Abstract: A sinkable keyboard device includes a substrate, keycaps, a slide plate, and a driving member. The keycaps are above the substrate and capable of lifting and sinking. Each keycap is provided with a first guide member. The slide plate is below and in parallel with the substrate. The slide plate includes a long side and a short side connected to the long side. The slide plate is provided with second guide members respectively corresponding to the first guide members. The driving member is on the short side of the slide plate. The driving member includes a driving motor. The driving motor drives the slide plate to slide relative to the substrate along the long side to make the second guide members respectively against the first guide members to drive the keycaps to relatively sink.

Abstract: A method for assembling an electro-permanent magnet (EPM) key assembly of an information handling system may comprise disposing a pair of scissor plate mounts framed onto a base contact assembly upward through a cap support plate opening within a cap support plate comprising a printed circuit board with pressure sensors to record keystrokes for mounting the EPM key assembly, operably connecting the base contact assembly to the cap support plate, disposing a ferromagnetic flange operably coupled to rotate with at least one scissor plate about a hinge downward through the cap support plate opening, operably connecting the pair of scissor plates to the base contact assembly such that each of the pair of scissor plates may rotate away from one another in the presence of downward force on a key cap, and situating the key cap atop the pair of scissor plates.

Abstract: A low-height key structure includes a keycap, a supporting plate, a connecting element, a circuit board and an elastic element. The circuit board is disposed on the supporting plate. A switch element is installed on the circuit board. The connecting element is connected with the keycap and the supporting plate. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the supporting plate through the connecting element. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the circuit board. The elastic element includes a contacting part and an elastic support part, which are connected with each other. The contacting part includes a bowl-shaped concave structure. A raised structure is protruded from a middle region of a bottom side of the bowl-shaped concave structure. A top surface of the raised structure is at a level lower than or equal to a top surface of the contacting part.

Abstract: A key structure including a circuit board, a membrane, a positioning frame, a sensor module, a scissor leg, and a key cap is provided. The membrane is disposed on the circuit board and is electrically connected to each other. The positioning frame is disposed on the membrane. The sensor module is disposed on the membrane and is electrically connected to the circuit board. The scissor leg is connected to the positioning frame and is adapted to move up and down relative to the positioning frame. The key cap is detachably disposed at the scissor leg and is spaced with positioning frame. The key cap has a reflective plane and a shaft component. The reflective plane faces the membrane. The shaft component is extended from the reflective plane and penetrates through the scissor leg and the positioning frame to abut the membrane. The sensor module is aligned with the reflective plane.

Abstract: A button assembly is disposed in a rocker. The button assembly including a base, a pressure sensor and a keycap. The base has two lower pivoting portions with each of the two lower pivoting portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the base. The pressure sensor is mounted on the base. The keycap overlies the pressure sensor. The keycap has two upper pivoting portions with each of the two upper pivoting portions protruding outwardly from respective sides of the keycap. The two lower pivoting portions are pivoted with the two upper pivoting portions to allow the two upper pivoting portions to be rotatable relative to the two lower pivoting portions. As described above, a push-button structure is thus formed by the two lower pivoting portions and the two upper pivoting portions configured among the base, the pressure sensor and the keycap to achieve the modularization of the button assembly.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate and a plurality of keyswitches disposed on the base plate. At least one of the keyswitches includes a keycap, two linkages, and two magnetic attraction members. The linkages are connected between the base plate and the keycap and configured to guide the movements of the keycap toward and away from the base plate. The magnetic attraction members are rotatably connected to the linkages, respectively, and are configured to attract each other. When the magnetic attraction members abut against each other, the keycap is at a highest position relative to the base plate. When the keycap moves toward the base plate from the highest position, the magnetic attraction members are separated from each other.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, and two supports connected to the base plate and the keycap. The keycap is movable relative to the base plate through the two supports. In an embodiment, the support is pivotally connected to the base plate through a pivotal connection structure that includes a guiding slot and a protruding shaft oppositely disposed on the support and the base plate. The guiding slot has an indentation portion and can guide the protruding shaft to fit in the indentation portion. In another embodiment, the support includes a support body connected to the base plate, and an abutting arm extending from the support body. The base plate structurally constrains the support through a hook and a limitation post thereof. The abutting arm of one support extends under the other support, so that the two supports can move each other through the abutting arms.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a key module including a bottom plate, a keycap and a scissor structure. The keycap is located above the bottom plate. The key cap includes a pivoting member protruding from the bottom surface and a sliding member. The pivoting member has a pivot hole and a hollowed-out area communicating with the pivot hole. The scissor structure is disposed between the bottom plate and the keycap, and includes a first leg and a second leg pivotally connected to each other, the first side of the first leg and the second side of the second leg are connected to the bottom plate, the third side of the first leg is rotatably connected to the pivoting member of the keycap, and the fourth side of the second leg is slidably connected to the sliding member of the keycap.

Abstract: A keycap forming method includes the following steps. Firstly, a stabilizer bar is fixed on a first male mold. Then, a keycap is formed through a second male mold and a female mold according to an injection molding process. Then, the second male mold and the female mold are separated from each other, so that the keycap is fixed on the female mold. Then, the first male mold and the female mold are stacked on each other, so that the stabilizer bar and the keycap are combined together. Then, the first male mold and the female mold are separated from each other. Consequently, the stabilizer bar is detached from the first male mold. By using the keycap forming method, it is not necessary to manually assemble the stabilizer bar with the keycap.

Abstract: Provided is a key structure including a base plate having at least one connecting seat and at least one notch adjacent to a lower portion of the connecting seat; a keycap disposed above the base plate in a liftable manner; a thin film circuit assembly disposed on the base plate and located between the base plate and the keycap; and a supporting rod connected to the keycap and the base plate and located between the thin film circuit assembly and the keycap. An accommodating space formed by the notch extends from and communicates with a through hole of the connecting seat. The connecting seat protrudes out from an opening of the thin film circuit assembly. A vertical projection region of the notch on the base plate is located within a vertical projection region of the opening on the base plate. The invention also provides a keyboard module.

Abstract: A sinkable keyboard device includes a substrate, a first keycap, a second keycap, and a sliding plate. The substrate has an upper surface. The first keycap is liftably disposed on the upper surface and includes a first abutting portion. The second keycap is liftably disposed on the upper surface and includes a second abutting portion. The sliding plate is parallel to the substrate and movable relative to the upper surface along a sliding direction. The sliding plate includes a first guiding member and a second guiding member arranged along the sliding direction. The first guiding member has a first inclined guiding surface, and a first inclined angle is between the first inclined guiding surface and the upper surface. The second guiding member has a second inclined guiding surface, and a second inclined angle different from the first inclined angle is between the second inclined guiding surface and the upper surface.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate, a coupling structure and a key structure. The base plate includes a substrate and a protrusion structure. The protrusion structure is bent and protruded upwardly from the substrate. A bent region is formed between the protrusion structure and the substrate. A coupling opening is formed in the bent region. The coupling structure filled in the coupling opening to cover the protrusion structure. The key structure includes a keycap and a connecting element. The connecting element is connected between the keycap and the coupling structure.

Abstract: A method for control device adjustment comprising applying a preload simultaneously to a plurality of shafts of a control device so as to take up initial assembly play, wherein the control device comprises an upper actuating element that is movable relative to a lower supporting mounting, a lower supporting mounting, a switch that is actuated by the upper actuating element, and an articulated structure that is interposed vertically between the upper actuating element and the lower mounting to keep the upper actuating element parallel to a horizontal plane during its vertical downward movement relative to a frame, and the at least one shaft. The method also comprises providing an adjustment stop fixed relative to the lower mounting and forming a stop surface that interacts with a facing portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a substrate, a limit connecting member, a keycap, and a liftable connecting member. The assembly area of the substrate includes a through hole and a curved side wall standingly disposed on the substrate. The bottom edge of the curved side wall is adjacently connected to a periphery portion of the through hole. One side of the curved side wall facing the through hole includes a recessed groove. The limit connecting member is disposed on the assembly area and includes an inner fixing portion received in the through hole and an outer fixing portion enclosing the curved side wall and fixing with the inner fixing portion. The inner fixing portion has a protruding portion received in the recessed groove. The keycap is disposed on the assembly area. The liftable connecting member is connected between the keycap and the assembly area and is assembled with the limit connecting member.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a base, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The keycap is located over the base. The connecting assembly is located between the base and the keycap and includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member connected to each other. Each of the first and second connecting members is connected to the base and the keycap. Two connected members of the base, the keycap, and the first and second connecting members are fixedly connected. When the keycap is pressed toward the base, at least one of the first and second connecting members elastically deforms to store elastic potential energy. When the keycap is released, said at least one of the first and second connecting members elastically recovers to return the keycap to its original position.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a keycap, a base, and two supports pivotally connected to each other relative to a rotation axis and connected to and between the keycap and the base. One of the supports includes a first shaft recess, a first shaft portion, and a division slot formed therebetween; the other support includes a second shaft recess, a second shaft portion, and a division wall therebetween. The two supports are pivotally connected relative to the rotation axis by the first shaft portion and the second shaft portion rotatably disposed in the first shaft recess and the second shaft recess respectively. Therein, the division wall is inserted into the division slot. The keycap can move up and down relative to the base through the two supports.

Abstract: A resilient body and a keyboard structure are disclosed. The resilient body has a top portion, a bottom portion, a conducting post and an annular wall. The top portion has a first side wall and a first bottom surface. Before the resilient body is pressed, an angle is formed between the first side wall and the first bottom surface, wherein the angle is greater than 90°. The bottom portion has a second bottom surface. The conducting post is disposed under the first bottom surface. When the resilient body is pressed, the fire point of the resilient body is reached before the resilient body reaches the bottom point.

Abstract: A key module including a key cap, a bottom plate, and a scissors structure is provided. The scissors structure has a first supporting member and a second supporting member pivoted to the key cap and the bottom plate respectively. The first supporting member has a plurality of protruding shafts, the second supporting member has a plurality of axle holes, and the protruding shafts are movably pivoted to the axle holes respectively.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes keyboard device includes a membrane circuit board, a base plate and a key structure. The key structure includes a keycap, a connecting element, an elastic element and a buffering structure. The connecting element is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The buffering structure is disposed on a bottom surface of the keycap. While the keycap is depressed, the buffering structure collides with the elastic element or the connecting element. Consequently, the buffering structure provides a buffering effect.

Abstract: A push button device can stabilize an operation of a guide mechanism and can enhance product quality. A keyboard device includes the push button device and electronic apparatus includes the keyboard device. A key switch that is a push button device includes a key cap as a push button, a base plate, and a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism includes an outer frame member and an inner member. An outer frame member has a pair of inner surfaces opposed to each other with interposition of an opening in which the inner member is disposed, and each of the pair of inner surfaces is provided with a bearing hole to serve as a first engagement part. The inner member has a pair of outer surfaces opposed to the pair of inner surfaces of the outer frame member, and each of the pair of outer surfaces is provided with a rotation shaft to be a second engagement part. An outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft has a tapered portion whose outer diameter gradually decreases in an insertion direction of the bearing hole.

Abstract: An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a bottom plate, key caps, a circuit board, reset members, and assembly structures. The bottom plate has assembly regions. The key caps are above the bottom plate and correspond to the assembly regions. The circuit board is under the key caps. The key caps are abutted by the reset members. The assembly structures are between the bottom plate and the key caps. Each assembly structure includes an assembly member and a long rod. The assembly member is on the assembly region. The long rod is on the assembly member and is capable of moving up and down relative to the bottom plate. Each key cap includes a clamp portion. The clamp portion is on the long rod. The key cap is connected to the bottom plate via the clamp portion and is swingable about the long rod relative to the bottom plate.

Abstract: A key device includes a key cap and a base plate unit. The key cap includes a top wall and a peripheral wall cooperatively defining a receiving space. The top wall has a plurality of spaced-apart studs protruding into the receiving space. The base plate unit is disposed in the receiving space and is riveted to the top wall through the studs. The base plate unit includes a base plate, and a plurality of engaging members secured to the base plate. The base plate includes a plurality of stud holes for extension of the studs respectively therethrough, and a plurality of spaced-apart anchor members. The engaging members are injection molded to the anchor members, respectively.

Abstract: A key structure including a circuit board, a membrane, a positioning frame, a sensor module, a scissor leg, and a key cap is provided. The membrane is disposed on the circuit board and is electrically connected to each other. The positioning frame is disposed on the membrane. The sensor module is disposed on the membrane and is electrically connected to the circuit board. The scissor leg is connected to the positioning frame and is adapted to move up and down relative to the positioning frame. The key cap is detachably disposed at the scissor leg and is spaced with positioning frame. The key cap has a reflective plane and a shaft component. The reflective plane faces the membrane. The shaft component is extended from the reflective plane and penetrates through the scissor leg and the positioning frame to abut the membrane. The sensor module is aligned with the reflective plane.

Abstract: A switch has a base, an operation unit disposed above the base and moving in a contacting-separating direction with respect to the base in response to an external force, a pair of link members configured to guide movement of the operation unit in the contacting-separating direction, and a coupling portion configured to turnably couple the pair of link members to each other. Each of the pair of link members each includes a coupling-portion-side supported portion supported on one of the base and the operation unit and an end-side supported portion supported on the other of the base and the operation unit. One of the base and the operation unit on which the coupling-portion-side supported portion is supported includes a wall surface provided with a movement space.

Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base, a wing-type connecting element and a keycap. The base plate includes a close-type connecting bracket. The wing-type connecting element includes a first frame and a second frame. A connecting shaft of the second frame is received within the close-type connecting bracket. Consequently, the wing-type connecting element is connected with the base plate. While the keycap is depressed, the connecting shaft is only allowed to be rotated and limited within the close-type connecting bracket. Since the swinging range of the wing-type connecting element is reduced, the keyboard device of the present invention is capable of improving the depressing stability of the keycap.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus includes a key, a frame, a flexible section configured to rotate the key with respect to the frame, the flexible section having a longitudinal direction, and including a region where a length of the flexible section in a first direction continuously increases toward a first end and a second end of the flexible section in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the flexible section, and a first supporting section supporting side closer to the first end than the region, the first supporting section including a bonding section bonded to the first end, the bonding section including a first section and a second section, the first section and the second section keeping continuity with the flexible section, and a recessed section being arranged at a position, in a scale direction and sandwiched between the first section and the second section, of the bonding section.

Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a base plate, a hook, a scissors-like linkage mechanism, a keycap, and a blocking structure. The hook is located on the base plate. The scissors-like linkage mechanism is located on the base plate and includes a connection member. The connection member includes a shaft rotatably engaged with the hook. The keycap is engaged with the scissors-like linkage mechanism and configured to move relative to the base plate with the guidance of the scissors-like linkage mechanism. The blocking structure is located on the base plate. When the keycap is located at a highest position relative to the base plate, the blocking structure and a part of the connection member abut against each other.

Abstract: A keycap detachably provided on a guide mechanism of a key switch includes a cap main body having a front face pressed at the time of key input and a rear face on the opposite side to the front face; and a first engaging projection and a second engaging projection, both of which protrude from the rear face of the cap main body with a gap therebetween so that an engaging portion of the guide mechanism is detachably engaged into the gap. At least a part of an area around the first engaging projection and the second engaging projection in the cap main body has a thin part thinner than other parts of the cap main body. As a result, the falling off of the keycap can be prevented.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a first support, and a second support. The keycap is located above the base plate. The first support is connected to and between the keycap and the base plate and has an upper connection portion, a lower connection portion, and a protruding limitation portion. The upper connection portion is located between the lower connection portion and the protruding limitation portion. The first support is rotatably connected to the keycap and the base plate through the upper connection portion and the lower connection portion respectively. The protruding limitation portion is located close to and under the cap body. The second support is connected to and between the keycap and the base plate. The keycap moves up and down relative to the base plate through the first support and the second support.

Abstract: A low-cost electronic device capable of storing keycaps within a chassis is disclosed. The electronic device includes a support plate; a set of keycaps supported above the top face of the support plate, the keycaps moving up and down between the operating position and the storage position; and a frame functioning as a driving member that is movable relative to the keycaps in the direction parallel to the top face of the support plate. Each keycap has a pressure-receiving part. The frame has pressing parts that move relative to the keycaps to come in contact with the pressure-receiving parts.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate with a base plate with a connecting bracket, a wing-type connecting element and a keycap. A first connecting shaft of the wing-type connecting element is inserted into the connecting bracket, so that the wing-type connecting element is connected with the base plate. While the keycap is depressed, the first connecting shaft is inserted into a first receiving space of the connecting shaft and used as a swinging fulcrum. Since the vertical movement of the wing-type connecting element is restricted by the first receiving space, the swinging range of the wing-type connecting element is reduced. Consequently, the keyboard device of the present invention is capable of improving the depressing stability of the keycap.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a keycap, a base plate, a first support, and a second support. The first support and the second support are pivotally connected with each other and are connected to and between the keycap and the base plate. The first support includes a shaft socket, a shaft portion, and a protruding interference portion which are adjacently arranged. Correspondingly, the second support includes a shaft portion, a shaft socket, and a recess interference portion which are adjacently arranged. The recess interference portion has a relief space and a block beside the relief space. The first support and the second support are pivotally connected by engaging the shaft sockets with the corresponding shaft portions; therein, the protruding interference portion is located in the relief space, and the block obstructs the protruding interference portion moving out of the relief space.

Abstract: A linkage assembly is provided for guiding movement of a key cap relative to a support board between a normal position and a pressed position. The linkage assembly includes a left modular linking member, a right modular linking member, and a pair of synchronizing units for synchronize movement of the left and right modular linking members. Each of the synchronizing units has a first pin, a second pin, a first hole, and a second hole. In the normal position, the first and second pins are in substantially full frictional engagement within the first and second holes, respectively. In the pressed position, the first and second pins are in loose frictional engagement within the first and second holes, respectively.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a depressible key may be provided. The depressible key may include: a keytop; a scissors mechanism connected to the keytop; and a mechanical switch connected to the scissors mechanism.

Abstract: A scissor structure for a key of a keyboard includes an inner scissor and an outer scissor, wherein the inner scissor is fixedly connected with the outer scissor through an elastic connecting pin; when the key is pressed, the inner scissor and the outer scissor are pressed therewith, and drive the elastic deformation of the connecting pin; when the key is loosened, the inner scissor and the outer scissor are restored to an initial state under the elastic restoring force of the connecting pin, so as to transmit the key.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a base plate, a butterfly-type connecting element and a keycap assembly. The keycap assembly includes a coupling frame and a keycap. The coupling frame includes a first coupling part. The keycap includes a second coupling part. The butterfly-type connecting element is connected with the base plate and the coupling frame. The coupling frame and the butterfly-type connecting element are combined together through the first coupling part and the second coupling part. When the pressing force is acted on a corner of the keycap, the pressing force can be transferred to the whole keycap through the coupling frame. Consequently, the pressing force can be effectively transferred.

Abstract: A key switch includes a base, a key cap, a link bar and a buffer member. A first hook of a first extending arm of the base and a second hook of a second extending arm of the base extend toward opposite directions respectively. An upper linking end of the link bar is movably connected to the key cap. The buffer member is made of material softer than material of the base. When the first hook and the second hook engage with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion of the buffer member respectively, a recess structure of the buffer member is adjacent to the base to form a restraining structure. A lower linking end of the link bar is movably disposed through the restraining structure. Therefore, the key switch of the present invention has noise reduction capability.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a base plate, a keycap, and at least one balance assembly. The base plate has a plurality of connecting structures. The keycap is above the base plate. The balance assembly includes a balance bar and two silencing members. The balance bar is between the base plate and the keycap and is engaged with the keycap. The silencing members are connected to the balance bar and engaged with the connecting structures. The balance assembly is configured to guide the keycap to move relative to the base plate. Hardnesses of the base plate and the balance bar are greater than a hardness of the silencing members.

Abstract: An electronic device having a button assembly fitted with an enclosure of the electronic device is disclosed. The button assembly may include a button connected to a first protrusion and a second protrusion, both of which extend through a first through hole and a second through hole, respectively, of the enclosure. The electronic device may include a liquid-resistant electronic device. The button assembly may include sealing elements fitted on the protrusions to plug, or seal, the through holes. The button assembly may include a clip that secures the button assembly with the enclosure. The button assembly may include a bar secured with the first protrusion and the second protrusion. When an “off-center” force is applied to an end of the button, the bar is designed to distribute the force so that the other end of the button is actuated and the button remains generally parallel with respect to the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an operating device including: a circuit board; a frame arranged on top of the circuit board; a plate-shaped operating member located relative to the frame and including a surface touched by a user's finger and a touch sensor adapted to detect the position of the user's finger that has touched the surface, the plate-shaped operating member being arranged to be able to move up and down so that the operating member can be pressed by the user; and an elastic member arranged between the frame and operating member to bias the operating member upward.

Abstract: A thin keyboard switch includes a keycap, a housing, an elastic body, an elastic contact body, a balancing frame, and a base disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB). A base groove fitting with the elastic contact body is provided at the center of the base, the elastic contact body is disposed at the bottom portion inside the base groove, and the elastic contact body is electrically connected to the PCB. The housing and the base are disposed in a tightly gripping manner. The elastic body protrudes from the housing and is connected to the keycap, and the keycap is mounted on the balancing frame.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a low profile key for a keyboard having an overmolded support structure. In one aspect, an embodiment includes a key cap having an illuminable symbol. A support structure having a pair of overmolded wings may pivotally couple to the key cap. A switch housing may surround the support structure and connect each of the first and second wings. A tactile dome may be at least partially positioned within the switch housing and configured to bias the key cap upward. A sensing membrane may be positioned along an underside surface of the tactile dome and configured to trigger a switch event in response to a collapsing of the tactile dome caused by a depression of the key cap. A feature plate may be positioned below the sensing membrane. A light guide panel may define at least one light extraction feature that may be configured to propagate light toward the key cap and cause illumination of the illuminable symbol.

Abstract: An input apparatus includes a conductive layer having flexibility, a capacitance-type sensor layer having a plurality of detection units, and a structure layer having a plurality of structures, a reaction force of which is non-linearly changed with respect to a pressing amount. The structure layer is disposed between the conductive layer and the sensor layer. The two or more structures are disposed in an operation area corresponding to the detection units.

Abstract: A balancing structure for a long key of a keyboard includes a balancing rod and a pair of clamping hooks arranged on a bottom plate of the keyboard. The balancing rod includes a cross rod matched with a keycap of the key and two sliding rods extending from two end parts of the cross rod and matched with the pair of clamping hooks respectively. During the keycap pressing or spring-back process, each of the two sliding rods slides on a clamping port edge on at least one side of the corresponding clamping hook along with the rotation of the cross rod, and the moving trajectory of the contact point of each sliding rod and the corresponding port edge is an arc in the sliding process.

Abstract: A key mechanism including one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge may include a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. Hinged coupling mechanisms couple respective arms of the wings together. Additionally or alternatively, a key mechanism can include one or more half-butterfly hinges. Each half-butterfly hinge includes a double wing design operative to move between a depressed position and non-depressed position. A hinged coupling mechanism couples one set of corresponding arms of the wings together, while the other set of corresponding arms are not coupled together.

Abstract: A pushbutton includes a key top, including a light-transmissive display part, the key top configured to be depressed; and LEDs configured to emit light toward the display part. The display part includes a bottom surface and a sloped surface, the sloped surface being continuous with an outer edge of the bottom surface and broadening outward as the sloped surface progresses upward from the bottom surface. The light emitted from the LEDs toward the display part is reflected by the sloped surface and emitted toward the exterior from a top surface.

Abstract: A key is disclosed herein. The key is disposed on a baseplate of a keyboard device, and comprises a sheet metal keycap and a supporting structure. The sheet metal keycap includes a body portion and two bending portions. The two bending portions are formed by extending downward from a side of two punching holes on the body portion, respectively. The supporting structure is disposed between the sheet metal keycap and the baseplate. Two sides of the supporting structure are pivotally connected to the bending portions and the baseplate, respectively. The key is thinner due to sheet metal keycap which is integratedly formed. A keyboard device with a plurality keys is also provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a key supporting structure. The key supporting structure includes a scissor-type component having a first supporting element and a second supporting element that are pivotally connected to each other. The first supporting element has a first frame, and two end of the first frame have at least one first pivot and at least one second pivot respectively. The second supporting element has a second frame, and two end of the second frame have at least one third pivot and at least one fourth pivot respectively. The first frame and the second frame are made from a powder sintered material. The first pivot, the second pivot, the third pivot, and the fourth pivot are formed on the first frame and the second frame by plastic injection molding method.