Apple files patent for Force Touch keyboard

Apple made waves in the tech industry with its 3D Touch feature. Now, it appear that the company is taking its accessories to the next level by making a new keyboard that is Force Touch-capable, according to latest reports.

It is worth noting that the Cupertino-based tech giant's current iPhone flagships, Apple Watch Force and the trackpad of the new MacBook all feature Force Touch capabilities. Now Tech Times reports that Apple has just filed a patent for a Force Touch keyboard, which is slated to be out in the market sooner than later. The patent suggests that Apple is not content with only having a Bluetooth-powered keyboard and is interested in implementing its Force Touch signature on more of its accessories.

"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," reads the patent description. "Key embodiments may also include an actuator that excites the user, in order to provide feedback to the user in accordance with various feedback methods disclosed herein."

The patent is titled "Ultra Low Travel Keyboard," and it was published a week ago. It refers to a keyboard that could support force sensor under the hood. Its keys will be quite similar to MacBook's trackpad and will also be able to perform activities based on the pressure applied by the user's fingers. This new keyboard is also expected to have the ability to imitate conventional typing sensations.

Just like Apple's other Force Touch-ready devices, the patent also suggests that the new keyboard will be giving out diverse commands based on the different levels of pressure that were applied on it. Just like the trackpad, each of the new keyboard's keys will also be offering haptic feedback.

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