Space bar not clicking on my MacBook Pro (2021)

Robert Paris wrote:

OK, good point... It's not a "sound" I should have mentioned... Instead, it's a "feel"... All the keys but for the space bar have a very positive "feel" when you push them down... I'm quite sure the spacebar USED TO have a similar feel but now feels like it's barely being depressed before a space occurs... I've used this computer constantly since I bought it in 2021 and I'd say a couple months ago, something changed but ONLY with the spacebar... No complaints as long as it continues to work and only give one space per press of the spacebar... but change is never a happy thing when you think next might be "failure"... So not a "click" but instead a "feel" where it now feels that the spacebar has become significantly different from the other keys... Below is me clicking on some random keys and then the spacebar (period results from the 2nd spacebar click after a letter) a few time... Works every time but the spacebar "feels" totally different (like almost no depression at all before the space actually occurs... eeeeemmmmm. rrrrr. sssss. xxxxx. Thoughts on why that might be a clear and fairly recent change??? thanks...

You can review my initial post above. You can toggle the Accessibility options off and back on to elicit some change and compare your results

Any update including the recent macOS 26.0.1 is not going to target specific keys on your keyboard.

If it is a hardware issue take it in if it gives rise to some concern:

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

Robert Paris wrote:

My 2021, 16 inch MacBook Pro's spacebar still works each and every press but it no longer has a positive "click" like all the other keys have...

Keys and Space bar never had a click...?

What you hear is simply the surface noise of mechanically using the keys. If you more gently touch and press the key down you realize it is not a click but silent.

Axel Foley had this to say—

"Keyboard click sounds can be enabled....

Open System Preferences ➔ Sound ➔ Sound Effects tab: Here, ensure that Play User Interface Sound Effects is checked. Then back to System Preferences ➔ Accessibility ➔ Keyboard ➔ Hardware tab: Here, ensure that Enable Slow Keys is checked ➔ Options ➔ Use Click Key Sounds (Checked): Here, Adjust the Acceptance Delay. Now you should be able to hear the keyboard click sounds after the key has been depressed for the time set in the acceptance delay."

iOS devices where you do have a Sounds & Haptics setting>Keyboard Feedback:

if it is some third party app to add sound to the keys being pressed look for some update—if in doubt search the developers website or contact their: Support/Help/FAQ/Known issues/compatibility/updates…

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

Contact a third-party vendor - Apple Support

The current stable release of Tahoe including bug fixes, security updates is macOS 26.0.1

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

To be proactive you can file a bug report / submit your Apple Feedback here: Product Feedback - Apple