Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
MacBook Pro M4 Keyboard problems
- Thread starter pavvel
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
It's worth noting however. I went to a store (not Apple) and there was a 14 and 16" on display. Both the keyboard didn't feel the same as mine. In comparison mine still feels a bit more springy, cheap plastic where as the on display ones felt more 'set in' and not clanky. I don't understand how this can be?
Yeah, they must have more than one manufacturer then, or generous manufacturing tolerances...
I received my MacBook Pro 16” this Monday, and unfortunately, I noticed that a few keys were making an annoying clicking sound—different from the consistent sound the other keys make.
Since this is a CTO/BTO model, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of arranging an exchange and waiting another week or two for a replacement. So, I decided to tackle the issue myself.
I ordered replacement keys and hinges in OEM quality to pinpoint the source of the problem. After some trial and error, I discovered that the culprit was the hinges. In every case, the hinge was responsible for the inconsistent sound when the key was pressed, whether lightly or normally.
Interestingly, even one of the OEM replacement hinges I ordered had the same issue, while the others were perfect. This makes me think it might be difficult to manufacture these tiny parts with consistent quality, possibly due to design or differences between manufacturers.
In my opinion, if someone out there is dealing with a similar issue, replacing the hinges could solve it. For me, spending a small amount of money on these parts was definitely worth it compared to the effort and time of arranging one or even multiple exchanges.
Of course, for the amount of money we pay for these devices, we should expect a perfectly fine product without needing to 'fix' it ourselves—but unfortunately, it is what it is.
Hope this insight helps someone out there.
Since this is a CTO/BTO model, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of arranging an exchange and waiting another week or two for a replacement. So, I decided to tackle the issue myself.
I ordered replacement keys and hinges in OEM quality to pinpoint the source of the problem. After some trial and error, I discovered that the culprit was the hinges. In every case, the hinge was responsible for the inconsistent sound when the key was pressed, whether lightly or normally.
Interestingly, even one of the OEM replacement hinges I ordered had the same issue, while the others were perfect. This makes me think it might be difficult to manufacture these tiny parts with consistent quality, possibly due to design or differences between manufacturers.
In my opinion, if someone out there is dealing with a similar issue, replacing the hinges could solve it. For me, spending a small amount of money on these parts was definitely worth it compared to the effort and time of arranging one or even multiple exchanges.
Of course, for the amount of money we pay for these devices, we should expect a perfectly fine product without needing to 'fix' it ourselves—but unfortunately, it is what it is.
Hope this insight helps someone out there.
I‘ll add to this that replacing the keycaps and hinges is fairly simple! I replaced keycaps on another Mac earlier this year (my first ever DIY / self-repair), and it wasn’t all that bad. Just had to reference a few YouTube videos to get the keycap removal technique down.I received my MacBook Pro 16” this Monday, and unfortunately, I noticed that a few keys were making an annoying clicking sound—different from the consistent sound the other keys make.
Since this is a CTO/BTO model, I didn’t want to go through the hassle of arranging an exchange and waiting another week or two for a replacement. So, I decided to tackle the issue myself.
I ordered replacement keys and hinges in OEM quality to pinpoint the source of the problem. After some trial and error, I discovered that the culprit was the hinges. In every case, the hinge was responsible for the inconsistent sound when the key was pressed, whether lightly or normally.
Interestingly, even one of the OEM replacement hinges I ordered had the same issue, while the others were perfect. This makes me think it might be difficult to manufacture these tiny parts with consistent quality, possibly due to design or differences between manufacturers.
In my opinion, if someone out there is dealing with a similar issue, replacing the hinges could solve it. For me, spending a small amount of money on these parts was definitely worth it compared to the effort and time of arranging one or even multiple exchanges.
Of course, for the amount of money we pay for these devices, we should expect a perfectly fine product without needing to 'fix' it ourselves—but unfortunately, it is what it is.
Hope this insight helps someone out there.
Before I had an M3 Pro, I exchanged because of another problem of the laptop.
Nearly all keys now have a sound when touching on them but not directly pressing them.
Also the feeling of the keys is a bit different, but not noticeable worse in my opinion.
Nearly all keys now have a sound when touching on them but not directly pressing them.
Also the feeling of the keys is a bit different, but not noticeable worse in my opinion.
I updated from an M1 Pro to the M4 Pro. To me, the keyboard is the same as on my M1. I didn't really notice the clicking on my M1 and it seems to be the same as on my M4. If I listen for clicking, I can notice it, but I don't think the keyboard is any worse or better than it was on my M1.
Yeah, the keyboard hasn't changes or improved. Some are better, some are worse.
You could either exchange it (again) or fix it yourself by replacing the hinges.
For me, 14" 2021 to 14" 2024 - Maybe slightly different, I just put it down to manufacturing tolerance/aging on the M1 Pro I upgraded from.
its certainly not a night/day difference or anywhere as noticeable as say, going from a 2020 MacBook Air to the 2021 MacBook Pro 14" was.
To be honest, I don't really care, for me the new keyboard is good enough, or even on par.
I would have never noticed anything if it wasn't for this thread
I would have never noticed anything if it wasn't for this thread
OP I've compared my new M4 Pro model keyboard to my M1 Pro at work. The one at work has less key travel and it feels a lot harder when the keys bottom out...not a great feeling though. But the keys on my M4 were a bit stiff out of the box. But unlike my M3 Air, there is almost zero key rattle on the M4. The outer keys like delete, enter, shift etc still feel like complete trash because you get different feels depending where you press on the key (inside, middle or outside). You can even hear how the outer keys will sound different depending where on the key you press.
If you don't know what Im talking about. Press the inside part of your return key a few times, then press the middle part of the same key a few times. Then press the outside part of the return key a few times. Notice how it feels noticeably different in each spot? It's so bad you can even hear it. The same goes for delete, both shift keys and the tab. I can live with it on the caps lock because that's a key that you don't hit often but this is a cheaply made keyboard my friend. Apple cares more about aesthetics than functionality.
This is common with all MacBooks so I was expecting it. It's due to cheap ass garbage quality keycaps. Even $100 Chromebooks don't have this problem. The demo at Best Buy felt super soft but it's hard to judge in store because you're not sitting down.
If you don't know what Im talking about. Press the inside part of your return key a few times, then press the middle part of the same key a few times. Then press the outside part of the return key a few times. Notice how it feels noticeably different in each spot? It's so bad you can even hear it. The same goes for delete, both shift keys and the tab. I can live with it on the caps lock because that's a key that you don't hit often but this is a cheaply made keyboard my friend. Apple cares more about aesthetics than functionality.
This is common with all MacBooks so I was expecting it. It's due to cheap ass garbage quality keycaps. Even $100 Chromebooks don't have this problem. The demo at Best Buy felt super soft but it's hard to judge in store because you're not sitting down.
Last edited:
Hah, I now notice I have this "issue". The outside rows and columns of my MacBook Pro M1 keyboard sounds like thud-thud-thud when I swipe over it, while the other keys sound clicky. Heh 😆
I had to replace my last one cause of lid issues and now I have got this one. The space grey is my M1 then my new silver M4. The keys feel softer but when lightly tapping them you can hear how clicks and horrible they feel which translates when typing.
Not really sure what to do now?
Not really sure what to do now?
I don't know when you bought it but complain to Apple and ask for a return and replacement. Speak to Apple via service complaints, tell them you want to return the notebook as it has a faulty keyboard whose action and noise stops you working, something you've never encountered before. Then raise the issue with a supervisor if you get nowhere. For such a new machine, a replacement keyboard would not be good for you or Apple. The best thing is a replacement computer. Or ask for you money back.
I've tried a couple and will be surprised if I like the 16" M4 keyboard. But it'll be better than my 2017 intel (which Apple did allow free keyboard replacements when something went wrong). But an HP Elitebook's keyboard - and they are much cheaper especially on discount - have a far far superior keyboard. And they are even coffee spill or glass of water proofed. Tehy are gorgeous to type on. But then I still like my mechanical yellowed plastic keyboard from a Windtunnel MacPro G3 twin mirror door. I used it on my Mac Pro intel 5,1 when the Apple alloy one stopped working. Apple don't make keyboards like they used to. Although in the case of my 2017 macbook pro 15.4" 4 Thunderbolt 4 - that's a good thingQ!!
Last edited:
You can either exchange it again in hopes that you'll receive one with a better keyboard... or you replace the affected key hinges yourselfI had to replace my last one cause of lid issues and now I have got this one. The space grey is my M1 then my new silver M4. The keys feel softer but when lightly tapping them you can hear how clicks and horrible they feel which translates when typing.
Not really sure what to do now?
maybe return it, get an Air 15", and wait for the M5 which probably will have a new form factor and hence keyboard. Or buy a monitor and a keyboard of your choice. Apple's keybaord and mice suck IMO. Buy a lovely mechanical keyboard, and love the real feel! Thunderbolt 5 will make that very easy. As does Thunderbolt 4 for keyboards and screens mice etc.
With all due respect, none of this actually help my problem I have. I don't want an Air or I would have brought one and I brought a £2500 laptop so I can have it as just that, a laptop not a monitor and screen or I would have brought a Mac mini.
I spoke with Apple, as usual they are tight lipped about ever knowing about issues but happy to exchange. I was going to go in store but I live so far away and this would destroy my web order so I have opted to try one more. If this is the same I'm not sure what to do other than try and order a custom made one in the hope it might be better? The weird thing is in store they DO NOT feel like any of the 4 crappy keyboard I have had, and they are not custom ones, so I just don't understand what's going on.
(Typing this on my M1 14" which feels fantastic!)😫
(Typing this on my M1 14" which feels fantastic!)😫
I bought a new M4 macbook pro 16" and the keyboard was incredibly cheap, loud, and rattly. Every key sounded different. Really had to press the keys to a deeper level to type.The keys even wobbled. The keyboard felt overall too raised up, clacky, plasticky cheap. Looking down at the KB you could see the actual lights that provide the back light. The trackpad was super clonky with a loud thonk noise. No way to silence the trackpad thonking noise.Changed it to light touch and still had problems with it. Additionally the lid had a slight misalignment when closed. Returned it an bought another. 2nd M4 MBP 16" keyboard is better but still loud IMO, still a bit clacky, and you still have to depress each key too much.Atleast every key sounds the same pretty much and the keys wobble less. Its as if the keyboard is snapped in on top of the base with too much height instead of being solidly attached to the base.The touchpad has issues- it overall too raised up, doesn't respond at times, then others it is too quick to respond and ocassionally it jumps and does something on its own. Anybody also having issues with the touchpad? Another dissapointment (that has been an issue on both) is that colors are washed out when viewing websites.The depth of color on my old Mac is far better. It also changes the colors to an ugly color. For Instance a nice glowing orange turns into an ugly brownish orange.A nice sunshine yellow turns mustard yellow. A nice deep blue turns into a washed out light blue. Also using night mode and making the colors more warm doesnt do much compared to my old mac. The whites are still super harsh- like a bunch of tiny led headlights on high beam blasting at you. Can't seem to adjust it so that the whites become warmer like on my old MBP. Also, in general, one brightness click up is too bright and one brightness click down is too dark. Additionally if you want to use some of the presets, you don't have the option of adjusting brightness. Compared to my old mid 2014 MBP 15" this new M4 MBPro is just cheaply made. It may have great speed and processing capabilities but if the machine itself is plasticky cheap, with obvious keyboard quality variations, touchpad issues, and the screen cannot be adjusted for night shift warmth as effectively as a much older Mac, and when viewing sites the colors are washed out what good is it? I don't know if all of these are varying quality issues or if some of these are just the way this New MBP is. Just so dissapointed.
Check your display settings - the color issue you describe make it sound like Night Shift is enabled in device settings. True Tone can also affect how colors appear on the display, although that's far less common of a cause than Night Shift (which reduces the amount of blue light coming from the display, which makes things look more yellow overall).