Another thread about the Space Grey resistance

[MarcoCav]

Hi, I'm going to buy a new MacBook Pro 2018 13" and my doubt is... about the color.

Yes, I imagine this is not a very original question, but the point is not which is the most appreciated by people, but about the resistance of Space Gray compared to Silver.

From an aesthetic point of view, I definitely prefer Space Grey, but I usually keep a PC for at least 7 or 8 years, so I'd like it to last over time.

Is there anyone among you who has had Space Grey for some time? How do you rate it's resistance, compared to Silver?

Thank you!

 

[cstm]

the space gray is a paint/coating. it'll wear off if you scratch it.

 

[Falhófnir]

The coating is exactly the same, just a darker colour - if it comes into contact with something abrasive enough to scratch it, either colour will scratch equally - the only difference is the silvery metal underneath will stand out more on the SG.

 

[MarcoCav]

The coating is exactly the same, just a darker colour - if it comes into contact with something abrasive enough to scratch it, either colour will scratch equally - the only difference is the silvery metal underneath will stand out more on the SG.

Hmm... so, ignoring the aesthetics, Silver is better, since it will last better over time. What a pity.

 

[Phil A.]

Hmm... so, ignoring the aesthetics, Silver is better, since it will last better over time. What a pity.

My 2016 space grey MBP looks as good as new - no scratches, marks, dings or anything else. If you look after your stuff you'll be fine!

 

[maflynn]

Just slap skin or a case on it, and don't think about it

 

[deeddawg]

Hmm... so, ignoring the aesthetics, Silver is better, since it will last better over time. What a pity.

Neither will show scratches if you don't scratch them up.

Both will show scratches if you do scratch them up.

Both surfaces are fairly tough. To scratch either you have to do something dumb like not using a sleeve when you toss it in a bag with your keys or other pointy metal stuff -- or drag it lid-side-down across a gritty desk -- or otherwise put it in direct contact with abrasive materials you can easily guess will scratch it.

Yes, a big scratch may show more on the space gray than the silver, but there's a simple solution -- take a little care.

FWIW -- my 2015 rMB12 in space grey shows no signs of wear other than on the bottom of the plastic feet.

If you're *really* worried, buy and apply a skin.

 

[Falhófnir]

Hmm... so, ignoring the aesthetics, Silver is better, since it will last better over time. What a pity.

Ignoring the aesthetics they’re identical... it’s an aesthetic issue that scratches will show up more on the SG models

 

[roland.g]

BestSkinsEver.com

That's all you really need to know.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

It's the same thing, really. If anything I would say the space gray has a slight edge over silver - with previous Macs, when it inevitably fell or hit a wall/table corner/something, a major dent would be there forever for everyone to see. Space gray does a better job of hiding it.

 

[jerryk]

I just put a clear skin (BestSkinEver) on my space gray 2018 15". So far it looks great.

 

[roland.g]

I've got to say when I saw the thread title I thought this was about a movement to steer people away from Space Grey and to buy Silver. Like Space Grey was the Empire or the First Order. I wasn't sure why we would need a resistance to that. Maybe title the thread "Space Grey Long Term Wear and Tear" or "Which Color Holds Up Better Over Time".

 

[Newtons Apple]

I got the SG knowing it is a bit more delicate but could not resist. I am pretty careful with my stuff and am betting it will fair well for the time I have it.

 

[vaugha]

Sg was really nice and I fell in love w/ it when I first saw it. It was like love at first sight. Now 2 years later when everyone is buying sg, I prefer silver b/c it holds up much better over time and the very sharp edges on the far exterior of the macbook where the coating is the thinnest will stand the test of time better than sg counterparts.

Also for sg models, I've seen people complaining about 'developing patina' on the palm rest area but I've yet to see anyone w/ silver. My 6-year-old 2012 rmbp's fit and finish is still as good as new.

 

[cambookpro]

My 2016 SG Pro is pretty much perfect casing-wise, save for a sliver of silver on the edges of the ports from plugging/unplugging things for two years.

It's durable enough - I do take care of my things but I've never babied it, I carry it in the (felt-lined) section of my backpack without a case or sleeve.

I'd say don't worry about it, just enjoy it! I think the SG looks really, really nice. Would definitely go for it again if I had the choice.

 

[sjinsjca]

The coating is exactly the same, just a darker colour - if it comes into contact with something abrasive enough to scratch it, either colour will scratch equally - the only difference is the silvery metal underneath will stand out more on the SG.

Spot on. Slight nitpick: it's not really a coating per se, or paint, or a stain. My understand is that the aluminum bodies of the MBP (and Watch, etc) are hard-anodized. That means the metal is pickled in a caustic bath with electricity running through it. This forms a thin but very hard porous layer of aluminum oxide on the metal; the color is impregnated into this porous matrix in the process. Aluminum oxide is also known as sapphire. So, it's a pretty scratch resistant crust. However, it is microns thin, and a sharp dig can plow through the hard crust and expose the metal underneath. If the crust is the same color as the underlying metal, the scratch will be harder to see.

Small scratches are signs that a machine is used as intended: hard and appreciatively. While I don't condone abuse, when I see a well-worn machine that looks like it's been someone's constant companion, that speaks well of it to me. So, personally, I don't worry about it. The occasional scratch is a badge of honor for a tough device intended for serious work. Remember Steve Jobs likening computers to trucks? That's the idea. Work tools.

 

[Maven1975]

I have been using Space Grey that last few years without issues.

Saying that, my next MBP will probably be Silver. I find it to pop and look ascetically cleaner that Space Grey now... Go figure!

 

[Mac-key]

Having never had a SG MBP - my next purchase will be the SG. I just can't resist it!

 

[vaugha]

I really like silver but the only thing that made me consider sg was the lid open aesthetics. W/ the lid open, sg blends in w/ the keyboards and the black bezels of the display whereas silver stands out like a lone wolf when everything else is black. The contrast is even more daring if the display is off. That's pretty much the only reason I had a hard time choosing silver over sg. But longevity wise, silver tops no question about it.

 

[Falhófnir]

Spot on. Slight nitpick: it's not really a coating per se, or paint, or a stain. My understand is that the aluminum bodies of the MBP (and Watch, etc) are hard-anodized. That means the metal is pickled in a caustic bath with electricity running through it. This forms a thin but very hard porous layer of aluminum oxide on the metal; the color is impregnated into this porous matrix in the process. Aluminum oxide is also known as sapphire. So, it's a pretty scratch resistant crust. However, it is microns thin, and a sharp dig can plow through the hard crust and expose the metal underneath. If the crust is the same color as the underlying metal, the scratch will be harder to see.

Small scratches are signs that a machine is used as intended: hard and appreciatively. While I don't condone abuse, when I see a well-worn machine that looks like it's been someone's constant companion, that speaks well of it to me. So, personally, I don't worry about it. The occasional scratch is a badge of honor for a tough device intended for serious work. Remember Steve Jobs likening computers to trucks? That's the idea. Work tools.

Thanks, that’s a great explanation I agree regarding normal use wear and tear, these machines should be used without fear and a few ‘battle scars’ at the end of its life are signs of a life well lived!

 

[MarcoCav]

Finally I decided and I bought the Space Gray version. Thank you all (especially sjinsjca, for the great explanation).