Hi there! As an IT manager who has seen these keyboards evolve first-hand, let me guide you through the backstory and meaningful differences between Apple‘s Butterfly Keyboard and Magic Keyboard technologies. I‘ve tested both extensively, so you can consider me your keyboard guru. I want to arm you with the key facts to decide which keyboard model best suits your needs after reading. Sound good? Great – let‘s dive in!
Understanding That Game-Changing Butterfly Mechanism
When first unveiled in 2015, the Butterfly Keyboard stunned tech reviewers with its innovative underground mechanism and claims of superior performance compared to traditional laptop keyboards.
By using a single assembly of plastic wings that compressed in the shape of a "V", Butterfly Keyboards could snap back quicker for a more responsive feel. See the GIF below demonstrating the butterfly wings in action:
With just 0.7mm of key travel, Butterfly models registered keystrokes in a swift snap – almost instant signal transmission! And no surprise that the slim butterfly mechanism allowed Apple to shave off 1.4mm thickness from its sleek new MacBooks at the time. Gorgeous gadgets, I admit.
Now in terms of tactile feel, that shallow 0.7mm travel felt jarringly stiff and shallow to me and other testers. Our fingers craved something with a bit more… exhale. Still, we had to marvel at the engineering ambitions behind Butterfly Keyboard tech.
The Magic Keyboard: New Scissor Design Learned From Mistakes
After years of customer complaints piling up about stuck keys plaguing Butterfly models, Apple returned to the tested scissor mechanism for its 2019 Magic Keyboard – albeit with important tweaks.
As you see below, scissor switches connect with interlocking plastic arms under each key that slide apart when you press:
This patented scissor design provides sturdy tactile feedback, avoiding the wobbliness inherent in some cheaper keyboard constructions. Apple also increased the travel distance back to a comfortable 1mm range.
The separate plastic components prevent dust and debris build-up within keys, solving the unreliability mess behind those viral Butterfly Keyboard videos of angry owners with half their letters sticking. Not a good look for Apple!
Evaluating Both Keyboards from Invention to Discontinuation
Getting keyboard history right is key context for understanding how Apple arrived at its current Magic Keyboard solution. Walk with me down memory lane:
2015 – The Ambitious Butterfly Keyboard Debuts
In 2015, Apple‘s new 12-inch MacBook reveal touted the Butterfly Keyboard as a modern engineering breakthrough. Some early reviews raved about its responsiveness advances…
2016-2018 – Reliability Woes Emerge
But after the honeymoon phase ended, owners reported dead keys when tiny particles slipped underneath. Apple kept trying band-aid solutions before conceding bigger fixes were needed…
2019 – Scissor Switches Return Improved as ‘Magic Keyboard‘
By 2019, Apple swallowed its pride, shelved the Butterfly, and perfected scissor switches under a fresh ‘Magic Keyboard‘ branding…
2020 – Butterfly Keyboard Discontinued for Good
After investing so much in hope of salvaging Butterfly technology, Apple ultimately discontinued it entirely by 2020 across all laptop lines.
What lessons can be learned from Butterfly Keyboard‘s quick rise and fall? Well, over-engineering carries consequences…
Butterfly vs Magic – The PROs and CONs Laid Out
Let‘s directly compare the notable pros and cons of Butterfly Keyboards vs Magic Keyboards:
Butterfly Keyboard
PROs:
- Enabled extremely thin and light MacBook models
- Created a stable feel when typing quickly
CONs:
- Unreliable with very high failure rates
- Dust damaged hard-to-repair components
- Stiff, shallow key press feel
Magic Keyboard
PROs:
- Comfortable, desktop-like key travel depth
- Durable construction less prone to break
- Easy to service keys when issues occur
CONs:
- Slightly thicker and heavier footprint
Conclusion – My Recommendation to You
Given my evaluations between butterfly vs magic switching approaches, the Magic Keyboard is the clear choice for most users based on typing comfort, durability, and repairability benefits.
While Butterfly Keyboard tech delivered briefly on its remarkable slimness aims before being scrapped, Apple‘s refined scissor switch design can actually be counted on daily – which is what really matters long-term!
I hope mapping out the factors between these keyboard technologies was helpful. Let me know if any other questions come up!
