Are you wondering which MacBooks have butterfly keyboards? The butterfly keyboard, introduced by Apple in 2015, caused quite a stir in the tech world.
Some loved its slim design, while others were less than impressed with its reliability. Regardless of where you stand, there’s no denying that this keyboard has had an impact. Let’s find out which MacBooks have butterfly keyboard!
1. Meet the Butterfly Keyboard
The butterfly keyboard made its grand debut in the 12-inch MacBook in 2015. Apple designed it to be thinner and more stable than traditional scissor-switch keyboards, but it wasn’t all sunshine and roses.
Users reported various issues, from unresponsive keys to dust getting trapped under the keys. Nevertheless, the butterfly keyboard continued to fly its way into other MacBooks.
2. The MacBook Butterfly Lineup
Here’s a list of MacBooks that featured the butterfly keyboard:
- MacBook (2015 – 2017)
- MacBook Pro (2016 – 2019)
- MacBook Air (2018 – 2019)
Let’s take a closer look at each member of the butterfly brigade.
The Original: MacBook (2015 – 2017)
The 12-inch MacBook was the first to sport the butterfly keyboard. It came in three generations:
- MacBook (Early 2015)
- MacBook (Early 2016)
- MacBook (Mid 2017)
These models were not only the thinnest and lightest MacBooks to date but also had a fanless design. But for some, the keyboard overshadowed the MacBook’s sleek design and portability.
MacBook Pro (2016 – 2019)
The butterfly keyboard fluttered into the MacBook Pro lineup in 2016. Here’s the list of affected models:
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2018, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Apple made several improvements to the butterfly keyboard in these models, but the issues persisted. The MacBook Pro was a rollercoaster ride for those looking for the perfect balance between performance and reliability.
MacBook Air (2018 – 2019)
Finally, the butterfly keyboard found its way into the MacBook Air in 2018:
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018)
- MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2019)
The MacBook Air embraced the thin and light design of the butterfly keyboard, but, like its predecessors, it didn’t escape the keyboard controversy.
End of Apple’s Butterfly Keyboard
Apple eventually phased out the butterfly keyboard in favor of a new and improved scissor-switch keyboard, known as the Magic Keyboard, starting in 2019. The 16-inch MacBook Pro was the first to make the switch, followed by the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro in 2020 and so on.
Wrap Up!
And there you have it! A comprehensive look at the butterfly keyboard was introduced by Apple in 2015, and was featured in the following MacBooks:
- MacBook (2015 – 2017)
- MacBook Pro (2016 – 2019)
- MacBook Air (2018 – 2019)
Despite its sleek design, the butterfly keyboard faced criticism for reliability issues. Eventually, Apple transitioned back to a scissor-switch keyboard, called the Magic Keyboard, beginning with the 16-inch MacBook Pro in 2019.
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Ernests is the founder and chief editor at WolfofLaptop, with extensive experience as an editor and writer for numerous other tech blogs. His journey into the world of tech blogging evolved from a background in marketing, eventually leading him to become a full-time tech enthusiast. Ernests has successfully merged his marketing expertise with his passion for technology. He has a deep affection for computers, iPads, and smartphones, and his writing style is geared toward offering helpful insights to a global audience. Ernests specializes in crafting comprehensive guides, buyer's guides, and news articles.
In his spare time, Ernests enjoys staying active with activities like running and sports. He's also an avid movie enthusiast and finds relaxation in gaming, particularly on his trusty PS5.