Abstract: A key assembly for the keyboards of electric typewriters or similar machines in which a one-piece baseplate forms the cover for the assembly. Crossing webs on the bottom side of the baseplate serve as spacers for the keyboard elements and also as the basis for mounting a contact mat provided with contact beads as well as the associated printed circuit board. The keyboard elements are mounted in the baseplate from above.

Abstract: Keyboards designed in accordance with ergonomic viewpoints are slightly dished transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction and the key surfaces have a slope tending toward the dished shape. According to the invention, this arrangement is accomplished with the aid of adapters located between the key element plungers and the keyheads. For each row of keys there is provided a special type of adapter. The types of adapters differ from one another in their effective heights and in the slope angles of the supporting surfaces for the keyheads.