MacBook Pro 2016 Random Key Repeat Keyboard Issue

Pressing the "enter" key will often behave as pressing it twice (i.e. it will repeat the press once more). This is a very severe issue / problem / bug especially if you're coding, editing text or using Terminal as much as I do.


Below are all the similar threads I could find - None of which seem to provide a solution to this mystery:

2016 MacBook pro 15" defective keyboard

Keyboard, K key sporadically not working, 2016 MBP

A1707 Macbook Pro 15 2016 keyboard randomly repeats the "R" key.

MacBook Pro 2016 keys malfunctioning?

Enter/Return Key Not Working As Expected (Macbook Pro 2016 Touch Screen)


Will this be fixed in a future software update? How can this issue get traction with Apple?

MacBook Pro with Retina display, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), (15-inch, 2016, 2.9GHz/1TB SSD/460)

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 3:43 AM

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Posted on Jan 15, 2018 3:40 AM

I went to the Apple Store, they have recognized the issue. in these days they'll try to replace the broken keys (b and n for me), if that won't work they'll replace the whole top case. for free, obviously. so: ok the tiny paper piece, ok the software workaround... but go to Apple ASAP for a (hopefully) permanent fix.

46 replies

Nov 17, 2017 11:03 AM in response to truck_driver

This appears to be a hardware problem, and specifically a keyboard design flaw - the butterfly mechanism warps if subjected to too much or force. Once it starts, the only solution is to have Apple replace the top case/keyboard and hope the new mechanism doesn't warp.


I went through two top case/keyboard replacements with a 2016 15", and on the third they replaced it with a 2017. The Kaby Lake processors appear to run enough cooler that they don't have the same effect on the butterfly mechanism.


So I'd suggest having Apple replace the top case/keyboard, and if the problem repeats request a replacement machine.

Nov 28, 2017 4:02 AM in response to truck_driver

For me this is definitely a hardware issue and I seem to have a bit closer to a workaround as this is clearly not the solution.


I tried spraying the keyboard with compressed air as many recommends, but to no avail. I got my 15" MBP 2016 with Touch Bar in December 2016, so probably the very first version.


After a while the keyboard started acting up and random buttons stopped working as expected.


Within the last few months the B has been acting as you describe and sometimes it would even type 2 or 3 Bs at the same time.


I tried removing the B and cleaning it as I've been using my Mac outside quite a lot and the dust could've settled inside the keyboard. This didn't help at all.

Then I tried writing without the button on, so I would use the rubber thing under the button directly and I noticed the issue wasn't as regular as before with the button (key) on.

I then tried to add a little piece of paper below the key and heureka ⚠ I almost always get one B, not two, not three, not zero, but 1 B almost every time I type!


As I stated in the beginning: this is merely a workaround as it shouldn't be needed to fix a hardware issue with a piece of paper, but it seems to work.


I'm travelling right now and working at the same time, so I can't afford to have my Mac in for repairs right now and even if I could I probably wouldn't be able to as I move all the time and won't come back to the same place. I'll probably live with this workaround for now, but I need to bring it in for repairs next year, so Apple can replace or fix this issue.


Disclaimer: if you pull off the keys be careful, they might break in the sides. You can use the small pin you use when dismounting your simcard from your phone - it fits almost perfectly. Remove the keys from the top and not from the bottom as the butterfly mechanism are tied in the bottom of the keys.


Hope this helps someone :-)

Dec 1, 2017 3:42 AM in response to truck_driver

I has this repeating problem with the t, h, and b keys, and the space bar, and my left command key worked about half the time. It didn't start till the computer was about 9 months old. It seems to be a hardware problem. They replaced the top case with battery. It's all fixed now, and we'll see how long it lasts. For those who can't live without their computers (of which I am one), turnaround time was 48 hours.

Dec 18, 2017 1:41 PM in response to truck_driver

My 'b' key was not responding and the topcase/keyboard was replaced under warranty through depot repair. A month after the replacement the 'b' key started to act up again.. this time the 'b' key randomly repeats. I'll be sending it in again for topcase/keyboard replacement. This really worries me since warranty will be running out soon and if the fix only last a month we will be paying $700 per month just to keep this $3000 laptop running properly..

Dec 29, 2017 4:34 AM in response to truck_driver

I've come looking for a solution because I have this exact problem with my h key. It seems to be an issue with where I press on the key, and then once its decided it's not working, it just stops for a random period of time, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. It've VERY annoying. I'm a teacher and whilst I was writing reports I had to proof everything a second time, for missing h's. I'll be visiting the genius bar in the Apple Store it was purchased from in the ope they replace the keyboard and sort tis issue.


Ahhhhh tere we go, it's stopped working again. GAH!

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MacBook Pro 2016 Random Key Repeat Keyboard Issue

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