Q: Dead spot on space bar

Yeah, I practiced at home, and was able to make the perfect demo showing the space bar not responding about 50% or more of the time.  I suggest you do the same before going in.

Just one more detail:  I did mention to the Genius that there were many people on the Apple Support Communitites with the same issue, and that a repair did fix the issue.  I am not sure if this really had any impact, but it might be worth mentioning.

The Genius did boot into his own clean OS from an external hard drive to be sure, but quickly decided to do the repair.

I am not sure how the Denmark 3rd party places will treat you, but you can only try, and be as prepared as possible.

Good Luck, and please report back what you find in Denmark.

Similar issue here with a MBA 256GB I bought last week.  My problem occurs generally with the angle that I hit the spacebar. If I'm coming down hard from the top, it works fine. But if I'm at all light on the press or coming in closer to the bottom of the key, it misses. 

I thought that this was isolated to my machine after testing out at the Apple store.  So I exchanged my MBA for a brand new one.  (Total PITA having to reinstall all the software again). And the new one seemed to be working fine. But now it's happening again. Regularly. I can't bear the thought of transferring / installing files again with a new one.  But I think I have to swap it out again.

This is my first return to Apple after being on PC for many, many years. Somewhat disappointing, to say the least.    Has anyone seen similar issues on a MBP?

I had the same problem and exchanged it and the new one doesn't seem to have the problem.  The keyboard feels completely different, too.  I'm hoping it doesn't happen again.

Good to hear. I'm headed to the store today.  Wish I'd waited a bit before transfering all those files!

I had this too, trained myself to hit the space bar slightly differently, and after a few months I noticed that the original problem went away. I can't reproduce the problem any more so now I'm hitting the space bar like before again

Have the same issue, Mac Air is 1 week old, thought I was going mad... but nope....

Anybody know, if Apple have a keyboard fix and is it worth heading back to apple to have it changed out?

For me, the third one was the charm. I returned my replacement MBA for a second time and, so far, I've had no problems with the spacebar.  I don't know about replacement keyboards. But I do know that replacement MBAs work. 

This problem isn't unique to MBAs... my 15" 2010 MBP has the same problem and it's a royal pain.  Doesn't sound like it's quite as severe, and I've trained myself to mostly avoid it, but anytime I try typing quickly my touches get a little lighter and my spaces all seem to disappear.  So annoying.

Same issue with a brand new MacBook Pro 15".  Was going to have it serviced until I found the units at the Apple Store had the exact same dead spot.  I have since found this post and noted that replacing the keyboard (or the entire computer) does not always seem to resolve the problem.

Anyone know if a replacement keyboard includes the missing rubber nipples shown in jedediah_whatever's  post?

How about bending the key as suggested by mattwbr?  Effective?

Wanted to check here 1st as replacing the keyboard with another unit manufactured in the same way seemed like an exercise in futility.

I can't speak for other models and your experience may vary, but bringing mine in for repair was by far the best decision I made. It took a couple of days turnaround, but they replaced the keyboard assembly on my MBA (Mid 2011), and I haven't experienced any issue since. In fact, the only way I remember about this is because of the emails I get from this thread.

If the issue is bothering you, take the time to bring it in. Other than a bit of time, you really have nothing to lose.

If you do bend keys, or try to fix the problem yourself, that may void your warranty (I would most definitely not qualify that as normal wear and tear), and in that case you may be worse off. Just my opinion, since you asked

Good luck!

Great advice...Thanks!

I have the same problem on the 17" MacBook Pro. Since I'm an old fashioned typist, my thumb hits the same place all the time. It's not natural to put my thumb somewhere else. I think I may have to just take it in and see if they can do something with it. I don't know what else to do.

I have a MacBook Pro, purchased 2 weeks ago. I am having the same problem with the space bar. Is it worth taking it back to the Apple Store? What do I need to take with me. Do I need to take it in it's box with all the cables etc. And what about the files on the Mac, will they back them to CD or do I need to do that. Do they swap the Mac for a new one. Sorry for all the questions.

Per the advice of Sky Surfer posted above, I had my keyboard replaced a month or two ago.  So glad I did...Like Sky Surfer, my issue was totally resolved and am thrilled with my MacBook Pro now!

I simply made an online appointment for the Genius Bar at my local Apple Store.  It's a day or two turnaround (mine was a few days more as they were out of the part).  They don't need anything other than the computer itself.  No cords, boxes, etc. as it's a simple parts swap, not a new computer.  I don't have the paperwork in front of me, but I believe they referred to it as a top deck replacement.  Apple always recommends backing up all data before bringing it in for repair (just in case), but with a new computer that may be of nominal concern to you.  But yes, it is your responsibility to do so.

Good luck!

They rang me today and booked me in to Genius Bar this Saturday. As its only 3 weeks old they may replace it rather than send it off to get fixed. Will keep you updated. Thanks for your help.