In addition to the new Intel Core M processor that’s supposed to help laptop makers create even thinner laptops and convertible tablets, another interesting notebook component was unveiled this week at Computex 2014, CNET reports: the Maglev Keyboard from Darfon. Just like Japanese bullet-trains, the Maglev Keyboard uses magnetism, but for a completely different purpose.
Instead of having the rubber cups found on regular laptop keyboards, Darfon’s keyboard has magnets that push the keys back up. This tech allows the Maglev Keyboard to be made even slimmer than other regular laptop keyboards.
“On the demo notebook that the company set up to show off the slimness, the keys were so close to the notebook that it was quite hard to type with,” CNET writes. On the standalone keyboard, however, I found the pressure and ‘clickiness’ to be just about right. Darfon says it is also able to tweak the resistance electronically, so the keys will have various degrees of pressure depending on the preferences of their customers.”
Furthermore, the Maglev Keyboard will supposedly last longer than traditional keyboards, Digitimes says. The keyboard is able to endure 15 million strokes, compared to just 10 million strokes for competing products.
According to Darfon, notebooks packing such Maglev Keyboards will be available in the second half of the year, although it’s not clear yet what OEMs have already picked up this particular keyboard concept.
