Keyboard Opinions

[clicknext]

In all the hysteria over the lack of backlighting, it seems that most have overlooked the other qualities of the air's keyboard. What are your opinions about the size, throw, weight, quietness, anything else about the keyboard?

I've tried it and have my own opinions, but will wait to hear others' first.

 

[neteng101]

The lack of key travel takes a bit of getting used to - it feels more like a "petite" keyboard to touch type on. Size of keys/layout is not an issue, just the lack of key travel takes adjustment... getting the right pressure to get keystrokes to register.

I have no idea how older rev MBA keyboards are though, just comparing it to the typical MBP keyboards.

 

[jw nyc]

The lack of key travel takes a bit of getting used to - it feels more like a "petite" keyboard to touch type on. Size of keys/layout is not an issue, just the lack of key travel takes adjustment... getting the right pressure to get keystrokes to register.

I have no idea how older rev MBA keyboards are though, just comparing it to the typical MBP keyboards.

I feel the same. The keys just feel a bit different to push but it's just a matter of getting used to them.

 

[kathfern]

Personally I think the keyboard is just great.
I am a touch typist and have had no problem adjusting to the keypad on my 11.6inch. The keyboard size is perfect and i dont seem to drop any speed typing on this rather than my imac (although the functions keys are small).

I also have no issue with the lack of backlit keyboard, but again that is probably because i dont look at the keys when I type.

 

[jw nyc]

Personally I think the keyboard is just great.
I am a touch typist and have had no problem adjusting to the keypad on my 11.6inch. The keyboard size is perfect and i dont seem to drop any speed typing on this rather than my imac (although the functions keys are small).

I also have no issue with the lack of backlit keyboard, but again that is probably because i dont look at the keys when I type.

The eternal optimist.

 

[clicknext]

Glad that you all found it to be good.

I tried an 11" in a store and was surprised to find that the throw was significantly shorter than on a macbook pro. The keys also seemed lighter and slightly more clackety when typing. I know that considering how thin the thing is, even the depth they did manage to fit into it was impressive, but it was still disappointing.

Feels suspiciously similar to some other netbook keyboards in terms of key presses, though the size and spacing is great.

 

[TheAllStar]

Besides the lack of backlighting, is the keyboard any different from the previous generation MBA? Personally, I liked the concave keys on the previous generation aluminum MBP.

 

[Vihzel]

I think that the keyboard is just great. I like it more than the one on my MBP because it seems to be quieter.

 

[Over Achiever]

I've had absolutely no problems with the keyboard. Yes, it feels like shorter throw, but as a touch typer, I'm able to type very quietly on this keyboard. Besides, the shorter throw makes me type lighter and I feel more secure for some reason typing. Not really sure how to describe it properly.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

I have the 13" and find the keyboard to be excellent. The key stroke is a bit less than on my 15" mid 2010 MBP, but that's to be expected and it's very easy to acclimate to.

With 4GB of ram, it is very fast when doing resource intensive work.

I am very happy with mine.

 

[wressus]

Is there any size difference between the 13" MBP and the MBA keyboard? Or any other differences for that matter, except the backlight?

 

[clicknext]

Just got my 13" and the keyboard is not as bad as I had thought. It is shallow, which makes presses not as satisfying as with the MBP or lenovo keyboards. But everything else is good. The keys feel solid, presses are quiet, and buttons feel like they might be slightly concave.

 

[potentpotable]

I love how the keyboard is very shallow, I find it super easy to type on and game with.

 

[wirelessmacuser]

Mine is a 13". I find the keyboard just fine.

Key travel is a bit shorter which is to be expected, after a day or so I was completely acclimated.

Lack of a back light is an advantage for me, I hate the look. I'm a touch typist and have no need to look at the keyboard.