Keyboard, K key sporadically not working, 2016 MBP

Hi,

I'm trying to merge all of these reports in a single thread in the hope that Apple will provide a response and a solution. I believe this is a macOS issue.

For more, go to:

MacBook Pro 2016 Random Key Repeat Keyboard Issue

Over past few weeks I've notice something kind of weird using the KB on my MBP13,3. It is related to me using the "B" key.

I find I use the "B" key quite a lot and most of the time I use it to enter a "b" it doubles it up to be "bb". I press the keys with equal/consistent pressure as best I can determine.

I've tried all the letter keys and find this issue only happens with the "B" key.

Let me say, it's very annoying for me as entering my Apple ID and a host of other things using my name that starts with "b" I get this "bb" being echoed to the screen.

Would you say my "B" key is faulty and needs repairing or even better for the MBP to be replaced all together to have this issue resolved ?

I'm apt to goto my local Apple Store and try this "B" key scenario to see if it happens on another MBP13,3 like mine.

Now it's possible I do hit the "B" key harder than the other keys as it's on the first row and in the center above the space key.

So here are two examples of me typing away on my MBP.......

Example-1

barry barry barry bbarry barry barry barry barry barry barry barry bbarrytsharp barrysharp bxs bxs bxs bxs bbxs barry barry
bxs bxs barry barry barry barry barry barry barry barry bbarry bxs bxs bxs bxs barry barry barrysharp Barry

Example-2

b bb b bb bb b b b b b b bb bb b b b b b b b b b b b b b bb b b b b b b b b b b

I've tried hitting the "B" softly and hard and even with a soft press/hit the "bb" will at times be echoed to the screen.

What do you think my issue is ? Am I'm hitting the "B" key too hard or is the "B" key somewhat flaky ?

OK.... So I went to my local Apple Store today hoping to get/squeeze in for a Genius appointment rather than wait for my scheduled one for Mar 1st. I lucked out as I was told to go off to get a coffee or what not and they would text me when Genius ready. I got to the coffee bar and got my coffee and a breakfast bun and as I started to drink/eat my phone buzzed and a text message stating come on back to the Apple Store.

I grabbed up my things and rushed back to the store that was just minutes away and showed my OP that I posted here to the Genius person.

Several keyboard tests were run on my MBP13,3 and the Genius was able to replicate the issue I was having with the "B" key with his typing and using the "B" key at times.

Incidentally, the keyboard diagnostic did not reveal any issue with the "B" key that I could see. The diagnostic keyboard test runs through each keyboard key seperately and it was interesting to watch it go through its motions key by key.

Now I/we got down to business... what to do ?

• Repair would mean having to leave the MBP13,3 with them for 5 days as they would have to order parts.
• Let them order parts; logic board + keyboard and other integral parts and then bring MBP bak to store and wait a whole day for them to repair it.
• As I had bought the MBP from PowerMax in Oregon they were at first hesitant in replacing my MBP as I had not bought it from their store.
• I chatted with the Store Manager and after a small amount of banter back and forth they agreed to replace my MBP.
• I had backup my MBP yesterday at 6:32 PM and had not really added much in the way of new data since.
• I agreed they could erase my MBP and for me to restore/migrate my user data and MBP settings from my backup I had at home.
• I watched them erase my MBP13,3 at the Store.
• I then, with them monitoring, setup the new MBP13,3 to the point I would be able to migrate my 'stuff' from my backup when returning home.
• I have to Call Apple Care to have my AppleCare+ transferred to the new MBP13,3.
• I recorded the SN for the old MBP before leaving the Store as that would be needed for transferring the AppleCare+.

Here's the formal "Problem Description/Diagnosis" as presented by the Store as a paper copy for my records...

• Issue: customer states "B" key sticks and causes repeat text entry
• Steps to Reproduce: Reproduced at bar via entering text in guest user
• Keyboard Diags - Pass but did note b key showed multiple presses
• Positioned exchange at original place of purchase
• Positioned depot and in store repair
• Due to length of time to complete repair and relative new machine, offering retail replacement of device.
• Resolution: Ownership Opportunity
• Reason: Red Zone
• Employee xxxxxxxxx

No matter, I now have a brand new MBP13,3 that I need to get software/setup and back to where my previous faulty one was at.

When setting up the new MBP13,3 at the Store we collectively checked all the keys to ensure they were not misbehaving as was my "B" key on the old MBP13,3. It passed with flying colors.

So now with the new replaced MBP13,3 hopefully any password entry I have will not be troublesome when it has a letter "b"/"B" in it.

IMO... Apple did the right thing here for me in replacing my old MBP13,3.

I'm having the same "bb" issue with my MBPro13,3 . nice to hear that Apple will do the right thing. Not looking forward to reinstalling my whole system though. I wonder if a hard drive swap is possible to avoid the painful process.

I had this problem, also with the 'k' key, when my MBP 15" 2016 was brand new, straight out of the box. I called Support prior to taking it in for warranty repair, and following their instructions noted that the key failed to register when struck squarely in the middle, but did work when pressed on the edge or corners of the key. After a few repeated corner pressings, the key started to work normally even when pressed in the middle.

Although the 'k' key now doesn't feeel excatly the same as the other keys I haven't gone ahead with the repair for various reasons, including the fact that I use an external keyboard 95% of the time, and that my nearest Apple Service provider is in another country...

I think it's a hardware issue.

Your MacBook Pro is still under warranty, so you'd better make Genius Bar appointment or take it to Authorized Apple Service Provider to show them your MacBook Pro to fix it up for free.

Hardware issue IMO. Just responded to another thread - seems to be more than just 1 area of the keyboard. Returned my system unfortunately this evening.

My guess is we will start to see a increased number of reported issues with the keyboard.

I have the same problem with the "i" key on a MacBook Pro I just bought yesterday. Will return it to the shop today.

Yes, "the right thing" as in making a lot of faulty MacBooks

I have the same issue with the key "N" on a 13" 2016 MacBook Pro. I think it must be a hardware issue due the key works if I press it harder...

Same issue here! 13'' 2016 MacBook Pro