Apple patents world's first crumb-proof keyboard

New MacBook innovation proposes to solve universal problem that can see stray fleck of dust disable costly laptops

Illuminated MacBook Pro keyboard (Valentin Wolf/Rex)

Apple has filed a patent application for the world's first entirely crumb-resistant keyboard, hoping to solve a simple problem that has plagued computing from day one.

The new MacBook innovation hopes to finally resolve the issue of contaminants like dirt and dust falling into the gaps between shallow keys and causing electrical faults and loss of functionality.

Apple in particular has faced criticism over the extreme delicacy of its keyboards in recent years, with MacBook keys held in place by sensitive butterfly switches that can leave the entire board needing to be replaced at considerable expense if they begin to malfunction.

The filing suggests a number of ways in which the problem might be eradicated, discussing the application of gaskets, brushes, wipers and flaps to block gaps, the installation of a membrane beneath each key and even a "bellows" effect in which each key stroke forces air through the board, pushing irksome crumbs out.

"Keyboard assembly [could include] a substrate, a key cap, and a guard structure extending from the key cap that funnels contaminants away from the movement mechanism," the application reads.

The consumer tech giant is famed for its sleek designs and focus on user-experience, priding itself on offering products that customers might actually want to own rather than simply regard as a practical necessity.

Although the issue may appear small, a stray fleck can be enough to disable a highly sophisticated machine on sale in the UK for as much as £2,699.

Apple is expected to update its MacBook line this year so the crumb-resistant keyboard could be with us very soon - although it should be said the company is prolific when it comes to filing patents and not all of its ideas ultimately come to fruition.