Here's how Microsoft's Surface Team will avoid Apple's butterfly keyboard problem

Microsoft has just published a patent for a new, flatter Surface keyboard.

In the patent, Microsoft mentions the increasing demand for thinner, more compact devices.  To facilitate this, installed components need to be thinner than existing ones.

The Redmonder describes several versions of a thinner keyboard, which resemble Apple’s Mac:

In one or more of an input device having a support structure having a first surface and a second surface. The first device of the invention is a first surface and a second surface, and the first surface of the device is a first surface of the support structure. The input device also has a key position between the input and the output position of the input device. Covering the fabric and the support structure,

In one or more embodiments, an input device includes a support structure having a first surface and a second surface. The input device further includes a frame structure having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface of the frame structure is adjacent to the first surface of the support structure and wherein the frame construction comprises at least one opening. The input device further includes at least one keycap positioned within the at least one opening of the enclosure, wherein each keycap is configured to move between a first position and a second position to trigger a function of the input device. The input device further includes a cloth covering layer.

Thinner keyboards will make for a sleeker appearance.

Microsoft’s Surface event is coming up this Autumn, so we’re sure to soon catch a glimpse of the new and improved keyboard.

View the patent here.

Source: Windowsunited