New Apple MacBook Class Action Alleges Butterfly Keyboard Defect

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Apple has been hit with a third class action lawsuit claiming its “butterfly” keyboards are defective.

Lead plaintiff Diego Binatena alleges in the Apple butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit that the computer giant sold keyboards that are “prone to failure, and, when replaced, often fail again.”

This Apple MacBook class action joins several others over the reportedly defective butterfly keyboard present in the Apple MacBook laptop.

“In late 2016, Apple introduced a new version of its high-end MacBook Pro laptop, featuring new a ‘butterfly’ keyboard, which is more compact than previous keyboards,” alleges the Apple MacBook class action. “This keyboard, however, is particularly prone to failure, especially when dust or other debris become lodged underneath the keys.”

According to the Apple butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit, it costs around $700 to replace a defective keyboard; however, even if the Apple butterfly keyboards are replaced they still suffer from defects.

“Keyboards are an essential part of a laptop computer. Without a functioning keyboard, the utility and value of a laptop is vastly diminished,” alleges the Apple MacBook defect class action lawsuit.

The plaintiff alleges that when he purchased a MacBook with an Apple butterfly keyboard in 2017, he started having issues with several keys sticking. However, Apple would only replace one key when he brought the laptop in to fix the problem, says the Apple butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit.

Ultimately, Binatena says that he was told by Apple that it would cost at least $500 to fix the problem. Additionally, the Apple butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit alleges the plaintiff had to purchase a non-Apple replacement laptop when he sent the MacBook in for repairs.

The Apple MacBook butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit alleges that since being introduced in 2016, consumers have complained about the keyboard. The Apple class action points to an online petition advocating a recall of the device which garnered 17,000 signatures.

Apple’s own patent notes that if large objects, such as dirt, dust, or food crumbs, become lodged in the keyboard, electric contacts can suffer, says the Apple butterfly class action lawsuit.

“Despite being aware of the keyboards’ problems, and numerous potential fixes for it, Apple continued to sell the affected MacBooks with this known defect,” alleges the Apple MacBook keyboard class action lawsuit. “Rather than fix the issue, Apple has put up a page on it support website, suggesting that owners of affected MacBooks use compressed air to clean out their keyboards.”

The Apple keyboard defect class action lawsuit alleges that compressed air is only a short term solution and the keyboards are still apt to malfunction later.

The Apple butterfly keyboard class action lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide Class of consumers who purchased a MacBook Pro with the allegedly defective butterfly keyboard.

Apple’s allegedly defective butterfly keyboard violates California business and consumer law, constitutes fraud, breach of warranty, and violates several federal laws.

Binatena is seeking damages for himself and on behalf of the Apple butterfly keyboard Class.

The plaintiff is represented by Scott C. Borison of the Legg Law Firm LLP, and E. Michelle Drake of Berger & Montague PC.

The Apple MacBook Butterfly Keyboard Defect Class Action Lawsuit is Binatena v. Apple Inc., Case No. 5:18-cv-03299, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.