If you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro released between 2015 and 2019, chances are you have a butterfly keyboard. This type of keyboard was introduced by Apple in 2015 and was meant to be thinner and more responsive than the traditional scissor-switch keyboard. However, it has been plagued with issues and has caused frustration for many users. In this article, we will discuss how to identify if you have a butterfly keyboard and the differences between it and the newer Magic Keyboard.
What is a butterfly keyboard?
by Andra C Taylor Jr (https://unsplash.com/@taylormadeglobal)
A butterfly keyboard is a type of keyboard mechanism used in Apple’s MacBook and MacBook Pro models released between 2015 and 2019. It is named after the shape of its key switches, which resemble butterfly wings. This design was meant to make the keyboard thinner and more responsive, but it has been criticized for its lack of durability and tendency to malfunction.
How to identify if you have a butterfly keyboard
If you are unsure whether your MacBook or MacBook Pro has a butterfly keyboard, there are a few ways to check. The easiest way is to look at the keyboard itself. If the keys have a low profile and are flat, with minimal space between them, then you most likely have a butterfly keyboard. Another way to check is by going to the “About This Mac” section in your computer’s settings. Under the “Overview” tab, you will see the model name of your MacBook or MacBook Pro. If it is a 2015-2019 model, then it is likely to have a butterfly keyboard.
Butterfly keyboard vs Magic Keyboard
In 2020, Apple announced that they would be phasing out the butterfly keyboard and replacing it with the Magic Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard uses a scissor-switch mechanism, similar to the ones used in older MacBook models. This change was made in response to the numerous complaints and issues with the butterfly keyboard. The Magic Keyboard is said to be more reliable and durable, with a more traditional typing experience.
How to replace a butterfly keyboard
If you have a butterfly keyboard and are experiencing issues with it, you may be wondering if it can be replaced with a Magic Keyboard. Unfortunately, this is not possible as the two keyboards have different mechanisms and are not interchangeable. However, if your butterfly keyboard is malfunctioning, you may be eligible for a free replacement from Apple. They have acknowledged the issues with the butterfly keyboard and have implemented a repair program for affected models.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you own a MacBook or MacBook Pro released between 2015 and 2019, you most likely have a butterfly keyboard. This type of keyboard has been plagued with issues and has been replaced by the more reliable Magic Keyboard. If you are experiencing problems with your butterfly keyboard, you may be eligible for a free replacement from Apple. We hope this article has helped you identify if you have a butterfly keyboard and understand the differences between it and the Magic Keyboard.
Have you had any issues with your butterfly keyboard? Let us know in the comments.
