Abstract: A vertically expandable keyboard includes keys arranged in a plurality of rows. The keyboard has a retracted configuration wherein the rows are generally coplanar with each other and an extended configuration wherein at least some of the rows of keys in the home position are extended from the retracted configuration such that the rows are not coplanar with other rows. In the extended configuration, the rows can be sequentially tiered such that each row is higher than the preceding row moving from the front row to the back row. The keyboard includes lifters for lifting the rows of keys to the extended configuration. The keyboard can be part of an electronic device such as a portable computer.

Abstract: A vertically expandable keyboard includes keys arranged in a plurality of rows. The keyboard has a retracted configuration wherein the rows are generally coplanar with each other and an extended configuration wherein at least some of the rows of keys in the home position are extended from the retracted configuration such that the rows are not coplanar with other rows. In the extended configuration, the rows can be sequentially tiered such that each row is higher than the preceding row moving from the front row to the back row. The keyboard includes lifters for lifting the rows of keys to the extended configuration. The keyboard can be part of an electronic device such as a portable computer.