Even with the keyboard? May I ask how fast you type (roughly) and whether you use it much for text input (such as emails) or programming?
But in general, I don't type on the Macbook when I travel. I usually have an ergo set up with a portable keyboard and touch pad and laptop stand.
Portable Apple Keyboard: http://a.co/d/4mKQqL1
Portable Apple Touchpad: http://a.co/d/acoXyuK
Portable Laptop Stand: http://a.co/d/2GSLqIa
I find it odd that you say it's fine if you're "forced to" use it, like your standard for a laptop keyboard isn't one that you should be able to use regularly (and you mention bringing your own). was wondering why you have this attitude...
I type just as fast on the butterfly mechanism as any other, a consistent 90wpm with no mistakes and scattershot up to about 130 wpm during programming. I've been at this speed for about 2 decades now, going all the way back to using a vintage model M keyboard, an AEII keyboard, etc.
I sometimes go back and forth between my newer MBPs and a 2014 I still have. It takes about an hour of adjustment to get my speed up when switching.
1. The Memebar ("TouchBar") is thankfully gone.
2. If a single molecule of dust gets under a key, the key has a non-zero chance of no longer working.
3. The travel distance is basically non-existent, like typing on a squishier iPad.
Seeing them deal with 1 in at least some capacity gives me hope that they will deal with issue 2 by the third or fourth iteration of the keyboard. Unfortunately there is no chance of issue 3 being addressed.
Can always tell when users of this laptop have headphones on just from the typing noise.
The keyboard was my biggest concern since I've been touch typing most of my life.
The v2 butterfly keyboard are a marked improvement over the first gen. The first gen was very difficult for me to type on due to the small key travel -- it felt like I was typing on glass.
With the second gen, I did a lot of in-store testing and speed tests. My speed only dropped to like 80-something WPM from my normal ~100 wpm. Within a few hours of owning the machine, I was pretty much back to full. (Their return policy is also something to keep in mind if the keyboard concerns you)
It increasingly has become quite possibly my favorite keyboard ever. I'm even unashamed to say that I prefer it over my mechanical keyboards. Never thought I'd say that about a laptop keyboard. Obviously down to personal preference.
I'd say if you haven't tried the v2 butterfly keyboards (can't speak to the v3), try to give them a test with an open mind. Do a couple typing tests. Type as close to normal as possible (both speed and subject).
> whether you use it much for text input (such as emails) or programming
I use it extensively (>8 hours a day) for programming, emails, and chat. The only thing I don't really do with it is play games (not exactly a gaming machine).
For some added background, I also used an Acer Aspire One 522e netbook running Linux for a few years (this was a while ago), so I definitely have some abnormal tastes when it comes to daily driver machines.
Overall, the only thing I'd change about this laptop is I'd swap out the headphone jack for another USB-C port, but even that isn't that big of a deal (to me).
EDIT: ahh, you were wondering about the size. I have small hands and type on it with ease. No complaints :)
The 12” macbook is the greatest laptop I’ve ever had. In fact, I actually prefer the v2 “paper thin” keyboard to the traditional one.
