My Apple Keyboard Theory
August 11th, 2007 | Published in Apple, Technology | 2 Comments
I have a theory about the controversy around Apple’s radical re-conception of the keyboard. I made the trek down to the Santa Monica, CA Apple Store, patiently waited my turn then finally got my hands on the new iMac and it’s matching “oh so thin” keyboard.
I do the majority of my typing on a 17″ MacBook Pro keyboard and have become accustomed to it. So I approached the new keyboard with “one eye closed”. I was strangely surprised at how easy it was to type on the new “chicklet” style keys.
Now granted, I didn’t type a whole chapter on the thing, just a paragraph or two… and I was of course standing up, and not at my normal non-ergo hunched-over typing position… but the keyboard still felt great.
So, my theory is this: Apple is training us to accept flush mount keys, no I mean REALLY flush… in preparation of a “keyless” keyboard like the iPhone. I can imagine a keyboard in the future that is just a sheet of glass that illuminates based on the application that is using it…. like the iPhone. I predict the next iMac will just be two thin sheets of glass! One for the screen, and a second sheet for the keyboard.
My prediction? The new “invisible” Mac…. coming soon. Things that make you go “hmmmm”.
(note to the nay-sayers, I’m just kidding).
August 21st, 2007 at 5:47 pm (#)
I’m all about a great keyboard (or lack of a crappy keyboard)! Apple’s historically created spongier (read softer) keyboards then it’s PC ’scissor’keyboard counter parts (the scissor ‘travel path’ was my preference for a long time, as I really liked the sound and feel).
It’s great to see Apple come back to the forefront in this area. If this is killer keyboard - which it really looks like, then I think it’s time for a real two button mouse
If we could have transparent screens and keyboards (like in Minority Report) that would be amazing! Speaking of Minority Report, I wonder if the scene of Tom Cruise whipping around the screens inspired some of the iPhone UI?
November 24th, 2007 at 12:26 pm (#)
I think it’s possible for a touch keyboard (the phone works well enough), but the tactile response from the keys is what really allows you to fly when you type. Have you ever tried putting your fingers on a table or something and trying to type quickly? It’s like your brain gets stuck.
I love my wireless aluminum keyboard from Apple, though… I wish my MBP felt more like that…