MacBook Pro 16 Keyboard: 5 Things You Should Know

Apple has finally fixed the MacBook Pro keyboard with the 2019 MacBook Pro 16-inch model. Here’s what you need to know about the new MacBook Pro 16 keyboard changes.

New Macbook Pro 16 Starting at $2,399 and replaces the 15-inch model. It’s available from Apple today and hits stores later this week. You can buy the Macbook Pro 16 at Apple and B&H Photo today. We expect it to reach more retailers in the coming weeks.

The MacBook Pro 16 is more than just a new keyboard, you get better performance, bigger screen, up to 8TB of storage and even better battery life alongside upgraded speakers and microphones. Here’s a look at the reasons to buy the MacBook Pro 16 and the reasons not to buy it yet.

Here are the innovations in the MacBook Pro 16 keyboard;

1. New Scissors Wrench
2. Double the trip
3. Physical Escape Key
4. Inverted T Arrow Keys
5. Quiet Keyboard Experience

While not a new feature, this is not listed as part of Apple’s keyboard service program. This is notable as Apple included the 2019 MacBook Pro on this list as soon as they announced it. Here is a breakdown of the new keyboard changes.

Scissors Wrench

Apple is switching to the scissor key, which is the style used on 2015 and older MacBook Pro models, but it’s not the same mechanism. Apple manages to keep the same centered feel of the butterfly keys, but we should see better reliability and the mechanism allows for other changes as well. Apple calls it the Magin Keyboard, not to be confused with the Magic Keyboard they sell for an external keyboard.

Double the Key Travel

The new MacBook Pro 16 allows keys to move 1mm. This is double the travel time for MacBook Pro models 2106 through 2019. This means that when you press the button, it can travel twice the distance before reaching the limit. This means more comfortable long typing sessions without bottoming out and banging your fingers on a hard stance. As someone who writes a lot every day, this is a very exciting update.

Physical Escape Key

Apple is finally bringing a physical escape key to the MacBook Pro. This is a great opportunity for developers who use this key all the time, and it’s also useful for video editing and other apps. There’s still a Touch Bar, but it ends earlier and you get a physical escape key in the right position.

Inverted T Arrow Keys

It is now very easy to tell where the arrow keys are without looking or groping. Apple had switched to full-size left and right keys, probably because of its looks, but that made tap typing and finding the arrow keys a huge pain. Now there is a space above the left and right arrow keys so you can feel where your fingers are.

Quiet Keyboard Experience

Unlike the butterfly keyboard on the 2016 MacBook pro, this new mechanism is quieter. John Gruber describes “The new keyboard is very quiet to type on and the sound it produces is satisfying. Less clicks, more clutter.” This is a great change that I’ve been looking forward to, as my wife, who thought her 2016 MacBook Pro keyboard was insanely noisy when working in the car.