What is a scissor switch? How does it differ from a butterfly keyboard?
This section explains the difference between the scissor switch and the butterfly keyboard, Apple's original mechanism.
Modified at: 2024.10.30Posted at: 2022.7.21
What is a scissor switch?
As the name (scissor = scissors) suggests, a keyboard scissor switch is a switch in which the mechanism (link mechanism) supporting the keys resembles scissors.
Apple's latest MacBook series has a keyboard with scissor switches.
What is the Butterfly Keyboard?
Apple's Butterfly Keyboard was adopted from the 2015 MacBook series with the sales pitch of "incredibly thin." It is called "butterfly" because the switches are shaped like a butterfly when viewed from the side.
One of the features of this keyboard is that it is thin, yet has a firm typing feel, and the entire switch is pressed firmly even when the edge of the keycap is pressed.
This was an epoch-making switch that solved the problem of the height of the keyboard, which is inevitably harmful in notebook PCs that are becoming thinner and thinner, but the following problems were pointed out
The typing feel is different from that of conventional keyboards.
- prone to chattering
- even if one key fails, the entire baseplate needs to be replaced
Because of the many complaints from users, some now call it a "highly problematic and ambitious product.
In 2021, the new MacBook Air series will switch to a scissor switch system.
Differences from conventional keyboard switches
Difference between a scissor switch and a pantograph
Scissor switches are similar to pantograph type keyboards at first glance, but the link mechanism of pantograph type switches crosses in a straight line, whereas scissor switches have a link mechanism consisting of parts that form a "cross" like a pair of scissors.
This makes it possible to lower the height at which the switches cross, making it ideal for thin notebook PCs and other applications where a thinner keyboard than the pantograph type is desired.
Difference between Scissor Switches and Butterfly Keyboards
Both are key switches used in Apple's notebook PC series and MacBook series.
- "Butterfly keyboard" that solves the weakness of pantograph type
- "Scissor type keyboard" which solved the weakness of butterfly keyboard
Looking at the above chronological order, the latest scissor-style keyboard used in the current MacBook series can be considered to be a keyboard that is "as thin as a butterfly keyboard, but solves the disadvantages of the butterfly keyboard.
In the past, Apple's notebook series used to be able to replace the keyboard by itself, but now it can only be replaced by manufacturer repair, so one can imagine that making the keyboard thinner while meeting the minimum requirements of being less prone to defects was a more difficult task than it sounds.
Which is better, scissor switch or butterfly keyboard?
As long as the current models are scissor-switched, if you are going to buy a MacBook series, it is best to buy a model with a scissor keyboard.
However, it does not mean that the butterfly keyboard itself is bad; it is still a great keyboard once you get used to its unique key touch without any glitches.
In addition, Apple offers free repairs for any problems with the butterfly keyboard, whether it is new or used, so you can use a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard with confidence even if you buy a MacBook with a butterfly keyboard now.
Keyboard Service Program for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro | Apple