Apple has inserted an extra layer of silicon below the keys of the latest MacBook Pro 2018 edition laptops. It silences the keys and perhaps prevents dust
Apple MacBook Pro 2018 edition laptops now boast of whisper-quiet “Butterfly” keyboards. Interestingly, the significant reduction in typing sounds might be due to added dust protection. Apple has inserted an extra layer of silicon below the keys. The layer might prevent the new laptops from suffering from random, intermittent failures.
Eager buyers can confidently grab the latest Apple MacBook Pro 2018 edition laptops. Apparently, after facing a strong backlash due to the laptop keyboards randomly performing poorly, the company appears to have taken extra precautions for smooth and reliable operation. iFixit has confirmed the keys on the laptops are cocooned in a “thin, silicone barrier”.
Apple has been cleverly advertising an even quieter typing experience on the 2018 MacBook Pro models. However, the “feature” is most likely a beneficial side effect of a new membrane that Apple has placed to protect the butterfly keys from dust and other fine particles. Interestingly a patent mentions such a “guard structure” that is designed to, “keep direct contaminants away from the movement mechanism.”
Officially, Apple has been quiet about the silicon barrier. The company’s silence could be attributed to the fact that it has been involved in several litigations that particularly deal with the abnormal failure rates of the laptop keyboards.
Apple MacBook Pro 2016 and 2017 edition owners have complained quite vociferously about the keyboards. The issues include sticky, unresponsive, or repeating keys. Most likely taking cognizance of the same, Apple subsequently announced a free repair program for those laptops. Needless to add, quite a few potential customers have expressed their uncertainty about procuring any newer Apple MacBook Pro models.
Interestingly, Apple continues to claim the introduction of the silicon barrier was purely to offer a quieter typing experience. Early tests have indeed confirmed that the keyboards on the latest MacBook Pro laptops are very quiet. Several users who eagerly bought the latest models, claim the difference between the sounds produced by the earlier models and the new ones is quite profound.
Essentially, Apple expects its customers to be content with the fact that the third-generation butterfly keyboard on MacBook Pro laptops is better and quieter due to the silicon seal.
Apple launched 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro 2018 models in India this week. The company opted for a never-before-seen approach. The company has permitted its potential customers to fine-tune their latest MacBook Pro to precisely match their requirement. Essentially, buyers in India will have configurable processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card options.
The refreshed 2018 edition of the 15-inch MacBook Pro packs the latest hexa-core 8th-generation Intel Core processor. Buyers can choose between Intel Core i7 and Core i9 processors. The laptop can have as much as 32 GB of RAM, and up to 4TB of super-fast SSD storage.
13-inch MacBook Pro runs on a quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core processor. The laptop features an Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics 655 paired with 128MB of eDRAM. Apple is allowing buyers to embed up to 2TB SSD. Both the 2018 editions of 13-inch and 15-inch laptops feature new True Tone technology in its Retina display and Touch Bar.
The 2018 lineup of MacBook Pro laptops also sport a large Force Touch trackpad, Touch Bar and Touch ID. The laptops are packing the new Apple T2 chip for enhanced security of the laptops. Interestingly, this is the very chip that unlocks, for the first time on a MacBook, the ability to summon Apple’s virtual digital assistant “Siri” with the call-phrase “Hey Siri.”
The Indian prices of the 13-inch model starts at Rs. 1,49,900. The 15-inch model starts at Rs. 1,99,900. As is the norm, the company will make these models available via select Apple Authorised Resellers later this month.
