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Show HN: I spent 2 years designing a mechanical Magic Keyboard

231 points · 197 comments · aemerson_

charrondev · 1786030762 · focus · HN ↗
I’m assuming it’s not possible for it to include a fingerprint sensor?
As much as I’d like a mechanical keyboard for my Mac that’s always the part that gets me. I end up using the one my Magic Keyboard 20+ times per workday.
Otherwise it looks beautiful.
1. aemerson_ · 1786031419 · focus · HN ↗
  Unfortunately not possible, at least not securely, and not in a way that users would expect. I really tried.
  We could include _a_ fingerprint sensor, and even include a special secure/tamper-proof chip, but it would never be able to work with things like Apple Pay. It would probably be able to do some things like log you in to your Mac by spoofing itself as a card reader or secure key. But because we can’t communicate with Apple’s Secure Enclave it would never be a seamless experience.
  Maybe someday Apple could open up Touch ID like they do with Find My. But for now it’s pretty much a non-starter.

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