Future Apple keyboards in MacBooks may not be affected by dust or other foreign elements that could affect its switch mechanism, with the possibility of being replaced by a glass panel with raised “key” sections that acts as a rigid keyboard.
Due to their design, keyboards are able to be affected by elements gumming up the mechanism, preventing the keys from smoothly lowering and raising when pressed. While old-fashioned keyboards are less susceptible, chicklet-style notebook keyboards, like the ones used in the MacBook lineup, can easily be stopped from working efficiently if dust, crumbs, or liquids enter under the keys and impact the mechanism.
Apple has attempted to solve this with the introduction of a third-generation butterfly mechanism, with a silicone membrane used both to deflect dust and to quieten typing. While promising, it remains to be seen if the change will provide long-term relief from the issue.
Even so, Apple is considering ways to eliminate the problem, by removing the need for loose keys or a switching mechanism at all. Instead, Apple suggests the use of a single panel.
Read more at AppleInsider.com