When Apple introduced the third-generation butterfly keyboards on the 2018 MacBook Pros this past July, it seemed like the keyboard problems were gone. A membrane acts as a damping in the keys, but above all, they prevent tiny dirt from entering the key mechanism.
However several users report problems with the keyboard of the new MacBook Pro of 2018, this time in the space key. Specifically, they speak of erratic behavior, either they do not act, as if we had not pressed it, or their behavior is similar to pressing the key twice.
It is striking that They are only problems reported for that key and not for any other keyboard. In addition, users have this Mac in their hands for only two months, which indicates that the problem appears more and more quickly. On previous butterfly keyboard models, the 2016 and 2017 MacBook and MacBook Pro models, it had been several months before the problems started.
In Apple's words, the third generation butterfly keyboard received to date on MacBook Pros from 2018, they have only been revised to make less noise. This is a slight contradiction, as Apple has a program for the replacement of butterfly keyboards first and second generation, for those keyboards that report some kind of problem.
In addition, internally Apple announced that the silicone membrane that it adds under the keys, is used to prevent the entry of small elements into the mechanism of the keys. iFixit, conducted a test on it and the conclusions were that it improves dust resistance, but it also does not completely avoid problems.
The conclusion to this type of keyboard is its model itself. Apple bets on very narrow equipment and for this it requires keyboards with a small path such as the butterfly keyboard. The "toll" that must be paid in these cases, are more sensitive keyboards. Many users have not reported problems and surely a correct care and maintenance is behind this correct operation. Therefore, knowing this weak point, whoever has this type of keyboard should properly maintain it.
I have been a Mac user for years, and quite satisfied… but the problems that they have been having in the last two years are simply UNACCEPTABLE.
To the point of not recommending the purchase of Apple laptops, models 2016 onwards.