Abstract: A keyboard, which may be made very thin and be suitable for notebook computers or personal digital assistants, has a substantially rigid base plate supported for movement between an extended position and a retracted position but biased to the extended position. The keyboard has a plurality of keys and a switch means associated with each key to register when the key has been pressed. When a key is pressed the base plate moves from the extended position to the retracted position, that movement providing for at least some travel of the pressed key. A sufficient degree of travel can be provided that the keyboard, even in a very thin form, can be used for touch-typing.

Abstract: A keyboard for a miniature computer or other data processing device which permits a standard key spacing to be retained while enabling folding of the keyboard to reduce its overall size for storage or carrying purposes. In another aspect, the thickness of the keyboard when in folded position is reduced in some embodiments by maintaining its keys in depressed positions.