Exploring External Keyboards with Butterfly Keys: The Similarities to MacBook Pro

External keyboards have evolved over the years, with many manufacturers striving to offer more comfortable and durable designs. One such design that has gained particular attention is the butterfly key system, similar to that found in the MacBook Pro. In this article, we'll explore whether there are external keyboards that use this feature and if the iMac Pro also incorporates the butterfly mechanism.

Apple’s Butterfly Key Design

Apple first introduced the Butterfly Key design in the 2016 models of the MacBook Pro. The butterfly mechanism is characterized by lightweight and flexible keys that stack directly over each other, forming a butterfly-like structure. This design was intended to reduce the risk of debris getting stuck under the keys and was believed to offer a more tactile feel and responsive keyboard experience.

Are There Any External Keyboards with Butterfly Keys?

When it comes to external keyboards, the butterfly mechanism is a relatively rare innovation. Apple has patents on this design, making it difficult for other manufacturers to adopt it directly. However, some third-party manufacturers have attempted to mimic the feel and performance of the butterfly keys through alternative designs and materials.

Keychron, for instance, offers a model known as the K20 keyboard, which aims to emulate the butterfly key mechanism. It features lightweight and flexible PBT keycaps, which provide a similar tactile feedback to the original MacBook Pro. Another example is the Chuwi PalmTop Keyboard, which includes a unique rectangular shape and flexible keys with an emphasis on touch sensitivity and typing comfort.

The iMac Pro and its Keyboard

Regarding the iMac Pro, the build quality and design are indeed impressive. However, whether it uses a butterfly key mechanism is a topic of speculation. Apple's official documentation for the iMac Pro does not specify the exact design of the keyboard. If a butterfly key system is present, it might be a subtle design choice to maintain the sleek appearance of the iMac Pro.

While Apple hasn’t officially confirmed the presence of butterfly keys in the iMac Pro, some teardowns and user reviews suggest that it may use a similar design to the MacBook Pro. In a teardown article by iFixit, the design does look very similar to the MacBook Pro's butterfly keys, but it remains to be verified.

Conclusion and Future Trends

The butterfly key mechanism has certainly caught the attention of many keyboard enthusiasts. While not all third-party manufacturers can directly replicate it due to patent issues, many are seeking to innovate and offer similar typing experiences.

For users looking for a similar feel to the MacBook Pro’s butterfly keys, keyboards like the Keychron K20 or the Chuwi PalmTop Keyboard are excellent choices. These models strive to mimic the tactile feedback and responsive nature of the original butterfly keys, offering a significant improvement over traditional designs.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more keyboard designs that aim to match the comfort and performance of the butterfly keys. Whether the iMac Pro uses a butterfly key mechanism or not, the popularity and performance of these keyboards continue to grow in the market.

Stay tuned for the latest updates and innovations in the world of external keyboards!

Keywords

External key Butterfly key MacBook Pro