MB vs MBP keyboard

[daveIT]

I haven't had a chance to get to a store to check out the MB/MBP. I've looked at the pictures on Apple's site but can't tell much of a difference. I read a lot of people's opinions that the MB keyboard has a superior feel or something. Would someone explain the differences between the two?

Thanks.




P.S. I'll be upgrading from an iMac 266 with 384MB RAM. Will I see that much of a performance difference with one of these new laptops?

 

[aaronfzr]

i kinda like the macbook keyboard, but can't really say why. the keys are spaced out a bit, so they look quite cool and it feels easier to type on, but again, I can't say why. But after a couple of hours typing on any keyboard, your fingers adjust and pretty soon it feels completely normal, so in the long run, there's no meaningful difference as far as i can tell.

well, apart from aesthetics, but again tahts a novelty that will wear off soon enough

 

[e²Studios]

The keyboard on the MB reminds me of something that Fisher Price would put on a kids toy, thats one of the reasons i don't like the MB.

The MPB keyboards are functionally and asthetically better, MBP is also backlit which makes typing in dark or low light ambient situations nice.

They should have stayed with iBook looking keyboard when they switched over.

 

[Warbrain]

The keyboard on the MB reminds me of something that Fisher Price would put on a kids toy, thats one of the reasons i don't like the MB.

The MPB keyboard functionally and aesthetically are better, MBP is also backlit which makes typing in dark or low light ambient situations nice.

They should have stayed with iBook looking keyboard when they switched over.

The iBook and Powerbook/MacBook Pro keyboards are pretty similar. They feel more natural and are more responsive. The MacBook keyboard is unique, but it's a bit strange to type on.

 

[Demon Hunter]

The MB keyboard is nothing compared to the MBP keyboard. Not even close.

 

[scott523]

MB keyboard > MBP keyboard.

All I can say is the MB keyboard has a rigid feel when typing and since it's not removable, the keyboard wouldn't feel that flimsy compared to the MBPs. I only wish that the MB keyboards are backlit.

 

[CEAbiscuit]

I have both keyboards in my home... from using both on a regular basis, switching back and fourth all the time between my PB and MB, after a few seconds you get used to the feel. I think what you should really condier is the size of the screen and overall machine. The MB offers a nice tight little package and a cool enclosure (magnetic latch, etc). But if you need the performance a little more screen real estate, and a backlit keyboard, go for the MBP.

I will also add that Find the MB keyboard easier to clean, but I'm sure there are people that would disagree.

 

[mick4394]

I made the switch from a dual USB ibook to my new macbook. At this point I'm still getting used to the macbook keyboard and lean toward the ibook style as my preference when it comes to actually typing.

When it comes to looks, the macbook's keyboard wins hands down. I'll never miss cleaning the dust and hair out from under the transparent keys of the ibook.

 

[chasingapple]

Macbook keyboard is much better.

 

[Warbrain]

Macbook keyboard is much better.

Wonderful insight. Any reasons why?

 

[ctsport1234]

I prefer the feel of the MB's kb but asthetically, I prefer the MBP's kb.

 

[Chone]

I own a MBP and owned a MB for a short time, I definitely like the MBP's keyboard better, aluminum feels better, the keys have more feedback and there are no gaps and the backlight is far more useful than you think and very cool as well.

 

[lmalave]

The MB keyboard is nothing compared to the MBP keyboard. Not even close.

Can you give a reason? I haven't used the MBP, but I used an AluBook before, and I can say I definitely like the MacBook's keyboard better.

My reasons:

1) key spacing seems better (even though the MBP is a bigger computer and in theory should have more space between keys).
2) key's don't "travel" as much (don't have to depress keys as much), but keys still travel just enough to make the keyboard feel very tactile.
3) keys can't just pop off, so keyboard seems much more solid
4) crumbs, etc. seem much less likely to get into the keyboard

Overally these differences IMO make the keyboard feel more comfortable and also more robust.