Dell XPS 13 (2017)

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at picking up a new laptop and I've got my eye on a 2017 Dell XPS 13—the entry-level one without the touchbar.
Does anyone actually own this thing? What’s the verdict? I'm mostly wondering how the keyboard feels compared to the older versions and if it's actually lighter than the old 2013 models.

Is this the model featuring that "new" keyboard design?

I'm not really a PC person, but let’s be honest: the keyboards on the old Dell XPS 13 and Dell XPS 13 models were easily the best in their class. Every time I used one, the typing feel and the trackpad were just spot on. My experience comes from using an older Dell XPS from around 2014, a Dell XPS 13 from 2013-14, and one of those early AirBnB-style portable laptops. Honestly, most of the older laptops I've touched had incredible keyboards. Great keystroke feedback.

Then I went to the store to try out the keyboard on the latest Dell XPS, and man, I was floored by how pathetic it felt. There's almost zero key travel; they just feel clicky. It feels like the keyboard is a millimeter thick—something you'd find on a cheap $200 budget laptop, not a high-end Dell XPS. The keystroke feedback is basically nonexistent.

I know, that’s honestly the biggest thing holding me back from getting a new Dell XPS. 👎 I’ve been using my 2013 Dell XPS 13 and I’m actually really happy with it—it still runs great today—but I need a newer one since this is basically the only computer in the house and it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Since I'm so used to macOS, there's no way I'm switching back to Windows, and that's pretty much why I'm not even looking at other options, like a Dell XPS 13. I have to admit, all my Apple gear (including my older Android Phone) still feels incredibly smooth even after 5+ years... I was hoping someone here might own this specific model and could tell me how the typing experience actually feels in real life. For instance, I do a lot of typing with my laptop on my lap while I'm in bed. I tried testing out that tiny keyboard at the store, but let's be real, that's nothing like actual daily use...

If you grab a new laptop online, you've got a 14-day window to send it back. Basically, you can use that time to test it out.