Keyboard backlight issue 14" Macbook Pro

[apnumen]

Well, I don't have an option to "return" it since it was bought while on a trip to another country. So I'm thinking about going to the service centre with a warranty.

 

[Sobhyhaj]

Hi!
I bought a Macbook pro 14 and it had the same problem with the annoying bright spot under key 4 with a normal viewing angle, and uneven backlight with a more inclined viewing angle.

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I replaced it and the new one has the same problem.

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I decided to return it hoping it will be a defect from the "first models" produced. I will wait a few days before buying it again.

Did they charge you for returning it twice or no? And if you bought it again if yes does is fix the problem ?

 

[TinyMito]

lol uneven light because the LEDs are only located on certain spot on the keyboard. It's not on every keys like the gaming keyboards. Such a waste of time and resource for being picky.

 

[wilberforce]

At first I thought the OP was just being picky, but after looking at OP's photos and description more carefully, I agree with the OP.
My 14" MBP does not have any bright backlight bleed from any individual keys, when viewed from from a normal angle. OP's MBP obviously does. I can see the backlight under all the keys when holding my MBP at a shallow (unusual) angle, but NOT at a normal angle. I have tried all variations of a normal angle.
I agree the OP should hold out for one that does not have bright backlight spots at a normal angle. I can understand this would be very distracting in a dark environment, and something one would have to look at every single day.

 

[T3h Pwn3r]

Did they charge you for returning it twice or no? And if you bought it again if yes does is fix the problem ?

The first return was made for "replacement", the second with a refund.
I haven't bought the macbook pro 14 again yet.

 

[saintbroseph22]

Do we know if recent shipments are still seeing the uneven backlighting?

 

[WilliamG]

Do we know if recent shipments are still seeing the uneven backlighting?

Almost certainly they are. A design change like that takes time.

 

[agent mac]

Anyone else have any issues with their keyboard backlight on the new M1 MacBook Pros? Picked mine up today and I have a distinct bright spot under the bottom left hand side of the '4' key that isn't present anywhere else. Its hard to capture properly in photos but its pretty distracting.

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I see light like your number 4 key coming from under ALL my keys. There’s no light leakage at all from my wife’s 2017 15” MacBook Pro, but then that has that very low slung keyboard. I did think it was a bit in-Apple at first. I noticed it on a photo of the new machine somewhere so thought maybe it’s normal, but now you have me wondering!

 

[Love-hate 🍏 relationship]

Anyone else have any issues with their keyboard backlight on the new M1 MacBook Pros? Picked mine up today and I have a distinct bright spot under the bottom left hand side of the '4' key that isn't present anywhere else. Its hard to capture properly in photos but its pretty distracting.

View attachment 1879769 View attachment 1879774

Dude .lol.i have the exact same thing,like literally on the same key )

I wouldn't call that a problem tho.no unit is perfect,and you should thank God if that's the only problem you've got

 

[Matthew9559]

Mine has the same thing with the 4 key. It’s noticeable for sure but doesn’t bother me too much since the rest of the machine is in perfect condition from what I can tell.

 

[muratbey]

Mine 16” is same, I called Apple, thay said will be changed new one.

 

[Ron21]

There is no issue here, this is completely normal. The spots which are brighter are likely where just some of the LEDs are placed and how the backlight is defused throughout the entire keyboard.

 

[T3h Pwn3r]

Hi everyone.

I bought a new macbook pro 14 '': there is no annoying light spot under key 4 or under other keys. Finally everything seems ok!
The first two photos are taken with the keyboard backlight at the minimum level, the other two are taken with the backlight at the maximum level.

 

[muratbey]

Hi everyone.

I bought a new macbook pro 14 '': there is no annoying light spot under key 4 or under other keys. Finally everything seems ok!
The first two photos are taken with the keyboard backlight at the minimum level, the other two are taken with the backlight at the maximum level.

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Yes yours looking good

 

[aeselmy]

Hi, I also have this issues now TWICE on 2 different Macs 14" ... the first one Apple Admitted the issues and returned it for free, and the second one now is also having backlight uniformity .. such an un-Apple like move to be honest... looks like a new Backlight-Gate here... pls see images below ... I have the thread for this on Apple: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253992101?page=1

 

[appleincognito]

Anyone else have any issues with their keyboard backlight on the new M1 MacBook Pros? Picked mine up today and I have a distinct bright spot under the bottom left hand side of the '4' key that isn't present anywhere else. Its hard to capture properly in photos but its pretty distracting.

View attachment 1879769 View attachment 1879774

I am having the exact same situation on the same key on the 16" model!

lower-left corner of the 4 key at my normal angle and the whole bottom edge of the D key from a flat sightline.

I do wonder if this is an issue with every 2021 Macbook Pro - or just some of us.

Same on my 16' under the '4' key. Not a big deal.

I'm having the same issue. I just called support and submitted these photos "for the record." It hard to tell right now if this is the norm or if it's a defect. We probably won't know until some more article photos and YouTube video with glamour shots of the new macs come out to compare it to. But I agree with "if it's a common issue on these new models then I won't seek a replacement". But I am being a little picky about this $4k computer and kind of expect perfection.

Looks like most of your keyboards are also as I described here, where the keys are sitting further up than they should be, not aligned centrally in the cutouts. Please confirm for me?

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/14-16-m1-m2-keyboard-and-spacebar-height-position.2391546/

 

[Zanton68]

Yo guys! Just received my new 14' laptop. I have just the same issue, but worse. Several keys stay in such a degree where the backlight goes right into my eyes, while others are ok. I would really prefer it if all keys would be the same with 3k laptop. It just really annoys me.
I'll follow this topic. I'm curious if it's a "guarantee" thing, cause I bought my laptop in the US and I live in another country – not so easy to give it back. View attachment 1908062

Mine is similar look at the 4 and the L compared to the FGH and other keys. Perfectly fine and not noticeable when I use it on a desk or table but noticeable when I use the laptop on my…er….lap. The 4 and L are really quite bright (MBP 14” 2023). There is visible light like this on the 2011 MBP, but it is even across the whole keyboard

 

[Zanton68]

Oh wow. Just randomly watching this MacBook guide on YouTube and at 9:21 and 11:10 minutes in….the MacBook Pro Keyboard has the same backlight “issue” with the 4 and L key having exactly the same leakage I see..

I think it is a design issue, not a fault, but pretty poor considering the price of these laptops