[the8472]

Perhaps we could replace mechanical feedback with tiny electrical shocks. Look ma, no moving parts.

[simondotau]

Apple has had success replacing mechanics with haptics on their trackpads.

[ListeningPie]

My mind is completely fooled by the haptics on my MacBook Pros touchpad, so much nicer than the mushy click that came on windows machine prior.

[simondotau]

It's astounding, isn't it. It's not often that you can know exactly how you're being fooled and continue to be fooled anyway. It's magical.

[malfist]

How do you know which button your on without looking?

[lawn]

Because of muscle memory?

And well-designed physical buttons have identifiable marks or features on them to help you find the right one purely by touch. The input type (button, dial, lever) shape (round, square edges to the right), dots on the button and location (I change songs in the top left).

[malfist]

Not on a touchscreen you don't. Even with electric shocks as GP suggested.

[lawn]

Yeah sorry, I was thinking of regular physical buttons.

[the8472]

They prickle differently