Apple regularly files new patents to protect its innovations and ideas. While it is true that some of these technologies will never make it into actual products, there is one very interesting piece among the newly granted patents: MacBook with a physical keyboard that changes the appearance of individual keys thanks to LED backlighting. These are not the familiar concepts with touch panels instead of buttons. The patent describes a classic mechanical keyboard with aluminum keys and a scissor mechanism that provides a classic typing feel. But the key is the backlighting - each key would be equipped with precisely placed holes that would let light from mini-LED backlighting. As a result, each key acts as a simple low-profile display.
When turned off MacBooku the keys would not have any visible markings. However, after switching on the keyboard will adapt – for example, it will display the QWERTY layout, AZERTY for francouz users or a set of emoji and special characters as needed. Due to the design, there would be no unwanted backlighting around the keys, which contributes to a more elegant look of the device. This technology could change the way we interact with physical keyboards in the future. Instead of fixed prints, users would gain the flexibility of a software keyboard without losing tactile feedback. And while it is not certain whether this technology will make it into final products, it shows the direction in which Apple about the future MacBookHe is considering. How would you like a similar solution?
