While many are praising the return of an old and faithful keyboard mechanism that has been reintroduced on the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, teardown experts, iFixit has discovered that the design is, in fact, the same that has been used on older and more efficient MacBooks.
The new MacBook Pro models feature what Apple calls a “Magic Keyboard” design adopted from recent iMac models, which has a “scissor mechanism” under the keys that allow them to “travel” at least 1mm once pressed. However, this mechanism is the same design that was used on MacBooks prior to 2015 and was a long-time favorite among users. Apple attempted to upgrade the keyboard sign to encourage thinner and lighter designs, much to its own chagrin.
What is called the “butterfly” keyboard design proved to cause more issues than it resolved. With little give on the computer keys, debris that may collect under the keyboard easily interfere with its input. Any attempt to clean or fix the keyboard could result in irreparable damage, on the sides of not only users but Apple technicians.
This design caused Apple to instate its a Keyboard Service Program and has also been the subject of a class-action lawsuit, which has ultimately prompted the turn of the more familiar design.
The iFixit promises more details on the new MacBook Pro when it releases its full teardown on Monday.