I Can't Wait For This....

[127001]

They're making touch screens that can dynamically form physical buttons:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/01/new-microfluidics-panel-could-add-physical-buttons-to-a-touch-screen/

[VolantPhalanx]

Wow this looks really interesting, and much sleeker than a clunky clip on keypad for something like a tablet. I wonder how it will feel, if its just bumps that you tap on or that you can actually depress like a small fluid filled balloon.

[YoungMichael88]

I think they were showing this a year ago at CES if I'm not mistaken. It looks so cool.

[127001]

Wow this looks really interesting, and much sleeker than a clunky clip on keypad for something like a tablet. I wonder how it will feel, if its just bumps that you tap on or that you can actually depress like a small fluid filled balloon.

I hope to god that it's like bubble wrap.

[Candyflip]

Wow this looks really interesting, and much sleeker than a clunky clip on keypad for something like a tablet. I wonder how it will feel, if its just bumps that you tap on or that you can actually depress like a small fluid filled balloon.

I hope to god that it's like bubble wrap.

That would be soo cool!

[tp4tissue]

I don't see the use... and flexible membranes means limited shelf life..   add in some UV ray, heavy handed users,  this thing will go pffffft real quick..

AND it'll get in the way of visual fidelity because it won't be perfectly flat simply having these membranes under the device.

[Findecanor]

I think they were showing this a year ago at CES if I'm not mistaken. It looks so cool.

I've seen it on the web a longer time ago than that.

The buttons are fixed, which negates the point of using a touch screen.
The buttons are convex.
The buttons are rubber domes...

If the buttons have a fixed layout, then it would be better to have a passive keyboard with buttons pressing the touch screen, like the Sony P380 phone. That would give a better feel - proper buttons, which can be concave.
But then you could just as well use an external keyboard, which would give you more screen space at the same time as you are using the keyboard.

[~OmIfan~]

I hope it has the same feeling like mech switch

[Grim Fandango]

Hmm, for my smaller portable devices, I have been sticking to a physical keyboard for a long time. But since the technology used for touch screen has been getting better, I finally started to use them (I kind of had to) and have to admit that they work quite well.

For me it is all about speed and ease of use. And I am not totally convinced that this technology would be faster and easier than an actual touch screen, or get anywhere near the efficiency of use of a physical keyboard.

[HongKongFui]

I hope it has the same feeling like mech switch

 )

[fohat.digs]

Stretch Marks

[EvilOliv3]

[Comment]

That's nutty but it reminds me of the laser keyboard box thing... might just be a bust

[YoungMichael88]

I have to agree that typing on a touch screen is probably much quicker than pressing these domes. Or would you just simply have to touch the dome for it to register?

[tototo]

The idea is great and should help the fingers find the right location even when trying to touch type. I know I will never get good at typing fast on screens this should help if they can make them feel good. It's needs to be like bursting bubbles that register on slight pressure and not like bubble wrap/gel. Registering on touch alone would defeat the purpose of buttons.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

I hope to god that it's like bubble wrap.

You want a keyboard where you have to fight a near irresistible urge to burst all the keys?