Statistics show that 62 percent of office workers at their desk. In addition to an increased risk of infectious illness, this otherwise common habit often results in crumbs falling into the keyboard. These micro-sized food particles wear down the keyboard’s parts and may prevent some keys from registering when pressed. Apple, however, may have a solution.
According to Sky News, the Cupertino-based tech company has filed a patent for a new keyboard that prevents the intrusion of crumbs and debris. Available on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website, the patent reveals two specific features to protect against crumbs. First, the keyboard seals off gaps so that crumbs are unable to wiggle their way underneath the keys. Second, it features a protective membrane under each key that projects a small amount of air to expunge debris when pressed.
Reports show that Apple filed the patent for its new debris-resistant keyboard on September 8, 2016, which was just one day after it announced its iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
Apple already offers several keyboards as part of its Apple Keyboard line of products. In 2003, the company launched its first Bluetooth-based wireless keyboard, the A106. In 2007, Apple released an updated version featuring an aluminum design. One of the company’s latest keyboards is the Apple Magic Keyboard. Released October 13, 2015, the Magic Keyboard features a slimmer profile than its predecessors and improved technology. According to Apple, the Magic Keyboard’s new scissor-style design increases key stability by 33 percent.
With Apple’s latest patent, perhaps we’ll see a new debris-resistant keyboard sold by the tech company in the near future. However, just because Apple has filed a patent for a new crumb-proof keyboard doesn’t necessarily mean it will manufacture and sell it. In 2016, Apple filed for more than 2,100 patents, but it only developed a fraction of these designs. It’s not uncommon for companies to patent their ideas so that competitors can’t use them. IBM, for example, filed for 8,088 patents in 2016 while Samsung filed for 5,518 patents during this same year.
Regardless, Apple’s patented keyboard idea could prompt other tech companies to produce their own debris-resistant keyboards. After all, crumbs and debris are a common cause of keyboard failure.
Dil Bole Oberoi
