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Repeated Keyboard Issues on MacBook Pro 2017

I am now on my second MacBook Pro 13" with keyboard issues - the Apple Store replaced the first one when the the "R" and "T" keys stopped working after one month (they only worked if you hit them in one corner, but not the middle or the other three corners. Now, after 3 weeks with the replacement, the "G" and the space bar all of a sudden work only if you hit them in the middle of the key, not on the edge, which is useless when typing.


Has anyone else experienced this and received a satisfactory explanation? Any ideas on how to fix it?


I assume it is a hardware issue, but I guess it could be software. Super frustrating.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, 4 TBT3), macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Feb 17, 2017 1:31 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 24, 2017 9:51 PM

rjoesq wrote:


I am now on my second MacBook Pro 13" with keyboard issues - the Apple Store replaced the first one when the the "R" and "T" keys stopped working after one month (they only worked if you hit them in one corner, but not the middle or the other three corners. Now, after 3 weeks with the replacement, the "G" and the space bar all of a sudden work only if you hit them in the middle of the key, not on the edge, which is useless when typing.


Has anyone else experienced this and received a satisfactory explanation? Any ideas on how to fix it?


I assume it is a hardware issue, but I guess it could be software. Super frustrating.

Wow! What bad luck. I would call Apple Care and go all the way to the top tier and get a loaner and demand a replacement. That's too much down time.


User uploaded file

64 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 24, 2017 9:51 PM in response to rjoesq

rjoesq wrote:


I am now on my second MacBook Pro 13" with keyboard issues - the Apple Store replaced the first one when the the "R" and "T" keys stopped working after one month (they only worked if you hit them in one corner, but not the middle or the other three corners. Now, after 3 weeks with the replacement, the "G" and the space bar all of a sudden work only if you hit them in the middle of the key, not on the edge, which is useless when typing.


Has anyone else experienced this and received a satisfactory explanation? Any ideas on how to fix it?


I assume it is a hardware issue, but I guess it could be software. Super frustrating.

Wow! What bad luck. I would call Apple Care and go all the way to the top tier and get a loaner and demand a replacement. That's too much down time.


User uploaded file

Feb 11, 2018 10:35 PM in response to rossrdz

rossrdz wrote:


Im having the same issue with my macbook pro only 4 months with use and the keys N, B, S, and Enter i need to press them in the center to work, what i did was to use a air blower and for some time it helps but with the N and B the issue goes beyond that, for some reason the N and B get typed double like if for some reason i press the key twice bbut its only one time. Like in the "BUT" few words after this sentence.


I will end up going to Apple store so they can fix this asap because is so annoying.


Its a beatiful Laptop but with some bbig issues.


Wow I guess I musta got pretty lucky...No issues here.


User uploaded file

Feb 17, 2017 2:13 PM in response to rjoesq

You are still under warranty, so Apple should fix this for you for free. You won't get a replacement Mac, but you should be able to get the keyboard fixed or replaced.


It's possible there was a run of faulty keyboards, so you may just have to persist until you get a good one.


Good luck.

Feb 17, 2017 7:39 PM in response to S.U.

When I had my iPhone in for service, I was offered a loaner — which I, of course, accepted. I'd expect Apple could do the same for a laptop, if you asked.


The laptop can't tell where on the key you're pressing, so if it works on one corner and not on the other, that's a bad switch in the keyboard for sure — very much a hardware problem. Warranties are good for that sort of thing. 🙂

May 18, 2017 3:24 AM in response to rjoesq

I have this problem on a 2017 MBP as well. Various keys (it's currently the 'k' key) require that I hit them at a certain place on the key face; if I hit a corner, the key doesn't work.


The keyboard is fantastic otherwise, it's the best I ever have used.


My 'solution' has been to blow out the keyboard using high pressure air. Sometimes just blowing a sharp stream of air (from my mouth) at the key that isn't working clears up the problem. I think tiny pieces of dust or debris get stuck beneath the key and you need to dislodge them. I'm fortunate to have a compressor in my studio, so that sometimes works as well. I think one of those cans of compressed air photographers use to clean lenses might work as well.

Oct 22, 2017 6:00 AM in response to iEvan 3.0

When I was experiencing issues with my 2016 MacBook Pro, a loaner was not offered. It was hugely inconvenient. I have been extremely frustrated with my new computer, which performs worse than my 2014 MacBook Pro on almost all levels except the fact that the 2016 MacBook Pro is lighter. I get about 2 hrs of battery life unless I turn off all programs, in which case I get 4; my 2 year old computer would get 4 with normal use routinely. One of my touch bar keys doesn't work. Now one of my keys isn't working on my computer.


The only problem is that there isn't another alternative except buying an older MacBook Pro model.

Dec 12, 2017 7:20 AM in response to rjoesq

I've had the same experience. Have now had my laptop in to the Apple Store twice, about to take it in for the third time. Each time the issue has been the same: butterfly clip beneath the key broke, and a little shard of plastic was edged under one corner of the key.


Each time, the Genius Bar has been able to fix it within a couple of minutes in store.

Aug 19, 2018 1:10 AM in response to radic112

I agree, I purchased a 2017 Macbook Pro 13 and had same issues with the keyboard that everyone else is having. My huge concern is out of warranty repair of $700 for Keyboard. I ended up selling my Macbook Pro 13 on eBay and purchased a Dell Latitude on ebay for $600 that came with a 5 year warranty from dell. intel i5, 8gb ddr4 ram and 256gb SSD. Oh yeah and it comes with 3 usb & 1 usb C, hdmi, micro sd and 4g LTE. I can upgrade memory, ssd & battery in less than 5 minutes. I really do enjoy Apple Products however, with Apple pushing the price boundaries this year on the MacBook & iPhone and Battery Gate I'm slowly moving away from their products for now..... Always open to coming back to them if they start to change.


Don't get my started on Social Responsibility.

Jan 9, 2018 12:50 PM in response to rjoesq

Your Apple warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from receipt. If items are less than satisfactory, use your warranty.


Apple has its own internal mechanism to track defects that are submitted back through their repair channels, and correct them. Do not wait for them to send you a fix, or there won't be enough problem items piling up to warrant an Engineering change.


For the short term, act on your OWN behalf, and do not try to save the Apple or the world -- present your computer at an appointment at an Apple store or authorized Apple service provider and get it fixed. If it is not fixed properly the first time, present it again.

Jan 15, 2018 2:07 AM in response to mmyoung

Face the exact same issue with my B key after 2 WEEKS . also at times i feel the Keyboard is lagging on a whole. like i am typing fast and its catching up.



I have to blow with my mouth the B key and its ok again. But im a dev and its really annoying when u are in those long coding sessions 😟



My issue is i travel to my home country too and back there Apple is not officially there. So it a bummer for me. Wish i had read these issues before buying in late 2017. I skipped using a mac in 2016 and most of 2017. So after almost 2 years of using Windows based machine (and cursing it daily in front of my colleagues) i am back and THIS .. it really breaks me inside as an Apple user/fan...



Also the Touchbar is stupid as **** if u are writing code or maintaining systems... I am afraid to USE VI as i know ill press something else instead of stupid ESC key...

Jan 19, 2018 11:33 AM in response to mmyoung

I had a similar keyboard issue where my "g" won't work. It may be a weird yet logical solution, but I just blew some air from my mouth on the corner of the key "g" and it has started working. LOL. Previously, I could type "g" only if I press on the top/bottom right corner. Left top/bottom wouldn't work. I guess there was something under that side, some dust perhaps. Thanks for the high pressure air solution. It has fixed the problem temporarily. I will update if I experience the problem again.

Repeated Keyboard Issues on MacBook Pro 2017

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