You heard it right. Apple might bring a new MacBook Keyboard without keys in future.
Apple filed a patent in 2015, showing a laptop similar to a MacBook that features a flat touch surface where a keyboard would normally be. A patent filed by Apple today shows a laptop similar to a MacBook Keyboard without keys.
The patent was filed in September 2015, and made public this Thursday. According to patent, it is “A configurable, force-sensitive input structure for an electronic device”. Apple calls this mechanism “Zero Travel“, means, when you press a key, there is no mechanical movement.
The most noticeable advantage would be, you can configure the side area of the laptop. For example, you can use it for numeric keyboard or maybe some special set of keys. An example is shown in image below:
Advantage 2: According to Apple, another major advantage would be, lesser component failure. As less space is open, less dust goes in the system, means lowering the chance of damage.
Patent says “As a result, the force-sensitive input structure can provide unique/configurable input devices or components to a user. The input devices can be moved to a specific location of the casing based on user preference.”
Every day, many patents are filled and you don’t see all of them in actual object. Even if they convert into physical object, it may take years to arrive in market. So we still have to wait to see this technology in action.
In February 2016, Apple filed a patent regarding close proximity surface, where you don’t have to touch object to press them.
