canada] was out of MBPs for my spec [base grey with 256 GB SSD] and just received a brand new batch from the factory) and the clicky keyboard issue is completely gone and I have been unable to replicate it. Side-by-side with the earlier iteration, it feels as if the keys on the newer MBP is not as clicky at baseline (this is just my perception). Maybe Apple introduced some sort of fix with this iteration? Who knows. Anyway, pretty happy now. If any of you have an early MBP with this issue it might be worthwhile to see if you can exchange for the newest batch.

 

[glhughes]

They had my 2016 MBP ready for pick up at noon today -- only 17 hours since I dropped it off! Met the tech that actually did the repairs -- all 13 keys! -- and he was super cool. Very appreciative of his diligent work and attention to detail. Machine was also in perfect condition when I got it back (no dirt or smudges or anything). Said he tested the machine under serious load for 30 minutes and did not experience the clicking noises, so hopefully that means I'm good. I'll see how this fares over the next few days but right now I'm super happy vs. what I was expecting from last night (3-5 days, oops we broke it, another 3-5 days for the top case, still problems, etc.).

Today was a fantastic experience compared to yesterday evening and has restored my faith in Apple CS.

Well that lasted all of 10 hours.

The '0' key is broken. It was really stiff when I was pressing on on the bottom-left corner of the key, and then it wasn't. This has happened before, e.g. with the spacebar, but this time it appears I broke off the bottom-right pin on the butterfly mechanism while pressing the key on the bottom-left corner. The whole bottom of the key then came loose. I carefully took the keycap off from the still-attached top pins -- the little snaps at the top and the hooks at the bottom are still intact on the key itself -- and could see the little pin piece that had broken off in the key well. Interestingly, it appears that the bottom-left pin was already broken off since I only saw one pin piece in there but both were missing from the butterfly.

I would guess the missing left pin was responsible for the stiffness, which means the key was probably broken during the repair, and I broke the other pin while trying to fiddle with the key to "work through" the stiffness. Sigh. Aside from the key popping up when I press the top of it, the '0' actually feels pretty good when I type on it now.

So now what?

I have ordered a replacement key from ReplacementLaptopKeys.com as they say it comes with the butterfly mechanism. I will see if I can figure out how to replace it myself as I don't really want to go back to the Apple Store again, for what I'm sure will be a useless top case replacement.

On the positive side, I now know what the "shim" looks like -- it's a thin plastic circle that they just stick on the tab on the bottom of the key (see attached and look for the second ring around the tab). Seems like it should not be too difficult to fabricate your own if you were so inclined.

 

[AndrewR23]

no offense but I would be back at that store asap for a warranty laptop. Idc if its my 50th straight day inside.

 

[seadragon]

I don't know how Apple so completely messed up these keyboards to the point where they are sticking plastic circles under the keys.

This is most definitely a serious design flaw IMO.

 

[Queen6]

Visited the Apple Store today, with the intention of looking specifically at the new 2017 15" MBP tried 3-4 different 15" MBP's every notebook had a subtle difference to the key actuation across the keyboard, nor was it uniform from notebook to notebook.

Staff was also noticeably uncomfortable, when I booted up Terminal and ran multiple instances of "yes > /dev/null &" to load up the CPU 100% 15 minutes in, again I could feel a slight difference between the system under load and the ones idling.

Difference is indeed subtle, however definitely exists. I can feel it as I carry some nerve damage in my right hand so when it's acting up can be painful, as it is now. So it's easy for me sense if the keyboards keys are weighted slightly different. Is now of no surprise to me that we are seeing multiple posts of keyboard issues after some period of use.

So at this price point, inconsistent keyboards with a superficially higher failure rate, port solution that I don't care for on this class of notebook, no sale. I'll look to the windows 10 realm for a solution for this class. Had the the keyboard been improved over the 2016 model I think I would have gone for one, as I definitely see value in retaining one OS X system for professional use, sadly not to be the case.

On a side note, visited the Huawei Store, walked out with the new MateBook X, 2 years international warranty, every notebook I tried in the store the Keyboard was absolutely consistent and IMHO an improvement over the 2017 rMB, which I also looked at today. FWIW once I retire the rMB I will no longer be a professional user of the Mac Apparently something Apple is rather keen on these days...

Steve Jobs once stated Apple would never produce garbage, sadly Steve is no longer with us. Personally I find it incomprehensible he would sanction the current MBP keyboard; it is what it is

Q-6

 

[jeh72]

Visited the Apple Store today, with the intention of looking specifically at the new 2017 15" MBP tried 3-4 different 15" MBP's every notebook had a subtle difference to the key actuation across the keyboard, nor was it uniform from notebook to notebook.

Staff were also noticeably uncomfortable, when I booted up Terminal and ran multiple instances of "yes > /dev/null &" to load up the CPU 100% 15 minutes in, again I could feel a slight difference between the system under load and the ones idling.

Difference is indeed very subtle, however definitely exists. I can feel it as I carry some nerve damage in my right hand so when it's acting up can be painful, as it is now. So it's easy for me sense if the keyboards keys are weighted slightly different. Is now of no surprise to me that we are seeing multiple posts of keyboard issues after some period of use.

So at this price point, inconsistent keyboards with a superficially higher failure rate, port solution that I don't care for on this class of notebook, no sale. I'll look to the windows 10 realm for a solution for this class. Had the the keyboard been improved over the 2016 model I think I would have gone for one, as I do see value in retaining one OS X system for professional use, sadly not the case.

On a side note, visited the Huawei Store, walked out with the new MateBook X, 2 years international warranty, every notebook I tried in the store the Keyboard was absolutely consistent and IMHO an improvement over the 2017 rMB, which I also looked at today. FWIW once I retire the rMB I will no longer be a professional user of the Mac Apparently something Apple is rather keen on these days...

Q-6

Did the under load 2017 keys make more noise?

 

[Queen6]

Did the under load 2017 keys make more noise?

In all honesty the Store was busy so really difficult to say if there was a change in the key actuation noise/pitch. Certainly to me the keys are not uniformly loaded, so something is amiss. At home now with new Huawei MateBook X all the keys feel uniformly loaded, as is my Surface Book and the other six Mac portables I have lying around.

Something is tragically wrong with the new KB design, and I for one am done with babying Apple's finest, 15" MBP's with flaky dGPU's, display's - image retention, failing coatings etc. now we have keyboards Better things to do with over $3K. As ever Apple will do nothing unless loss of court action is imminent, even then Apple will just replace garbage, with garbage, as they have done time and time over.

Safe to say the RDF has failed miserably in my case...

Q-6