Apple
surprised us with a MacBook Pro refresh earlier this week. 2019 models feature faster Intel processors with up to eight cores for the first time, as well as "new materials" added to the keyboard to hopefully reduce issues such as sticky and repeating keys that prompted
Apple's worldwide repair program.
Apple didn't elaborate on the new materials, but the repair experts at iFixit have
completed a teardown of the 2019 MacBook Pro and discovered a "subtle change" made to the
silicone membrane covering the keyboard switches.
Whereas the membrane in the 2018
MacBook Pro is "semi-opaque" and "feels like silicone," iFixit says the cover in the 2019 model is "clearer and smooth to the touch." Based on
infrared analysis, it appears the 2018 membrane was made with polyacetylene, while the 2019 covers uses polyamide, aka nylon.
iFixit also found that the metal dome over each key switch is "subtly different" as well. "It could be a new surface treatment, and/or a tweaked alloy, possibly to alleviate problems with durability, bounce-back, or other issues," they said.
Beyond the keyboard, the 2019 MacBook Pro has few changes, as this was merely a spec bump. The notebook still earns iFixit's lowest repairability score, as the processor, RAM, and flash storage remain soldered to the logic board, while the keyboard, battery, speakers, and Touch Bar are glued together.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)The old keyboard managed to go between 2006 and 2015 without controversy.
The old keyboard managed to go between 2006 and 2015 without controversy.
This. A thousand times over.I know not everyone was a fan of their previous keyboard but it did not have all this controversy. Clearly this new design is flawed. It's pretty obvious when a computer comes out with an extended warranty program already in place for it. And all this for what? One millimeter less depth for the whole device? It's simply not worth it.
But... Apple being Apple won't admit their coveted designs could possibly be a mistake.
Wish they would have stuck with the retina design
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