Uneven light leakage from keys on MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14-inch - are they all like that?

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Level 4

1,388 points

Uneven light leakage from keys on MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14-inch - are they all like that?

Basically, I just want to know if everybody else is like this, or are there exceptions?

It's not the light leakage from the bottom of the keys per se that bothers me. It's the uneven light leakage. Some keys have leakage and some don't. Like the keys weren't exactly put on the same.

It only happens at a comfortable sitting angle; if you are looking at the keys from just a small angle or straight on, there is no leakage.

The space key annoys me the most because the leakage is uneven. Check the photo. I just got this 4 days ago so still have 10 days to return if I want to. But if absolutely everybody is like this I'll just live with it. Apple Support won't even tell me out-and-out if that's just the way they are! What say you?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.0

Posted on Nov 10, 2021 6:39 PM

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Answer 1

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,388 points

Nov 12, 2021 1:26 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

I find the uneven keyboard light leakage, especially from my space bar, more annoying than I thought. I still have 9 days to return it if I want. I went to a store and looked, and they all seem to have issues like that, if the lights are dimmed (close the lid half way and you can see if it's not possible to dim your lights).

Is there even one person who doesn't have this problem?

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Answer 2

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,992 points

Nov 14, 2021 1:51 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

..doug learner2:

The better way may be to schedule an appointment with an Apple Genius

and hope whoever you actually may end up talking this over, has more to

say than 'you've waited too long to return/exchange this unit'.

• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

Reading through the above article, first Software issues ~ second Hardware.

Whether or not a 'quick diagnostic' could be useful with a Cure, in moments;

may be doubtful without knowing actual cause. A reinstall of macOS is one

of the ways to see if that symptom is Software. (Various re-sets too may be.)

Or maybe if you don't run out of time, be sure to have a backup in external

dedicated Time Machine; if anything you may need. ~ Then let them have it.

Good luck & happy trails!🌻☃️

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Answer 3

Nov 14, 2021 3:36 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

Yes, it's the same on mine. To be honest, I didn't even notice it before I came across this thread... I think this is one of the minor imperfections only Apple customers complain about 😂

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Answer 4

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,388 points

Nov 14, 2021 1:36 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

It's probably too minor a thing to return it over. It just bothers me off an on. Can figure out why it's like that. Anyway, 7 days left to decide.

I really love it except for that annoyance. It seems somehow sloppy.

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Answer 5

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,388 points

Nov 14, 2021 2:11 AM in response to K Shaffer

I've spoken with Apple Care. The problem is I have two choices at the moment (besides keeping it): return it, and place the order again with a backorder or who knows how long or send it in to be examined and live without it for who knows how long and they come back and tell me that's just the way it is.

What I'd really like to know to save time is whether any other owner of the same model does not see that.

I did go over to a store and looked at two floor models. Though the light was brighter there than at home, if I half closed the lids to make it dimmer I did see basically the same thing.

One part of me is telling me I'm fussing over something super petty and to just ignore it. But then when I see it is somehow annoys me.

Anyway, anybody else have the new MBP? What about your keyboard?

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Answer 6

Doug Lerner2 Author

Level 4

1,388 points

Nov 14, 2021 4:35 AM in response to Tim Lorenzen

OK, thanks.

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Answer 7

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,992 points

Nov 14, 2021 2:40 AM in response to Doug Lerner2

An Apple genius should know; or could tell if the problem is hardware or software.

Deductive reasoning and fairly easy troubleshooting; in under 20 minutes.

An 'independent Apple authorized service provider' (AASP) in your vicinity could help.

To see what your area has, check Apple Find Locations; or see the Genius link, etc.

Probably you may have to pay an independent service provider (who wears other hats)

• Apple - Find Locations: (sales, inspection, service/repair; retail, genius, AASP, etc)

https://locate.apple.com/

To try and get answers your way, would not be practical; these threaded discussions can

go on longer than anyone would rationally read them. (I've seen a few here, since 2003.)

Those almost tread on thin ice, where ASC rules go; nearly these become Polls.😳🐝

[On a fluke ~ by-hand submit product for evaluation; or replacement.]

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Uneven light leakage from keys on MacBook Pro M1 Pro 14-inch - are they all like that?

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