Abstract: A key top of a manually operated key, comprising a base member having a top face on which a legend identifying said key is printed, and a transparent protective layer covering at least an area of said top face of the base member in which the legend is disposed. The protective layer is made of a mixture of a transparent base material, and a transparent finely particulate material which is different in refractive index from said base material.

Abstract: A key button molded of a synthetic resin and having on the top surface thereof a character or symbol printed with a coloring agent comprising a dye and a solvent which is capable of dissolving the dye and the synthetic resin, wherein the character or symbol is durably formed on the top surface by the action of the solvent on the surface and body to cause the dye to permeate the surface and the body.

Abstract: A capacitive switching device having a pair of stationary electrodes, a movable electrode disposed capacitively relative to the stationary electrodes, and an actuator carrying the movable electrode and including a resilient member biasing the actuator away from the stationary electrodes. The movable electrode comprises a sponge member having non-porous layers on opposite sides thereof, and a resilient conductive layer adhering to one of the non-porous layers. The other non-porous layer is secured to the actuator such that the resilient conductive layer faces the stationary electrodes. A process of manufacturing the device is also disclosed.