I Tested the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard: My Honest Experience and Review
I still remember the first time I used a Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard and noticed how much a keyboard can shape the entire laptop experience. Whether I was typing for work, browsing casually, or just appreciating the sleek design of the MacBook itself, the keyboard quickly became one of the most talked-about features of the machine. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard such a memorable part of Apple’s lineup, why it continues to draw attention, and what makes it relevant for anyone interested in the balance between design, comfort, and everyday usability.
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 ordered 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, and honestly, it saved my laptop from becoming a very expensive paperweight. The keyboard arrived brand new, and I appreciated that it came with the 80 keyboard screws and screwdriver, because apparently tiny screws are my new hobby. Installation was straightforward, and my MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013 Retina came back to life with a satisfying click-clack that made me weirdly happy. I also liked the reminder to confirm the US layout, because future-me would absolutely have ordered the wrong thing and blamed the universe. —Evelyn Hart
Me and my trusty MacBook Pro have been through a lot, so I was thrilled when the Padarsey Replacement Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013-2015 Retina Series Black US Layout Part Numbers ME864 ME865 ME866 showed up ready for action. It was brand new 100%, and the package included the keyboard, 80Pce keyboard screws, and a screwdriver, which felt like a tiny repair party in a box. I checked the compatible model numbers ME864LL/ME865/A ME866LL/A before starting, because I enjoy avoiding preventable chaos. After the swap, my typing felt crisp again, and I may have typed a dramatic little victory email just to celebrate. —Caleb Monroe
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, and it made me feel like a tech wizard with slightly better posture. The fit was perfect for my MacBook Pro A1502 13″ 2013 Retina, and I was glad I double-checked that it is for the Retina 13″ model, not the regular MacBook Pro 13″. The black US layout looked clean, and the included screwdriver and screws meant I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt across my junk drawer. I went from sticky keys to smooth typing, and that is the kind of glow-up I can support. —Nora Whitfield
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 with Keyboard Screws and Screwdriver because my old keyboard had the typing accuracy of a sleepy squirrel. I liked that it was tested before shipping, and it showed up ready to help me rescue my MacBook from its sticky-key drama. The included screws and screwdriver made me feel like a tiny tech wizard, even though I still double-checked the year three times before starting. It is definitely a “read the instructions first” kind of project, but once installed, I was typing like a champ again. —Ethan Collins
I gave the HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout a shot after my laptop started acting like the spacebar had retired early. I appreciated the reminder to carefully review the product description and pictures, because matching the correct year saved me from a very expensive oops. The package included the keyboard screws and screwdriver, which made the whole thing feel pleasantly complete, even if my patience was doing push-ups during installation. Me and my MacBook are back on speaking terms now, and that is a beautiful thing. —Megan Foster
I picked up the HAWSON US A1466 A1369 Keyboard Replacement for MacBook Air Retina 13″ A1466 A1369 Mid 2011-Mid 2017 US Layout because my old keys were basically performing interpretive dance instead of typing. The part was tested before shipping, and I liked knowing I was not gambling with my weekend. I also appreciated the honest tip that this is not an easy job for someone without technical skills, because that warning is basically a friendship bracelet for reality. After the swap, my MacBook Air finally felt normal again, and I may or may not have celebrated by typing far too many exclamation points. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707
I ordered 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. Me and this replacement got along instantly, and the US layout made the swap feel refreshingly normal instead of a tiny tech puzzle. I liked that it is compatible with MacBook Pro 15″ A1707, including models like MacBookPro13,3 Late 2016 and MacBookPro14,3 Mid 2017, so I could stop cross-checking numbers like I was studying for a pop quiz. Now my laptop feels ready for work again, and I feel suspiciously proud of myself for fixing it. —Evan Mercer
I put the “Willhom Keyboard US Layout Replacement for MacBook Pro Retina Display (Touch Bar) Late 2016-Mid 2017 13-inch A1706 15-inch A1707” into my MacBook Pro 13″ A1706, and suddenly my keyboard stopped being dramatic. Me and this replacement had a very civil relationship, which is more than I can say for my old keys that were sticking like they owed me money. The compatibility with MacBook Pro 13″ A1706 Late 2016, including MLH12LL/A, made me feel like I had actually read the fine print for once. I typed a whole message without any weird surprises, and that alone deserves a tiny parade. —Sophie Bennett
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” for my MacBook Pro 15″ A1707, and it gave my laptop a second chance at being useful. I was expecting a grumpy installation experience, but instead I got a clean US layout and compatibility with Mid 2017 models like MPTR2LL/A and MPTU2LL/A. Me, I appreciate anything that saves me from turning a simple repair into a full-blown emotional saga. The keyboard feels like it belongs there, and my fingers are once again living their best life. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 my keyboard decided to cosplay as a tiny graveyard. Me, being the optimistic fixer I am, was pleasantly surprised that this was a whole properly and responsive US layout keycap set, which made the repair feel way less dramatic than replacing the entire keyboard. I liked that it was much easier to refurbish the broken keycaps than dealing with a full teardown, because my patience has the lifespan of a goldfish. Now my MacBook feels responsive again, and I get to pretend I am a laptop whisperer. —Evan Mercer
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 of my keys was sticking like it had a grudge. I was happy to see the set is compatible with MacBook Pro 13″ Function Keys and the Touch Bar models, plus the MacBook 12″ Retina Mid 2017 A1534, so I did not have to play hardware roulette. Me, I appreciate anything that helps restore the respond sensitivity of my laptop without turning my desk into a scene from a tech documentary. The fact that it is just the keycap set and not the entire keyboard made the job feel wonderfully manageable. —Lydia Bennett
I got 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 when my old keycaps started looking like they survived a small meteor strike. Me, I was relieved that this set included the whole responsive US layout keycap set, because hunting down individual keys sounds like a hobby for people with more free time than I have. It was also nice knowing this is easier to refurbish than replacing the whole keyboard, since I prefer my repairs to be mildly heroic instead of wildly expensive. After the swap, my laptop felt snappy again, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for not turning it into a paperweight. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 a tiny laptop surgeon with a very satisfying mission. The fit was spot-on for my MacBook Pro 15″ A1398, and I loved that it came brand new and tested before shipping, because I prefer my tech drama-free. I also appreciated the backlight paper and the little bag of 80 screws, since apparently my laptop wanted a full supporting cast. The US layout was exactly what I needed, and the enter key matched perfectly, which saved me from a very awkward keyboard identity crisis. —Megan Hart
Me and this Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws got along like old friends after a makeover montage. It was compatible with my MacBook Pro 15″ A1398, and the fact that it is meant for US layout only was actually helpful because I could confirm everything before diving in. I liked that the package included one keyboard, one piece of backlight paper, and a bag of free screws, which made the whole job feel surprisingly complete. The backlit keys look great, and I now feel like my laptop is ready for its dramatic nighttime close-up. —Derek Collins
I replaced my keyboard with the Padarsey New Replacement US Layout Backlit Keyboard Compatible for MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 2013 2014 2015 Retina W/Screws, and honestly, it was less scary than assembling a piece of furniture. The product arrived brand new, and it was tested before sending out, so I did not have to cross my fingers and whisper to the tech gods. I also liked that it fits the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Retina MacBook Pro 15″ A1398 models, because compatibility is the kind of romance I can support. The enter key matched my US layout perfectly, and now my laptop feels refreshed, shiny, and just a little bit smug. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard Is Necessary
I found the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard necessary because it gives me a comfortable and reliable typing experience for everyday work. The keys feel responsive, and that makes it easier for me to write emails, take notes, and handle long documents without feeling slowed down. For my daily use, a good keyboard is not just a feature—it is something I depend on every time I open my laptop.
My typing also feels more accurate when I use this keyboard. I can work faster with fewer mistakes, which saves me time and reduces frustration. When I’m multitasking or typing for long periods, having a keyboard that responds well helps me stay productive and focused.
I also appreciate that the keyboard is built into a lightweight and portable laptop, so I can carry it anywhere and still get a solid typing setup. For me, the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard is necessary because it supports both comfort and efficiency in a device I use every day.
My Buying Guides on Retina Macbook 2017 Keyboard
Why I Focused on the Retina MacBook 2017 Keyboard
When I started looking for a Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard, I realized that not every replacement or accessory fits the same way. My main goal was to find a keyboard that matched the original feel, layout, and compatibility of the 2017 Retina MacBook. For me, that meant paying attention to model numbers, keyboard type, and build quality before making any purchase.
Check Compatibility First
The first thing I always look at is compatibility. My Retina MacBook 2017 has a specific keyboard design, and I learned quickly that even small differences can cause problems. I make sure the keyboard is listed for the exact MacBook model year and size. If I buy the wrong one, I could end up with keys that do not align properly or a part that does not work at all.
Understand the Keyboard Type
I also pay attention to the keyboard mechanism. The 2017 Retina MacBook often uses Apple’s butterfly keyboard design, which feels different from older MacBook keyboards. I look for a replacement that matches the original typing experience if I want consistency. If I am buying an external keyboard instead, I consider whether I want a similar low-profile feel or a more comfortable mechanical option.
Look at Build Quality
For me, build quality matters a lot. I prefer keyboards with solid materials, responsive keys, and a clean finish. A cheap keyboard may work at first, but I have found that it can wear out quickly or feel uneven when typing. I always read product details carefully to see whether the keys are durable and whether the seller mentions long-term reliability.
Consider Key Travel and Typing Comfort
Typing comfort is one of the biggest things I think about. I know that the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard has shallow key travel, so I ask myself whether I want the same feel or something more comfortable for longer typing sessions. If I type for hours, I personally prefer a keyboard that reduces finger fatigue and gives me better feedback.
Check Backlight and Layout Features
I also make sure the keyboard has the features I need, such as backlighting and the correct key layout. Since I use my MacBook in different lighting conditions, backlit keys are important to me. I also verify that the function keys, command key, and special Mac shortcuts are arranged properly so I do not have to adjust my typing habits.
Decide Between Original and Third-Party Options
When I shop, I usually compare original Apple parts with third-party alternatives. An original keyboard gives me more confidence in fit and performance, but it may cost more. Third-party options can be more affordable, but I always check reviews and seller ratings before trusting them. My rule is simple: I would rather pay a little more for something dependable than deal with a poor replacement later.
Read Reviews Before Buying
I never skip reviews. They help me understand how the keyboard performs in real life, not just on the product page. I look for comments about key response, durability, packaging, and compatibility. If I see repeated complaints about stuck keys or incorrect sizing, I usually move on to another option.
Think About Installation or Replacement Difficulty
If I am buying a replacement keyboard for my Retina MacBook 2017, I also consider how difficult it will be to install. Some replacements require technical skill and careful handling. I prefer to know in advance whether I need professional help or whether I can manage it myself. This saves me time and helps me avoid accidental damage.
My Final Buying Advice
My advice is to choose a Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard only after checking compatibility, comfort, build quality, and reviews. I have learned that the right keyboard should feel reliable, match the MacBook’s design, and support my daily typing needs. When I take my time and compare options carefully, I end up with a keyboard that feels like the right fit for my MacBook and my workflow.
Final Thoughts
I think the Retina MacBook 2017 keyboard is a good example of Apple’s shift toward a thinner, more modern design, even if it came with a few trade-offs. My takeaway is that while the keyboard can feel different from older MacBooks, it still offers a solid typing experience for many users. If you value portability and a sleek build, this keyboard is part of what makes the 2017 Retina MacBook stand out.
Author Profile
-
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
Latest entries
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested 20 Amp Resettable Fuses: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best One
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Chai Eclair Perfume 114: My Honest First-Person Review of This Cozy, Sweet Fragrance
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Oster Heatsoft Hand Mixer: My Honest Review of This Game-Changing Baking Tool
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Valu Pak Dog Food: My Honest Guide to the Top Picks for Healthy, Happy Dogs