Does anyone else have keyboard flex on their MBP?

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Level 1

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Does anyone else have keyboard flex on their MBP?

When I use the keyboard, especially the keys on the right side, then other keys immediately surrounding whichever key I'm pressing move a bit. Some are worse than others (the "m", "n", "j", and "k" keys are the worst).

I would like anyone reading this to check their MBP: to test, simply press on various keys, and see whether or not the keys around them move down at all. I'm hoping this is just on the one I have (which would be extremely exasperating, to say the least, but at least would give me a reason to bring it in and get a new keyboard installed - one that is rock solid and does not flex). Be honest, please. Everyone and anyone reading this post should be able to check and reply here.

Message was edited by: pointr7

Macbook Pro 17" Hi Res, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jun 25, 2008 9:20 PM

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Answer 1

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,170 points

Jun 25, 2008 9:47 PM in response to pointr7

I don't believe I've seen anyone else mention this here. I find it to a very small extent on my MBP (the "M" key) once I read this and checked, but see it as not a sign of cheap but of thin. Keyboards can add a lot of thickness to a case design if they are thick and clunky. To me, a little flex at the end of the stroke reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions.

In this photo from the iFixit.com DIY take-apart guide for the MBP:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/115/images_large/34.jpg

you can see that the entire assembly is thin and flexible to minimize the lower case height. I suspect there is a small area underneath near the SuperDrive that gives a little less support than other areas under the board. This may be more prevalent with the larger 17" case

That's just my opinion. By all means take it in for peace of mind if nothing else.

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Answer 2

pointr7 Author

Level 1

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Jun 26, 2008 9:27 AM in response to Allan Jones

Thanks, Allan, this is exactly the kind of response that I was looking for. Very helpful!

I see that many others have looked at this posting; can some of you take two seconds and confirm/not confirm this keyboard flex thing? It will literally take less than a minute. Thanks!

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Answer 3

Jun 26, 2008 9:55 AM in response to pointr7

Yes, there is a small amount of flex in adjacent keys with any keypress. Somewhat less than 0.3 mm vertical displacement (by eye).

Took about 10 seconds to check, in fact.

Hope this helps...

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Answer 4

Jun 26, 2008 4:31 PM in response to pointr7

New (early 2008) MBP.

I experience ZERO movement of keys next to the one I push. True for all including the keys mentioned in your post. And I tried pushing a bit extra hard.

The keyboard is simply perfect. Ditto the MBP.

Hope this helps.

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Answer 5

pointr7 Author

Level 1

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Jun 30, 2008 9:58 AM in response to Robert Tanis

Hmm, interesting.

Well, just to assuage my mind, I stopped by two separate Apple stores this weekend when I was in the areas, and checked the other Macbook Pros. Every single one had this kind of flex, so I guess that's just the way it is with most of them.

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