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Comment by rufius | Hacker News Reader

I'll just go ahead and contradict the running opinion and say: I like my 2016 MacBook Pro 15".

I've owned a few Macs and this one is my favorite. Despite my initial impressions, I really like the keyboard. I'm also quite happy with the trackpad which I've found to be excellent as usual and not picking up stray contact.

The only place I'm not "ecstatic" or "pleased" is with the TouchBar - and to be clear, I'm not displeased. I just don't really notice it. It's there doing its thing and I'm using the laptop, doing my thing. Occasionally I need the escape key and tap where I'd expect the escape key to be and while I don't get the tactile feedback it works.

All in all - the TouchBar is a net zero to me. I didn't lose anything by losing my Fn keys but I don't feel I gained anything with the TouchBar except TouchId which is nice.

TL;DR: Overpriced? Definitely. Pleased with product? Yes. TouchBar? No strong feelings. Returning it? No.

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I'm finding it really odd that people are praising the new keyboard. I must admit that I have only tested it in the Apple Store, but I find it terrible, the short travel feels really bad to me. Is this something that you just get used to?

Bought my new MBP yesterday. I was expecting to have to get used to the keyboard, but was typing on it just fine straight away. Now I actually prefer the feel to my previous 2012 Air.

As for as laptop keyboards, it's pretty great. The greater issue is with the palm rejection of the giant touchpad. That is considerably worse than before (when it was never a problem). This is something that can be solved with software though, so not too worried.

I'm not sure - I use a gaming keyboard on my desktop at home (Steel Series) and while it is mechanical with deep travel, you barely have to tap a key to get it to register. That is, you don't need to fully press a key to trigger it. At work I use a CODE keyboard which is also mechanical with a pretty deep press.

Compared to other Mac keyboards? My MBA feels super squishy - it's actually uncomfortable to use now.

All in all - after about 10k words on it, I like it.

If you're curious and in need of an upgrade just buy one. If you don't like it, return it.

Lots of people complained about the original Apple 'chicklet' style laptop keyboard when it was first introduced circa 2006 for the same reasons. In my experience with many different keyboards over the years once you get used to shorter key travel it's hard to go back to taller keys.

Net zero only if you don't factor in the extra price you had to pay for it.

> Despite my initial impressions, I really like the keyboard.

Have only tried typing a few lines in store and I also enjoyed it, but might be personal preference: use keyboard with Cherry MX Brown at home and got used to light/low-force actuation.

Getting a maxed out 13'' to replace my 2008 one.

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