A recently published Apple patent suggests that future MacBook keyboards may not feature mechanical keyboard switches, but instead use an “optical keyboard.”
The optical keyboard would incorporate a series of emitters and sensors that would measure light. Upon detecting a change in the light, this could be interpreted as input.
Per the patent application:
The light sensor may detect changes in an amount of received light caused by actuation of a keycap of the button or key. The button or key may include an opaque structure that blocks a portion of the light when the key is compressed. The button or key may include a light source such as a light-emitting diode that generates light.
A portion of the light from the light source may illuminate the key or button to provide backlight for the key and another portion may be received by the light sensor for detecting partial or complete compression of the button or key.
The patent doesn’t state as to when Apple would release such a system, although the conversion away from mechanical components would remove problems such as debris between the keys.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via The Mac Observer and the United States Patent and Trademark Office