Macbook 12" 2017 Luks passwords entry impossible w/o usb keyboard

After installing NixOS 23.11 with the standard installer I rebooted and expected to be able to enter the luks password with the laptop keyboard but it did not accept input.
Using a USB keyboard everything worked as expected, and I could log in.

I tried adding initrd.availableKernelModules “hid_apple” and “hid_generic” but apart from the apple keyboard now working perfectley when logged in (~ in right place) it still won’t accept input in the LUKS pass field on boot.

note: also running linuxPackages_latest

Anyone have ideas on how I can solve this? I know it;s a specific piece of hardware, and can USB kb if needed, but would prefer a neater solution

thanks!