Apple has patented a new hybrid keyboard that works as a tracking panel

When it comes to using computers, input methods are keyboard and mouse. This is not usually bad because most users need these accessories to enjoy a smooth and fast experience at the same time. However, Apple seems to be exploring an idea that can reduce the number of necessary accessories.

It comes in the form of a hybrid keyboard that acts like a normal keyboard when you press buttons, but it comes with sensors so users can touch its surface where it can act as a tracking pad as well. The patent description is as follows: "A touch-sensitive mechanical keyboard capable of recognizing the touch operations on the surface of the buttons. In addition, the keyboard can accept touch-button operations as text input. "

This basically means that as you type, you can also quickly scroll along the surface of the buttons as if you were using the trackpad to select and click an item on the screen. It looks like an interesting idea even though it is not necessarily the first. Several years ago, BlackBerry had something similar in its Blackberry Passport smartphone where users could scroll along the actual keyboard the same way they used on the touch-sensitive screen.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether Apple will ultimately apply this patent to an actual product, but at the same time what is your opinion? Is this something you might be interested in seeing on future keyboards?