Apple MacBook new patent: a key on the keyboard can be removed to act as a mouse

CTOnews.com, Oct. 11, according to the latest list released by the US Trademark and Patent Office, Apple has obtained a new patent called "deployable button mouse" to explore a novel design of a portable keyboard and mouse.

CTOnews.com attached a patented design sketch as follows, Apple conceived in the patent a detachable special button that can act as a key in a keyboard in a normal state.

When necessary, the user can disassemble the button to act as a mouse. Two designs are introduced in the patent, one is to remove the key cap, and the other is to disassemble the entire key unit.

Apple believes that although the trackpad can partially replace the mouse in some scenarios, many consumers will still choose to carry an extra mouse. The patent makes it clear that this removable mouse is not a replacement for the trackpad, but as a supplement to further enhance the interactive experience.