Pain in fingers from new MBP keyboard?

TLTR: I think I have developed RSI from the new MBP's keyboard. Is it just me? Tips on how to reduce pain?

I started using the new MacBook Pro 13 about a month ago and use it professionally a lot - around 10-12 hours a day. I type a lot (currently writing up my PhD thesis and doing some coding for a project in my spare time).

Over the last weeks I have developed pain in my finger tips an joints (in particular the right index finger) and I believe it must be from the new MacBook Pro's keyboard. I believe so because nothing else has changed in my work routine and I have previously worked with a MacBook Pro from 2011. The new keyboard has reduced travel distance and it feels more like typing on an iPad with ten fingers for 12 hours a day than it does on a traditional keyboard.

The pain goes so far that I don't want to work anymore (since I cannot work without typing). I also have pain when I use my iPhone, for example. After a bit of research I believe I could have developed repetitive strain injury (but I'm no doctor).

I developed a few workarounds to relieve the constant stress on my fingers: I hooked up an external keyboard (Apple's bluetooth keyboard) and started using my old MacBook when I am home. This has helped and the stress on my fingers seemed to have gotten reduced.

Is anyone else having a similar problem? Do you have advice on how to reduce the pain?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, iOS 10.2, null

Posted on Dec 21, 2016 6:44 AM

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,369 points

Posted on Oct 13, 2017 3:26 PM

If doing any activity with any particular device causes you pain, you should stop using the device involved AND do not ignore it and go see your doctor as well. 'Going to the doctor' is not intended as a solution -- it is just common sense advice from folks here who are other Users like you, Not Apple employees, who have broad general experience, and want you to NOT ignore body pain and DO take care of yourself, including getting a professional evaluation for anything that causes you pain.

In the meantime, get a USB keyboard or a Bluetooth keyboard that has a better "feel" and suits you better, and place it at an ergonomic height so your wrists are in a Neutral position when typing. The frequent breaks to snap and move around (and stop tying for a few minutes). Get a Fitbit or an App that can remind you to move.

Try firing up dictation and see if it can work for some of what you need to do.

The feedback link has already been posted above.

If you initiate a class action suit, all it does is enrich the lawyers involved, and the Big Companies involved will respond by putting a warning sticker on the offending device.

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52 replies

Jun 7, 2017 7:22 PM in response to jmgrace

jmgrace wrote:

I too have this problem with the new Macbook 12 inch keyboard. The limited key "travel" makes does not cushion the fingers the way the previous Mac keyboards do (which I loved.) It's now been almost a year and I'm sad to say this might have to be my last Mac if Apple doesn't find a way to make typing on this keyboard more comfortable.

If you are having the same symptoms as the original poster to this thread you should see a doctor. Also follow the advice already provided about reading the manual and ergonomics. If you just don't like the design of the keyboard, get another keyboard or computer that meets your design requirements.

Aug 9, 2017 9:35 AM in response to adamsrobw

adamsrobw wrote:

obviously when you have less travel in a keyboard its going absorb less shock. and that shock is going to go into your finger instead. its physics.

That would also fall under ergonomics. For most people that difference shouldn't cause pain. If it does, that could very well be an indicator of something more serious. That's why people recommend seeing a doctor.

I let an overuse injury go for about a year, until I could hardly walk. The fact that I knew what caused it didn't make it go away.

{rez}

Level 1

13 points

Aug 14, 2017 6:54 AM in response to createausernameplease

I am. having the exact same issue, I have used Macbooks for over 15 years, and as soon as I go to my older MacBook with the normal keyboard that pain decreases or does not increase. Currently I'm living with that pain in my finger joints, and it did start also Around after the first month I started using the 2017 MacBook Pro. my doctor also agrees with me on this, and he has advised me not to use the keyboard. most likely, I will be moving to Lenovo or another similar brand after being an apple supporter for so long or worse this issue because it has caused me to fall behind in my work. For me, The pain is in the bigger joints of my fingers the ones that are closer to my wrist not the ones towards my nails.

Aug 14, 2017 7:21 AM in response to {rez}

{rez} wrote:

I am. having the exact same issue, I have used Macbooks for over 15 years, and as soon as I go to my older MacBook with the normal keyboard that pain decreases or does not increase. Currently I'm living with that pain in my finger joints, and it did start also Around after the first month I started using the 2017 MacBook Pro. my doctor also agrees with me on this, and he has advised me not to use the keyboard. most likely, I will be moving to Lenovo or another similar brand after being an apple supporter for so long or worse this issue because it has caused me to fall behind in my work. For me, The pain is in the bigger joints of my fingers the ones that are closer to my wrist not the ones towards my nails.

Good, you are following your doctor's advice. Others in this thread suffering pain should also see their doctor. Good luck with your new computer. Make sure you test the keyboard on the new computer before making the purchase.

Dec 21, 2016 10:10 AM in response to createausernameplease

I'm assuming you're probably already familiar with the general advice on ergonomics given here?

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205655

I'll post the link anyway since I think it's a good summary.

Personally, I'm not having any issues with the new keyboard. It did take me a few days to get used to it, but now I can type really fast and with fewer mistakes than on other keyboards.

Dec 21, 2016 11:09 AM in response to createausernameplease

Make sure to read pages 75-76 of your MacBook Pro manual. (Manuals available online at Apple - Support - Manuals)

Dec 21, 2016 11:24 AM in response to createausernameplease

createausernameplease wrote:

The pain goes so far that I don't want to work anymore (since I cannot work without typing). I also have pain when I use my iPhone, for example. After a bit of research I believe I could have developed repetitive strain injury (but I'm no doctor).

You really should see a doctor. You use your keyboard more than probably most people. Repetitive stress injuries can happen to anyone. But, what specific things cause it in one person may not cause it in another. If you see a doctor, they may be able to give you a referral to an physical/occupational therapist who can help you learn ways to ameliorate the problem. A properly trained therapist who can see and evaluate your specific issues would be the best person to give you advice.

Meanwhile, as the other posters have suggested, look at the information on ergonomics provided in the manual. Take more breaks. See if you can integrate dictation into your workflow to give your hands a rest.

Best of luck.

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Pain in fingers from new MBP keyboard?