Apple to release ultra low travel keyboard?

[shaaniqbal]

Will Apple make a keyboard with their Force Touch/3D Touch technology?

Ultra Low Travel Keyboard:

[...]A keyboard or keyboard key that has a force sensor that measures the force imparted to the key when a user presses the key or rests a finger on a key. Key embodiments may also include an actuator that excites the in order to provide feedback to the user in accordance with various feedback methods disclosed herein.[...]

Gizmodo:
[...]Apple’s believed to be working on a Force Touch (shudder) keyboard that could become a fixture on future MacBooks. A recently-published patent describes an ‘ultra low travel keyboard’, which would likely work in a similar manner to the new MacBook’s trackpad or the iPhone 6S’ display, sensing and reacting to different levels of finger pressure.[...]

As far as I'm concerned, I love the Force Touch trackpad on my 12" MacBook. The sensation of "clicking" feels absolutely real. To see this tech in a keyboard could be fantastic. I imagine you could even tune the amount of pressure needed to actuate the keys to your preference, just as you can choose between firm, medium and light pressure for the trackpad. With this tech, each key could be assigned to multiple functions. It could be cool to be able to press harder on a key to get a capital letter. What other functions could "deeper clicks" be used for?

[raymogi]

Yeah I love the FT trackpad as well but it will be interesting how this technology will apply to keyboards.

Then there's that part of me that will always love mechanical keyboards because I get to put artisans on it

[Oobly]

And my fingers just screamed in horror... The 12" MacBook metal dome board is already ultra low travel and I don't like how that feels. This would be even worse.

[gabamnml]

This also explains why they bought Dryft http://www.macrumors.com/2015/04/08/apple-acquired-dryft-keyboard-in-2014/

[jerue]

A force touch keyboard would be incredible for application specific shortcuts. Just press the letter and boom, shortcut. I would probably buy one if Apple made this a reality with 3rd party support so I can use shorcuts with CC apps.

Topre...get on this plz.

[shaaniqbal]

Would be nice for racing games, pressing less or more to control acceleration/steering.

[dthai17]

not really big on apple but this changes the game a bit.  The applications are 

[heedpantsnow]

I tried the keyboard on the new MBA, which Apple raves about, and it sucks. Almost as bad as typing on one of those flexible rubber keyboards.

If that's the direction Apple is going and their idea of awesomeness...

[yomammary]

I hate low travel keyboards.

[MeltingTeeth]

Ugh, crapple.

[shaaniqbal]

"Crapple"? Only an incredibly immature person would feel the need to use so juvenile a term. You're neither cool nor "hip" for using that term. If you hate Apple so much, funny that you feel the need to comment on threads that concern them. As an "Apple hater" you're just as much a fanboy as anyone else, in disguise.

[chyros]

So how does this work? What's the science behind this look like?

[Macsmasher]

"Crapple"? Only an incredibly immature person would feel the need to use so juvenile a term. You're neither cool nor "hip" for using that term. If you hate Apple so much, funny that you feel the need to comment on threads that concern them. As an "Apple hater" you're just as much a fanboy as anyone else, in disguise.

I also like the term Crapintosh. But then, my name is Macsmasher hahaha.

[davkol]

Or Macintrash. Well, that could be combined into Crapintrash.

[trizkut]

Or Macintrash. Well, that could be combined into Crapintrash.

Never forget.  I hated having to use these machines in middle/high school  )

[osi]

"Crapple"? Only an incredibly immature person would feel the need to use so juvenile a term. You're neither cool nor "hip" for using that term. If you hate Apple so much, funny that you feel the need to comment on threads that concern them. As an "Apple hater" you're just as much a fanboy as anyone else, in disguise.

Using the word "hip" is never cool

[heedpantsnow]

This is so funny.  MS is talking about how they increased travel in the Surface Pro 4 keyboard cover.  And about increased travel in the Surface Book.  Apple is talking about ultra low travel.  Haha.

[Macsmasher]

Had to dig this up for this thread. A classic...

[MeltingTeeth]

I tried the keyboard on the new MBA, which Apple raves about, and it sucks. Almost as bad as typing on one of those flexible rubber keyboards.

If that's the direction Apple is going and their idea of awesomeness...

Felt like a old time chiclet keyboard.

[SamirD]

This is so funny.  MS is talking about how they increased travel in the Surface Pro 4 keyboard cover.  And about increased travel in the Surface Book.  Apple is talking about ultra low travel.  Haha.

Ah, the left and right brained in opposite swing again...

It is only time until buttons come back on all phones.