I'm fascinated by Apple's unconventional keyboard concept that could transform your experience with a MacBook.

      Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

      Ever since I experienced my first mechanical keyboard long ago, I've been completely convinced by clicky switches and substantial keycaps. I utilize a mechanical keyboard for both my Mac and PC, and typing on Apple’s Magic Keyboard, although good, feels odd to me these days.

      Therefore, when I learned that Apple has been awarded a patent for a peculiar new keyboard concept, my interest was immediately piqued.

      However, the unconventional idea outlined in this patent is not just intriguing to me — if it ever materializes, it could revolutionize how you type on all the top MacBooks.

      A brilliant concept

      Jess Bailey / Unsplash

      So, what are we talking about here? Apple’s patent refers to a keyboard featuring a unique concept for marking glyphs and letters on its keycaps. Before I delve into that, it's important to note that printed and painted keycaps — the kind commonly found on many inexpensive keyboards — easily wear off over time. Most manufacturers address this by employing various alternative methods, such as combining two plastic colors during keycap molding. The resulting glyphs remain intact, though these keyboards are more expensive. But evidently, that wasn't satisfactory for Apple. They seem to believe that if they were going to enhance keycaps, they might as well go all out.

      Apple’s patent — simply named “One-way visibility keycaps” — outlines a strategy to develop keycaps with a grid of tiny perforations etched on their top surfaces. These holes would be too small to be visible to the naked eye yet could still be backlit from underneath.

      MiRUTH_de / Pixabay

      Now, here’s the intriguing part. With each keycap featuring a grid of perforations, the backlighting could be modified to present any glyphs you desired on your keys. By illuminating certain tiny backlights while keeping others dark, the lights could function similarly to pixels on a screen and display whatever you wish. In fact, Apple’s patent notes that the backlighting could utilize mini-LED or OLED lights, essentially converting the keycaps into miniature displays. This would be advantageous if you wanted to switch up your keyboard layout or showcase emojis and symbols. When not in use, the lights would dim, rendering the keyboard devoid of glyphs and providing a smooth, uninterrupted look to your MacBook’s surface. It's a clever and very “Apple” concept.

      Many questions arise

      Digital Trends

      This idea could have various interesting applications. For example, you might want to alternate keyboard layouts and languages without needing a different keyboard. You could quickly access rarely used symbols or pull up an emoji palette and then hide it again. Interestingly enough, this last option seems like a way to partially revive the unsuccessful Touch Bar.

      Nonetheless, there remain questions about how this keyboard would function in practice. What occurs if it sustains some damage? Fixing it would likely be much more costly than repairing a traditional keyboard. Even without any dents or damage, its complex nature could elevate the overall price of your MacBook.

      There is also another consideration. Apple’s patent states that keycaps could be constructed from materials other than plastic, with aluminum being a potential option. This might significantly alter the feel (and sound) of your keyboard.

      Apple MacBook Air M1 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      For some users, particularly those seeking a more premium look for their device, this may be an enhancement over the standard Magic Keyboard. However, I can envision other users being immediately deterred, as it would feel very different from the keyboard experience they're accustomed to. This could lead to a divided opinion among users.

      For the moment, it’s uncertain how people will react. Given that this concept is merely a patent, it may never be realized into a product. Apple frequently investigates ideas in their secret labs and subsequently patents the outcomes, but that does not ensure the company will choose to convert these ideas into functional products.

      Still, if this design ever becomes a reality, it could fundamentally alter how your MacBook keyboard operates. For someone like me, who places great importance on typing feel, that's an exciting prospect.

      Alex Blake has been associated with Digital Trends since 2019 and dedicates most of his time to writing about Mac computers…

      Here’s why Apple’s C1 modem bodes well for future MacBook battery life

      Back in 2008, Steve Jobs mentioned that Apple had considered adding a 3G modem to its laptops to provide wireless connectivity without relying on Wi-Fi. However, the company ultimately abandoned this idea because the components would occupy too much space in Apple’s notoriously compact laptops. For years, that idea seemed permanently shelved.

      Now, 20 years later, it might finally come to fruition, representing a remarkable turnaround that could introduce numerous advantages for MacBook users.

      Apple expected to unveil a MacBook Air refresh with M4 silicon this March

      It appears that the next-generation MacBook Air laptops outfitted with the M4 silicon upgrade are only a few weeks