Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) Review: A Keyboard Revolution
The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro marks a significant turning point for Apple—the long-awaited retirement of the problematic butterfly keyboard mechanism. After five years of user complaints about sticky keys and unreliable performance, Apple has returned to its reliable scissor-switch design, making this one of the most compelling upgrades in recent years.
The Keyboard: A Welcome Return to Form
Apple’s butterfly keyboard experiment is officially over, and the new Magic Keyboard is a revelation:
- Improved key travel: 1mm of travel provides a more tactile typing experience
- Quieter operation: Significant noise reduction compared to previous models
- Dedicated Escape key: A small but meaningful addition for power users
- Enhanced durability: Early testing suggests better long-term reliability
For anyone who’s struggled with previous MacBook keyboards, this upgrade alone makes the 2020 model worth considering.
Design & Display: Familiar Yet Refined
The exterior maintains Apple’s signature aesthetic:
- Same unibody aluminum construction in Space Gray or Silver
- 13.3-inch Retina display (2560 × 1600 resolution)
- 500 nits brightness (100 nits brighter than the MacBook Air)
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports plus headphone jack
While rumors suggested a move to 14 inches, Apple stuck with the proven 13-inch form factor for this iteration.
Performance: Pro Power in a Compact Package
The 13-inch Pro offers significant performance advantages over the Air:
| Feature | MacBook Pro 13” | MacBook Air |
|---|---|---|
| Base Processor | 8th-gen Quad-Core (upgradable to 10th-gen) | 10th-gen Dual-Core |
| Base Clock Speed | 1.7GHz | 1.2GHz |
| Max RAM | 32GB | 16GB |
| Max Storage | 4TB | 2TB |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours | Up to 11 hours |
Our review unit with a 2GHz 10th-gen quad-core i5 scored:
- GeekBench 4: 5520 (single-core), 18228 (multi-core)
Who Should Choose the 13-inch Pro?
While the MacBook Air is excellent for most users, the Pro makes sense for:
- Creative professionals needing extra processing power
- Developers running demanding IDEs and virtual machines
- Power users who want maximum configurability
- Anyone who values the improved keyboard experience
Final Verdict
The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro represents Apple at its most responsive—listening to user feedback and delivering meaningful improvements. While the design may look familiar, the keyboard overhaul and performance options make this one of the most compelling updates in years. For professionals who need power in a portable package, it remains an excellent choice.
🚀 Technology Solutions & Recommendations
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Just as Apple returned to reliable scissor-switch keyboards after the problematic butterfly mechanism, the Fox Run Plastic Mini Spatula Set brings you back to kitchen basics that simply work. These durable white spatulas won’t stick or fail when you need them most - whether you’re frosting cupcakes or scraping bowls. The slim 6.5-inch design offers precise control, much like the satisfying tactile response of the new MacBook Pro’s keyboard.
Key Features:
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