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Uneven backlight leakage on M1 mac

Hi,


I just got my new m1 max MacBook Pro 16 inch few days ago and I discovered uneven light leakage on the backlit keyboard. Wondering if others had this issue, I searched on reddit and the apple discussion forum, and it seems like others are having this issue with their Macs too. You might say that I have a technical ocd, but I use the backlit keyboard pretty much whenever I'm on this mac as I tend to prefer working under darker lights (helps me focus better). This uneven light leakage is bothering me more than I thought because whenever I lean my back on a chair or bed, this leakage is visible and the more I think about it, I consider this as a defect on an otherwise perfect machine (other than this leakage, I am very satisfied with my current Mac).


I understand that there is no point in returning it and getting a new one because it seems like all current macs have this issue. I would love to know if this is fixable or if this is something that I just have to get used to. Its difficult because the more I notice it, its growing on me more and more. I wish Apple takes this issue more seriously because I haven't seen a single user not having this leakage problem. At this point, I'm not even sure if this is a technical defect; my guess is that each key is slightly tilted at a different angle making the leakage more/less visible.


I'd greatly appreciate if you guys could share your thoughts on this, and hopefully share your photos of your Mac regarding this issue.

Posted on Aug 11, 2022 2:28 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 12, 2022 8:51 AM

kui91 wrote:

Hi,

I just got my new m1 max MacBook Pro 16 inch few days ago and I discovered uneven light leakage on the backlit keyboard. Wondering if others had this issue, I searched on reddit and the apple discussion forum, and it seems like others are having this issue with their Macs too. You might say that I have a technical ocd, but I use the backlit keyboard pretty much whenever I'm on this mac as I tend to prefer working under darker lights (helps me focus better). This uneven light leakage is bothering me more than I thought because whenever I lean my back on a chair or bed, this leakage is visible and the more I think about it, I consider this as a defect on an otherwise perfect machine (other than this leakage, I am very satisfied with my current Mac).

I understand that there is no point in returning it and getting a new one because it seems like all current macs have this issue. I would love to know if this is fixable or if this is something that I just have to get used to. Its difficult because the more I notice it, its growing on me more and more. I wish Apple takes this issue more seriously because I haven't seen a single user not having this leakage problem. At this point, I'm not even sure if this is a technical defect; my guess is that each key is slightly tilted at a different angle making the leakage more/less visible.

I'd greatly appreciate if you guys could share your thoughts on this, and hopefully share your photos of your Mac regarding this issue.
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/46426cc4-7e10-4172-9285-67323a9c603e
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/bd9cc63f-5b42-4ccd-bd9b-49efe642d576


I do not see this as an issue.... Move the keys the light escaping changes....(?) Keyboard backlights are not manufactured to a 1/1000th of degree accuracy/tolerance...it is just a keyboard backlight.


Do not look at the keyboard at such a low angle, look at it like you are actually using it and see if mitigates your concern...


Use it in a brighter environment or turn off the keyboard backlight if it bugs you...

Turn your Mac keyboard's backlighting on or off - Apple Support



If you think this is a hardware issue—Take it in, nothing can be done on line here:


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Find Locations - Apple



If you are not happy with your purchase return it—


You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.

Only items that have been purchased directly from Apple, either online or at an Apple Retail Store


you have a limited 14 days for an exchange or refund if it does not suit you Returns & Refunds Order status

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple


Your 90 days of complimentary telephone support begins on the date of purchase:

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)









Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Aug 12, 2022 8:51 AM in response to kui91

kui91 wrote:

Hi,

I just got my new m1 max MacBook Pro 16 inch few days ago and I discovered uneven light leakage on the backlit keyboard. Wondering if others had this issue, I searched on reddit and the apple discussion forum, and it seems like others are having this issue with their Macs too. You might say that I have a technical ocd, but I use the backlit keyboard pretty much whenever I'm on this mac as I tend to prefer working under darker lights (helps me focus better). This uneven light leakage is bothering me more than I thought because whenever I lean my back on a chair or bed, this leakage is visible and the more I think about it, I consider this as a defect on an otherwise perfect machine (other than this leakage, I am very satisfied with my current Mac).

I understand that there is no point in returning it and getting a new one because it seems like all current macs have this issue. I would love to know if this is fixable or if this is something that I just have to get used to. Its difficult because the more I notice it, its growing on me more and more. I wish Apple takes this issue more seriously because I haven't seen a single user not having this leakage problem. At this point, I'm not even sure if this is a technical defect; my guess is that each key is slightly tilted at a different angle making the leakage more/less visible.

I'd greatly appreciate if you guys could share your thoughts on this, and hopefully share your photos of your Mac regarding this issue.
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/46426cc4-7e10-4172-9285-67323a9c603e
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/bd9cc63f-5b42-4ccd-bd9b-49efe642d576


I do not see this as an issue.... Move the keys the light escaping changes....(?) Keyboard backlights are not manufactured to a 1/1000th of degree accuracy/tolerance...it is just a keyboard backlight.


Do not look at the keyboard at such a low angle, look at it like you are actually using it and see if mitigates your concern...


Use it in a brighter environment or turn off the keyboard backlight if it bugs you...

Turn your Mac keyboard's backlighting on or off - Apple Support



If you think this is a hardware issue—Take it in, nothing can be done on line here:


In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple


Outside the USA

Find Locations - Apple



If you are not happy with your purchase return it—


You have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.

Only items that have been purchased directly from Apple, either online or at an Apple Retail Store


you have a limited 14 days for an exchange or refund if it does not suit you Returns & Refunds Order status

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple


Your 90 days of complimentary telephone support begins on the date of purchase:

Call Customer Support (800) MY–APPLE (800–692–7753)









Uneven backlight leakage on M1 mac

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