In a patent field in September 2015 and made public this past week, Apple has proposed the idea of a Macbook keyboard with keys.
Instead, the company proposes using a “force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device”. In layman’s terms, that would mean a flat, clean surface that reacts when pressed.
Referred to as “zero-travel”, this type of input structure would have no keys or surfaces that move when presses. The surface would, however, sense the force of the user’s fingers atop the surface, and respond with haptic feedback as typing takes place.
One of the more significant advantages to this solution is configurability—a user could pick and choose portions of the board for a numeric keyboard, trackpads, and / or a special set of keys specific to the job at hand.
Another advantage, per Apple, is a reduced risk of component failure as well as less dirt entering the computer and causing damage.
In terms of how this sort of board would actually be used, Apple proposes a grid of “micro-perforations” – holes – with individual keys and areas becoming visible depending on lighting from below.
Don’t expect to see this technology to be included with the next iteration of Apple computer. A lot of Apple’s patents never turn in to products; and those that do, generally take years before hitting store shelves.
What’s more, we also need to take into consideration the patent Apple submitted two months ago in February 2016—it detailed a no-touch, close-proximity surface that could be used without any physical interaction whatsoever.
To learn more, check out the patent details here.
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
