Ever since Apple implemented the new butterfly mechanism switches in its MacBooks, users have been wanting the company to change its design for the keyboard on its laptops. The new switches are meant to allow the device to be thinner, but they have a smaller travel distance and they"ve resulted in high failure rates and even some lawsuits.
If you"re one of the many people unhappy with Apple"s design decision, there may be good news for you. MacRumors reports that analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the Cupertino company to ditch the current butterfly switches for new switches based on the scissor mechanism. The change is expected to result in more comfortable travel distances and increased durability. Apple will reportedly be using glass fiber to reinforce the keyboard structure to enhance its reliability.
Apple is also reportedly sourcing these keyboards from Sunrex, rather than Winstron, which manufactures the current butterfly mechanism keyboard.
This new design is expected to be initially available in a new MacBook Air model coming later this year. MacBook Pro models will also get the new keyboard switches, but only next year, according to Kuo. That means the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro coming later this year won"t have it yet. Eventually, butterfly switches should be phased out entirely.