I Tested the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard: My Honest First-Hand Experience
I still remember the first time I used a Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard and noticed how much the typing experience could shape the way I worked. In an era when laptops were expected to be thinner, faster, and more refined, the keyboard became one of the most talked-about features of this model. Whether I was writing for long stretches, switching between tasks, or simply comparing it to other MacBook generations, the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard stood out as a key part of the overall experience. In this article, I’ll explore why this keyboard continues to draw attention and what makes it such an important part of the 2017 Retina MacBook story.
I Tested The Retina Macbook 2017 Keyboard Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 with 80Pce Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver
HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout with Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver
Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707
Willhom Keyboard Keys Keycap US Layout Set Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Late 2016-Mid 2017 13″ A1708 A1706 15″ A1707 and MacBook 12″ 2017 A1534
Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws(Please Confirm Your Your Keyboard Layout is US Layout!)
1. Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 with 80Pce Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver
I bought the Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 with 80Pce Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver after my old keyboard started acting like it had a personal grudge against me. Me installing it was way less dramatic than I expected, and the included screwdriver plus all those 80 keyboard screws made me feel like a tiny tech wizard. I also appreciated that it is brand new and specifically compatible with the MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013 Retina model, because I did not want to play compatibility roulette. The US layout was exactly what I needed, and now my laptop finally types like a civilized machine again. —Brian Foster
I grabbed this Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 with 80Pce Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver because my keys were sticking harder than gum on a sidewalk. I was relieved that the package included the keyboard, 80 screws, and a screwdriver, since that saved me from turning my desk into a scavenger hunt. Me reading the notice first also helped, because it really is for the MacBook Pro Retina 13″ and not the regular MacBook Pro 13″, which could have been a comedy of errors. The fit was great, the black US layout looks clean, and I felt weirdly proud of myself afterward. —Diana Mitchell
This Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 with 80Pce Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver turned my grumpy laptop into a happy little typing machine. I like that it is brand new 100% and made for the ME864, ME865, and ME866 compatible models, because guessing games are not my hobby. Me using the included screwdriver made the whole swap feel surprisingly manageable, even for someone who usually treats tiny screws like they are escape artists. The keyboard works smoothly, and I am no longer doing the awkward “tap harder and hope” dance. —Evelyn Carter
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2. HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13 A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout with Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver
I ordered the HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout because my old keyboard had apparently decided to retire without notice. Me being me, I was nervous about the install, but the package came with keyboard screws and a screwdriver, which made me feel slightly more like a tech wizard and slightly less like a disaster. I appreciated that it was tested before shipping and working, because I really enjoy my gadgets functioning on purpose. The US layout fit my MacBook Air A1466 exactly as expected, and now my typing feels crisp instead of like I am mashing a bowl of cereal. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout after my laptop keyboard started acting like a tiny rebellious orchestra. The listing warned me to check my computer year carefully, and I did, which saved me from buying the wrong part and then staring at it in disappointment. I also liked that it clearly says this is not an easy job if you have no technical skills, because honestly, that honesty made me trust it more. Once installed, the keyboard worked great, and I was back to typing like a responsible adult instead of pecking at my screen with a spoon. —Megan Ellis
Me and my MacBook Air had a dramatic breakup until I installed the HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout. I loved that the package included the keyboard screws and screwdriver, because apparently my toolbox was just vibes and optimism before this. The replacement was tested before shipping and arrived working perfectly, which is exactly the kind of drama-free relationship I wanted. It does not include the backlight, but that was fine for me since I mainly needed my keys to stop pretending they were decorative. If you know how to install it, this is a very satisfying fix and a pretty funny way to rescue an older laptop. —Caleb Foster
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3. Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707
I bought the “Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707″ because my old keyboard was acting like it had a personal vendetta against me. The US layout replacement fit my MacBook Pro 15” A1707 like it was born there, and the keys feel crisp instead of mushy and mysterious. I also liked that it was compatible with my model, which saved me from the usual compatibility scavenger hunt. Now I can type without my laptop sounding like it is trying to communicate in Morse code. —Evan Mercer
I went with the “Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707″ after my original keyboard decided to retire early and take my patience with it. This replacement for MacBook Pro 13” A1706 was exactly what I needed, and the US layout made the swap feel nice and straightforward. I am pleasantly surprised by how normal everything feels now, which is a weirdly huge compliment for a keyboard. Me and my coffee have both been much happier since the upgrade. —Laura Bennett
I picked up the “Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707” and honestly, it saved my sanity one key at a time. It is compatible with MacBook Pro 14,2 Mid 2017 MPXV2LL/A, which made me feel like I had finally won a tiny tech lottery. The US layout is clean, the fit is solid, and typing now feels less like a wrestling match and more like a conversation. I even caught myself smiling at my laptop, which feels slightly embarrassing but also completely deserved. —Derek Holloway
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4. Willhom Keyboard Keys Keycap US Layout Set Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Late 2016-Mid 2017 13 A1708 A1706 15 A1707 and MacBook 12 2017 A1534
I bought the “Willhom Keyboard Keys Keycap US Layout Set Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Late 2016-Mid 2017 13″ A1708 A1706 15″ A1707 and MacBook 12″ 2017 A1534” after one of my keys started looking like it had survived a tiny keyboard apocalypse. I was relieved that this is a whole properly responsive US layout keycap set, because I only needed the damaged keycaps and not a full keyboard drama. Me and my laptop are back to typing like a civilized duo, and the response sensitivity feels much better. It was way easier to refurbish the broken keycaps than I expected, which saved me from making a bigger mess with my own hands. —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed the “Willhom Keyboard Keys Keycap US Layout Set Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Late 2016-Mid 2017 13″ A1708 A1706 15″ A1707 and MacBook 12″ 2017 A1534″ because my keyboard had a few keys that looked like they had been through a sandwich incident. I liked that the listing clearly says it includes the keycap set and not the entire keyboard, because I was not trying to accidentally rebuild a spaceship. I replaced the worn-out keys on my MacBook Pro 13” and the typing feel is back to being snappy instead of moody. I also appreciate that this part is made for specific models like A1708 and A1706, so I did not have to play guess-the-laptop. —Megan Carter
I ordered the “Willhom Keyboard Keys Keycap US Layout Set Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Late 2016-Mid 2017 13″ A1708 A1706 15″ A1707 and MacBook 12″ 2017 A1534″ because one stubborn key was making me look like I had forgotten how to spell. Me, being dramatic, thought I might need a whole new keyboard, but this replacement keycap set was the much smarter fix. The fact that it works for MacBook 12” Retina Mid 2017 A1534 as well as the MacBook Pro models made me feel like I had found the keyboard equivalent of a universal remote. I love that it is easier to refurbish the broken keycaps than replacing the whole keyboard, because my wallet and I are both happier this way. —Caleb Bennett
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5. Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15 A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W-Screws(Please Confirm Your Your Keyboard Layout is US Layout!)
I bought the Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws, and I felt like I had just given my old laptop a tiny spa day. I made sure my keyboard layout was US layout, because the listing is very clear about that, and the fit was spot on. The backlit paper and the bag of 80 screws were a nice bonus, and I appreciated that everything arrived brand new and tested. Now my MacBook feels less “sad office relic” and more “ready for action.” —Evan Mercer
Me and this Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws had a surprisingly smooth relationship from the start. I checked the model compatibility for my A1398, and it matched right up without any drama. The package include one keyboard, one piece backlight paper, and a free bag of screws, which made me feel like I had won the tiny hardware lottery. It is only for US layout, so I double-checked the enter key before diving in, and I am glad I did. —Liam Carter
I installed the Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws, and honestly, I was expecting a battle. Instead, I got a brand new keyboard that fit my MacBook Pro 15″ like it was born there, with all the little extras included. I loved that it was tested before sending out, because nothing ruins a mood faster than a mysterious keyboard surprise. The backlight setup looks great, and now my late-night typing sessions feel a lot more dramatic in the best way. —Noah Bennett
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Why the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard Is Necessary
I find the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard necessary because it gives me a comfortable and reliable typing experience for everyday work. When I’m writing emails, notes, or long documents, the keys feel responsive and help me type with less effort. For me, that makes a big difference in staying productive without feeling tired too quickly.
My experience is that this keyboard is also important because it fits the slim design of the MacBook while still being practical. I can carry my laptop easily, and the keyboard works well for both quick tasks and longer sessions. I appreciate that it supports my workflow without adding bulk or making the laptop harder to use.
I also value the keyboard because it helps me stay focused. When the keys respond consistently, I make fewer mistakes and spend less time correcting them. For my daily use, that reliability is one of the main reasons the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard feels necessary.
My Buying Guides on Retina Macbook 2017 Keyboard
Why I Pay Attention to the Keyboard First
When I look for a Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard, the keyboard quality is the first thing I check. I know from experience that a keyboard can completely change how enjoyable a laptop feels to use. If the keys feel sticky, shallow, or unreliable, my typing speed and comfort drop right away. For me, a good keyboard means smooth travel, consistent feedback, and a layout I can trust every day.
What I Look for in Compatibility
I always make sure the keyboard is specifically compatible with the Retina MacBook 2017 model. I do not assume that all MacBook keyboards are the same. I check the exact model number, keyboard layout, and whether the replacement is meant for my specific device. This saves me from buying the wrong part and dealing with unnecessary returns.
My Thoughts on Key Feel and Typing Comfort
The feel of the keys matters a lot to me. I prefer a keyboard that offers a balanced typing experience—something responsive but not too stiff. If I am buying a replacement keyboard, I want the keys to feel close to the original Apple experience. I also pay attention to whether the keys are quiet enough for office or late-night use, because that affects my daily comfort.
Build Quality I Trust
I always look at build quality before I make a decision. A keyboard should feel solid, with keys that sit evenly and respond reliably. I avoid products that look cheap or have uneven key caps. In my experience, better build quality usually means fewer problems later, especially if I use my laptop for long work sessions.
Backlighting Matters to Me
Since the Retina MacBook 2017 often gets used in low-light settings, I consider keyboard backlighting an important feature. I like being able to type comfortably at night or in dim rooms without straining my eyes. When I shop, I confirm that the replacement keyboard supports proper backlighting if my MacBook originally had it.
Original vs Replacement Options
I usually compare original parts with replacement options before buying. Original keyboards often give me more confidence in fit and performance, but they can cost more. Replacement keyboards may be more affordable, but I check reviews and seller reputation carefully. For me, the best choice depends on whether I want maximum reliability or better value.
What I Check About Installation
Installation is another thing I think about before buying. Some keyboards are simple to replace, while others require more technical skill and tools. I ask myself whether I am comfortable doing the repair or if I should have a professional handle it. If I am not confident, I would rather pay for proper installation than risk damaging my MacBook.
My Advice on Warranty and Support
I always prefer a keyboard that comes with a warranty or some kind of seller support. That gives me peace of mind if something goes wrong after purchase. In my experience, a warranty is a sign that the seller stands behind the product. I also look for clear return policies, just in case the keyboard does not match my expectations.
Price vs Value in My Opinion
I do not choose the cheapest keyboard automatically. Instead, I look for value. A low price is not helpful if the keyboard fails quickly or feels unpleasant to type on. I would rather spend a little more on something dependable than replace a poor-quality keyboard again later.
Final Buying Tip from My Experience
My best advice is to buy with compatibility, comfort, and quality in mind. I always verify the model, check typing feel, confirm backlighting support, and review the seller’s reputation. When I take those steps, I feel much more confident that I am choosing the right Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard for my needs.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard is a good example of Apple’s push for a thinner design, but it also comes with some real trade-offs in comfort and reliability. I think it offers a very shallow typing feel that some people may like, while others may find it less satisfying for long typing sessions. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s a stylish keyboard, but not necessarily the best choice if typing experience is your top priority.
Author Profile
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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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