Keyboard size difference in 11" and 13" MBA

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Level 2

175 points

Keyboard size difference in 11" and 13" MBA

I plan to purchase a new MBA in the next week or so, to replace my 2010 11" MBA. I love the 11" form factor, but since I do a lot of writing, I'm wondering about the keyboard differences in a 13" MBA. My Apple store is over an hour's drive, so I thought I'd throw this out for those who may already have experience with both models.

Is the 13" model's keyboard substantianlly larger? Does anyone know the measurements of the 13" keyboard vs the 11"? Not the unit's measurements, but just the keyboard area. Has anyone used both for typing and have an opinion?

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Posted on Jun 23, 2012 2:38 PM

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Answer 1

180er

Level 1

4 points

Nov 21, 2017 6:40 PM in response to EtherDesigner

If it's the same, one wonder why I seem to keep hitting the wrong keys when I switched to the 11" from the 13". Hmmm..

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Answer 2

Ashka

Level 4

3,891 points

Nov 21, 2017 6:51 PM in response to 180er

Just you adjusting to the size of the screen not the keyboard. 🙂

Have fun.

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 23, 2012 2:44 PM in response to EtherDesigner

Yes, it's larger and easier to use for regular typing than the 11" keyboard. The 13" has a "full-sized" keyboard. It's about 12" wide vs. about 11" on the smaller model.

I've both models and quite frankly do not prefer the 11" model because of the smaller keyboard and less readable display.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Jun 23, 2012 3:01 PM in response to Ashka

Just checked the official specs which states that they both have:

"Full-size backlit keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement) with ambient light sensor"

I guess this was an improvement over the 11" model I had.

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Answer 5

EtherDesigner Author

Level 2

175 points

Jun 23, 2012 6:00 PM in response to EtherDesigner

Thanks Ashka & Kappy. When I looked at photos of these new ones, I couldn't tell the difference in the keyboards, and thought most of the difference was in the unibody itself. I don't mind this keyboard that much, and it sounds like the new one will be an improvement. I really didn't want to go to the 13", even though the extra battery life would be nice.

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