MacBook Air 13" and SQUEAKY Spacebar/Keyboard!!! Anyone? (Listen)

[WardC]

I am starting to really notice this spacebar on my 13" MacBook Air (2010) makes really loud squeaking noises when it is pressed. It is very noticeable and quite annoying. The keyboard on my 11" is great and it's not an issue, but this noise factor on the 13" one is driving me nuts. It is a squeak-squeak-squak as I am typing everytime I press the spacebar. Maybe it is because the keyboard is new and it is not broken in yet. Has anybody noticed that the keyboard on the 13" makes this noise, especially the space bar? Any help or insight would be appreciated? Is this a common issue or am I the only one?

I made a recording of the sound so you can hear it, it really is squeaky and noisy:

http://www.wardcurry.com/spacebar.m4a

 

[bcaslis]

My 11" doesn't squeak at all. My 13" did have a very very small squeak but it wasn't enough to bother me.

Edit: just listened to the recording. Yes, I think that's pretty close to how my 13" sounded.

 

[BENJMNS]

I am starting to really notice this spacebar on my 13" MacBook Air (2010) makes really loud squeaking noises when it is pressed. It is very noticeable and quite annoying. The keyboard on my 11" is great and it's not an issue, but this noise factor on the 13" one is driving me nuts. It is a squeak-squeak-squak as I am typing everytime I press the spacebar. Maybe it is because the keyboard is new and it is not broken in yet. Has anybody noticed that the keyboard on the 13" makes this noise, especially the space bar? Any help or insight would be appreciated? Is this a common issue or am I the only one?

I made a recording of the sound so you can hear it, it really is squeaky and noisy:

http://www.wardcurry.com/spacebar.m4a

nope

 

[WardC]

Yeah, my 11" does not squeak at all but this squeak on the 13" is driving me nuts. I don't like this keyboard, but the screen is absolutely outstanding!! I am just wondering if the spacebar squeak is a common issue on the 13" units?

 

[WardC]

el-cheapo keyboard.

 

[bcaslis]

Note sure if it is common with the MBA. But I've had a MBP in the past where the space key sounded like that.

 

[Pipper99]

Mine doesn't squeak, but if it did, it would drive me nuts, too.

 

[Bluemeanie1976]

 

[superego]

Since it annoys you, take it back and demand to get it fixed. I don't think that kind of sound will go away anytime soon - if at all. Since the 11.6" doesn't do it, neither should 13.3" (nor should any $1000+ laptop). Do not accept subpar quality at these prices.

 

[hcho3]

Why are you even worrying about this? Just let apple replace it for ya. Obviously, it's either one of these two issues.

1. You are pressing your buttons wrong.
2. You got a bad product and it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Steve would say it's number 1
I would say it's number 2

Go REPLACE IT NOW!

 

[WardC]

Should I really spray some WD-40 in there? Would this be safe?

 

[Adidas Addict]

No issues with my 13, would be annoying. Like others have said, get it fixed/swapped.

 

[bcaslis]

Should I really spray some WD-40 in there? Would this be safe?

No! I wouldn't do that. You do know it was originally developed to remove rust to aid lubrication. I would think it could have nasty effects inside a MBA.

Don't do it!

 

[WardC]

I noticed that the spacebar "squeak" only happens if I am tapping the left side of the spacebar. It does not happen on the right side of the spacebar.

Is this a replaceable malfunction? I am still within the return period, could Apple just replace it and give me a new unit if I can prove to them that the keyboard is making this horrible noise (which is actually not normal)?

It doesn't seem like a big deal, but when you are doing a great deal of typing it really becomes a nuisance.

 

[Bluemeanie1976]

Should I really spray some WD-40 in there? Would this be safe?

For the love of all things Jolly Rancher related, DO NOT spray WD-40 in there... It was a joke.

 

[WardC]

But do you think Apple would really grant a replacement unit for a squeaky keyboard, if it's still within the 14-day return period? Seriously? Well, if not, it's worth trying...

 

[bowlerman625]

But do you think Apple would really grant a replacement unit for a squeaky keyboard, if it's still within the 14-day return period? Seriously? Well, if not, it's worth trying...

I'm sure they would. Plus tell them you bought both of the new MBAs...they will like you even more!

 

[WardC]

Okay, I have erased and reformatted the SSD drive and done a clean restore of OS X from the USB key. The MBA is now charging and I plan to return it to the Apple Store tomorrow and explain my situation. I hope they will replace it, I don't think I could live with this keyboard making all this noise as I type away...SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK....everytime I hit the space bar SQUEAK. It's horrible!!

I just hope they have the same unit still in stock to replace it with, it's the "Ultimate" 13.3" model 2.13GHz/4GB/256GB model. If they can't replace it I will just get a refund and live with my 11" for now.

 

[WardC]

Well, I just got back from the Apple store. They DID REPLACE IT! So I have my brand new 13" and the keyboard seems pretty perfect on this one. I'm finally happy now. No more squeak!

 

[miggitymac]

Well, I just got back from the Apple store. They DID REPLACE IT! So I have my brand new 13" and the keyboard seems pretty perfect on this one. I'm finally happy now. No more squeak!

I have the exact same issue, only it's my delete key. Hearing the SQUEAK is like punishment for mistyping...

I also have the 4GB 13 inch...they had replacements for them in-store?

I talked to someone at AppleCare and they set up a Genius appointment for me and said that they would "pop the key off" and try to repair it. I'm not thrilled about that since it's a brand new machine and the thought of popping anything off of it makes me cringe...almost as bad as the SQUEAKS.

Should I just ask for a replacement?

 

[bcaslis]

Well, I just got back from the Apple store. They DID REPLACE IT! So I have my brand new 13" and the keyboard seems pretty perfect on this one. I'm finally happy now. No more squeak!

So are you keeping both the 13" and 11"?

 

[Scottsdale]

OP, you need to watch it with the double posts... you will get warnings and points and they may even confiscate your MBA or just close your account here.

 

[Jobsian]

Good to see Apple replaced it, I've heard the demo models squeak too.

 

[miggitymac]

Apple's going to replace mine too...the Genius I saw about it gave me the option of exchanging it or having someone replace the keyboard which, as he explained, involves putting in an entire new "top-piece" of the laptop.

I just spent $1400 for a brand new machine and you're offering me either another brand new replacement OR keeping this same machine after it's been torn apart and reassembled...hmmm....tough choice.

The only downside is that I have to wait about a week for the new machine because I had to set up the exchange through the online store (b/c I ordered online). Kind of weird that they can't coordinate exchanges b/w the online and the retail stores such that it's easier for the customers...

Oh well...that gives me a week to run the crap out of the Air I have now.

 

[Pipper99]

Apple's going to replace mine too...the Genius I saw about it gave me the option of exchanging it or having someone replace the keyboard which, as he explained, involves putting in an entire new "top-piece" of the laptop.

I just spent $1400 for a brand new machine and you're offering me either another brand new replacement OR keeping this same machine after it's been torn apart and reassembled...hmmm....tough choice.

The only downside is that I have to wait about a week for the new machine because I had to set up the exchange through the online store (b/c I ordered online). Kind of weird that they can't coordinate exchanges b/w the online and the retail stores such that it's easier for the customers...

Oh well...that gives me a week to run the crap out of the Air I have now.

Same here: I have to wait for my replacement to ship because I got it from the online store.