Extra layer under MacBook Pro keyboard should indeed stop dirt

Internal Apple documents indicate that an extra layer under the keyboard of new MacBook Pro models should indeed prevent dirt from getting under the keys and affecting the functioning of the Butterfly mechanism.

Image via iFixit

MacRumors writes that it has received the documents from several reliable sources. It states, among other things, that the ‘membrane’, or the extra layer, is intended to keep dust and other dirt from under the keys. One of the documents, a service readiness guide, states, among other things: “The keyboard has a membrane under the keys to prevent dirt from entering the Butterfly mechanism.” When announcing the new MacBooks, Apple only said it had made the keyboards quieter.

It’s no big surprise that the extra layer is indeed supposed to stop dust, because iFixit already referred to a patent that Apple had applied for the method in a teardown. The site also argued that it was Apple’s response to the problems that previous versions of the keyboard had. Apple recently released a special repair program for affected users. Several MacBook models sometimes exhibit problems, such as “sticky” keyboards, if dirt gets under the keys.

Apple announced its new MacBook Pros a week ago. In addition to a new keyboard, the laptops are equipped with newer Intel CPUs. MacRumors reports that the new 13-inch models also have four full-speed Thunderbolt ports.