Future MacBook Pro might have solid state keyboard, like its trackpad

Apple has been awarded a patent for a 'Keyless keyboard,' which shows the company is at least considering moving to using solid state technologies to create a MacBook Pro keyboard with more versatility than a physical version can ever provide.The newly granted patent, 'Keyless keyboard with force sensing and haptic feedback,' was originally filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2017. It effectively describes replacing the physical keys of a keyboard with a glass display equipped with multiple touch sensing systems.Apple's application claims traditional key-based inputs 'lack the flexibility to accommodate expansive features offered by newer devices, operating systems, and software,' and are 'unable to adapt to different user needs and preferences.' While touchscreen inputs have the potential for offering alternative inputs to the user, the 'flat, inflexible input surface' provides little or no tactile feedback to the user. Read more...