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 key module and a keyboard having the key module are provided. The key module includes a base, a scissor-type unit and a keycap. The scissor-type unit has a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a connection shaft rotatably pivotally connected to a shaft hole of the second frame. The shaft hole has a travel distance therein for the shaft to move within the shaft hole along a predetermined direction. The first and second frames respectively have a first side pivotally connected to a pivot connection unit of the key cap, and a second side slidably connected to a restricting unit of the base. Through the above-mentioned design, the first frame can rotate with respect to the second frame, so that the keycap can move up and down with respect to the base.

Abstract: Key stabilization techniques for a key assembly or keyboard are provided. In one embodiment, a key assembly includes a keycap having a touch surface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position. The key assembly also includes a base having a planar-translation effecting mechanism supporting the keycap to guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position. A key stabilization mechanism positioned in the keycap, the base or both the keycap and the base configured to the stabilize the keycap so that the touch surface remains substantially planar while the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the press position to resist tilt of the keycap and rotation of the keycap about an axis in the press direction as keycap moves toward the pressed position.

Abstract: A key mechanism can include one or more butterfly hinges. Each butterfly hinge includes 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of assembling a folio case. The method comprises molding a set of molded key caps over a flexible fabric layer to form a fabric key cap layer, where the key caps do not pass through the flexible fabric layer. The method further comprises affixing a first portion of the flexible key cap layer opposite the set of molded key caps to an interior portion of a housing, and affixing an intermediate layer between the interior portion of the housing and a second portion of the fabric key cap layer corresponding to the set of molded key caps opposite the first portion. The method further comprises attaching a first portion of a holder to the first portion of the flexible key cap layer configured to receive a computing device, wherein a second portion of the holder is not fixedly attached to the flexible key cap layer.

Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a pair of links for supporting a key top, each provided on the support sheet and including a first arm and a second arm, and a frame for supporting the links, provided on the support sheet. Each link includes a rotation shaft provided at a first end and a slide shaft provided at a second end of each of the first arm and the second arm. The rotation shaft is rotatably placed on one of the frame and the key top. The slide shaft is slidably placed in a corresponding one of guide grooves provided on the other of the frame and the key top. A connecting groove is provided in the first arm of at least one of the links. A connecting shaft is provided on the second arm of the other of the links, and is movably placed in the connecting groove.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a non-conductive board, a plurality of keyswitches, and a capacitive touch sensing sheet. The plurality of keyswitches is disposed on the non-conductive board. Each keyswitch includes a keycap and a support device. The support device is connected to the keycap and the non-conductive board so as to make the keycap movable between a pressing position and a non-pressing position relative to the non-conductive board. The capacitive touch sensing sheet is disposed under the non-conductive board for providing a cursor signal to a computer device.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a lift mechanism, and a balance link. The lift mechanism connects between the keycap and the base plate such that the keycap can move up and down relative to the base plate. The balance link is formed substantially in a U-shaped profile. The middle portion thereof is rotatably disposed on the base plate; the two ends thereof are respectively formed in an L-shaped profile and rotatably inserted into two slot structures on the keycap or the lift mechanism or both. Compared with a conventional balance link formed in an n-shaped profile connecting a keycap and a base plate, the invention provides more diverse structural connections, conducive to structural miniaturization. Furthermore, a support of the lift mechanism includes a protrusion capable of being blocked by a limitation structure disposed on the base plate for controlling the rotation angle of the support.

Abstract: A key switch disposed on a base of a keyboard includes a key cap, a linkage bar, an edge plate and a recess portion. The key cap is disposed above the base. The linkage bar connects the key cap and the base. The edge plate is connected to the base. A slot is formed on the edge plate, and an end of the linkage bar is slidably latched in the slot. The recess portion is formed on the base and adjacent to the slot. A step is between a holding surface of the recess portion and a top surface of the base. The end of the linkage bar is caved in the recess portion and held on the holding surface of the recess portion when the end of the linkage bar is slidably latched in the slot.

Abstract: A luminous keyboard includes plural bottom-emitting type illumination elements, a sensing module, plural keys, and plural light-transmissible elastic elements. As a key is moved toward the sensing module, the sensing module generates a corresponding non-contact key signal. Each bottom-emitting type illumination element is aligned with a key, and disposed under the corresponding key. Each light-transmissible elastic element is aligned with a bottom-emitting type illumination element, and arranged between the corresponding bottom-emitting type illumination element and the corresponding key. After the light beam provided by each bottom-emitting type illumination element is transmitted through the corresponding light-transmissible elastic element, the light beam is projected to the corresponding key.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, at least one lift mechanism, a link, and a restoration mechanism. The lift mechanism is connected to and between the base and the keycap. The link is moveably on the base. The restoration mechanism is disposed on the link and the base and can generate a restoration force. When the keycap is pressed down by a user to move toward the base, a sliding portion of the lift mechanism slides on the base to drive the link to move relative to the base. Further, when the pressing on the keycap by the user is eliminated, the restoration force urges the link to move to drive the sliding portion to slide reversely, so that the keycap moves away from the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning an inner collar associated with a bearing incorporates a base member with a first member extending substantially perpendicular from the base member and a second member also extending substantially perpendicular from the base member, substantially parallel with said first member with a defined distance between the first and second member. The first member and the second member form opposing sides defined by a semi-circular contour formed therein such that the first member and the second member are operable to engage an inner collar of a bearing in a snap-fit engagement on opposite sides of the bearing such that the inner collar is maintained in a substantially orthogonal orientation with respect to walls of a structure in which the bearing has been mounted.

Abstract: A grid connected keyboard which includes a keyboard base; and a removable keyboard positioned with respect to the keyboard base. The removable keyboard include a keyboard grid having a plurality of spaces; a plurality of keyboard keys positioned within the spaces of the keyboard grid; and fastening means between the keyboard grid and each of the plurality of keyboard keys for maintaining the keyboard keys within the spaces of the keyboard grid. The fastening means allows movement of the keyboard keys in a direction perpendicular to a plane that contains the keyboard grid. The removable keyboard, including the plurality of keyboard keys, are removable from the keyboard base as a unit.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a key including a primary dome, a plurality of second domes, and a first layer. The primary dome is to compress a switch if the primary dome collapses. The first layer is over the primary and secondary domes. The first layer collapses the primary dome and does not engage the secondary domes, if the first layer is pressed substantially levelly or parallel to the rest position.

Abstract: A key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a scissors-type connecting member, and an elastic element. The scissors-type connecting member is connected with the base plate and the keycap. After the key structure is assembled and the keycap is not assembled, the elastic element provides an upward first elastic force, and the scissors-type connecting member is bent to provide a downward second elastic force. By exerting a small force on the keycap, the key structure can be triggered.

Abstract: An insert for a keyboard comprises a molded body that comprises a pair of opposing sides. Each of the opposing sides has a groove that extends along at least a portion of the respective side. Each groove is adapted to receive a leveling wire from a keycap.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard shell, a supporting panel, a plurality of keycaps, a plurality of keycap supports between the supporting panel and the corresponding keycaps; a plurality of elastomers through the corresponding elastomer holes; and a key signal pad substrate with a plurality of key signal pad corresponding to the elastomer hole; the elastomer includes a top part, an elastic supporting part, the elastomer is arranged on the key signal pad substrate; and a conductive layer arranged on the bottom surface of the pressure enhancing protrusion; the pressure enhancing protrusions are corresponding to the key signal pad, respectively, when pressure is supplied on the keycap, the corresponding pressure enhancing protrusion is pressed and make the conductive layer electrically connect to the key signal pad, the pressure enhancing protrusion is supported on the key signal pad substrate by the elastic supporting part.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard is equipped with a thin key module which includes a support frame with multiple keycap installation apertures and multiple keycaps corresponding to the keycap installation apertures. Each keycap has at least three movable arms each is connected between the first wall of one side of the keycap and the second wall of the keycap installation aperture. The support frame, keycaps and movable arms are integrally formed by injection. The movable arm has a first connecting section connected to the keycap and a second connecting section connected to the first connecting section at a first bend spot. The second connecting section is extended between the keycap and support frame and connected to the keycap installation aperture. In the illuminated keyboard, light is generated by a lighting unit and transmitted through a light guide plate or light guide circuit board to project to the keycaps for illumination.

Abstract: A keyswitch includes a casing, a key cap and a support device rotatably disposed between the key cap and the casing. One of the casing and the key cap has a first magnetic area and the support device has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force such that the second magnetic area moves away from the first magnetic area, the key cap moves from the non-pressed position toward the pressed position. When the external force is removed, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force such that the key cap moves from the pressed position toward the non-pressed position.

Abstract: An input device has a base, two shafts, a touchpad and a switch. The shafts are pivotally connected between the base and the touchpad, and intersect each other. When the touchpad is pressed, the shafts rotate relative to the base and the touchpad simultaneously. As the shafts intersect each other, an intersection of the shafts is nearby or exactly on a center of the touchpad, such that the shafts can pull down the touchpad from the center. Thus, no matter what location on the touchpad is pressed, a pressing force is spread uniformly, which makes the touchpad move down evenly without tilting. Besides, pulling down the touchpad from the center can further prevent leverage and deformation of the touchpad, thereby avoiding affecting the user's feel of pressing. To sum up, the input device can make the touchpad move down evenly, and prevent the touchpad from deformation.

Abstract: An illuminated keyboard comprises a fixing sheet, a membrane switch circuit module, a supporting plate, a light guide plate, a sensing circuit, a sensing chip, a light-emitting element, and an illumination circuit board. The sensing circuit is formed on the fixing sheet or the membrane switch circuit module. The sensing chip and the light-emitting element are disposed on the illumination circuit board. In addition, the sensing chip is accommodated within corresponding openings of the fixing sheet, the membrane switch circuit module, the supporting plate and the light guide plate. The illuminated keyboard uses the sensing circuit and the sensing chip to sense the presence of an object. Since the illuminated keyboard does not need an additional space to accommodate the sensing circuit and the sensing chip, the illuminated keyboard can meet the requirement of slimness.

Abstract: Key switch mechanisms are typically used for mediating user input to computing devices. A key switch mechanism provides immediate tactile feedback to a user upon user-actuation thereof. Unlike touchscreen interfaces, existing key switch mechanisms of conventional keyboards do not provide a user with a dynamically changeable interface. Described is a key switch mechanism that comprises a circuit module, a key cap and a linkage mechanism for guiding travel of the key cap substantially along a travel axis. The linkage mechanism comprises a positioning board and a main link pivotably inter-coupling the positioning board and the key cap. The main link substantially impedes tilt of the key cap away from the travel axis during travel of the key cap therealong from a released position, whereat the key cap is biased, to a depressed position whereat a control signal is generated.

Abstract: A keycap structure includes a reinforcement element and a keycap body. The reinforcement element includes two long segments and two short segments. The keycap body includes plural fixing parts and two protruding parts. The plural fixing parts are used for fixing two ends of each long segment of the reinforcement element. The two protruding parts are used for pushing the two short segments of the reinforcement element, so that the reinforcement element is subjected to deformation. Consequently, the reinforcement element generates a reacting force to push against the bilateral sides of the keycap body. Under this circumstance, the top surface of the keycap body is formed as a downwardly-concave arc-shaped surface, so that the shape of the keycap structure is effectively corrected.

Abstract: A key switch structure which enables a reduction in the width of the key switch. A key switch structure comprises a first support member (22), a second support member (23), and a third support member which are arranged independently of each other, the first support member (22) having rotation pins (22d, 22e) and slide pins (22a, 22b), the second support member (23) having rotation pins (23e, 23f) and a circular columnar slide section (23a), the third support member having front end sections (24d, 24e), which are slidably held, and a support shaft section (24a). A key top (21) is supported by the support members (22, 23, 24) so that the key top (21) can move in the vertical direction. The length of at least one side of each of the support members is set to be less than or equal to the mounting diameter of a rubber dome (27).

Abstract: Push button switch assembly for insertion in a control panel of a domestic appliance, the push button switch assembly comprising at least one push button having a push button cap and a separately formed actuating element, in particular an actuating pin, which extends between the push button cap and an electric switching element of the domestic appliance and upon actuating of the push button cap cooperates therewith and acts on the electric switching element to effect a switching operation, and a frame receiving and guiding the at least one push button cap, wherein at least one spring leg is arranged at the actuating element, which counteracts the actuating of the push button cap.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a plurality of key tops having areas where light is transmitted; a gear link part provided below the key top and configured to vertically move the key top, a housing part provided below the key top, the housing part being configured to hold the gear link part; a rubber actuator configured to provide a reaction force based on vertical motion of the key top; a membrane sheet provided below the rubber actuator and having a contact, the contact being configured to open and close based on the vertical motion of the key top; a support panel provided below the membrane sheet, the support panel being configured to fix the gear link part with the housing part; a light guide plate provided below the support panel; and a light emitting diode configured to emit the light to a side surface of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A narrow key switch for a low travel keyboard and methods of fabrication are described. The low-travel keyboard having narrow keys is suitable for a thin-profile computing device, such as a laptop computer, netbook computer, desktop computer, etc. The keyboard includes a key cap positioned over an elastomeric dome and a two-part scissor mechanism having two separate linkage structures on opposite sides of the dome. A link bar is also provided to transfer a load from a side of a key to the center if the key cap is depressed in an off-center manner. Transferring the load to the center helps to deform the elastomeric dome so that it can activate the switch circuitry of the membrane on printed circuit board underneath the dome. Separating the linkage structures into two separate parts allows for the use of a full-sized elastomeric dome for a narrow key switch. The full-sized dome provides the desired tactile feedback to a user.

Abstract: A device for the control of an electronic apparatus. The device includes an upper panel upon which a user may exert at least one control action, a lower support armature upon which the upper panel is vertically and movably mounted, a switching breaker configured to be triggered by the upper panel, and an articulated structure configured to hold the upper panel. An axis of actuation of the switching breaker may be arranged at the periphery of a contour of the upper panel, and the articulated structure may include several consecutive shafts, each of which is arranged along an associated edge of the contour of the upper actuation face of the upper panel.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing defining a receiving hole, a switch fixed in the housing, and a button which is axially true. The button comprises a fixing piece and a pressing piece. The fixing piece is fixed in the housing and defines a restriction hole. The pressing piece is partly received in the receiving hole. An end of the pressing piece is exposed out of the housing. The other end of the pressing piece is received in the restriction hole in such restrictive configuration so as to press squarely against the switch to turn it on/off. The disclosure also provides a button.

Abstract: A keyswitch device includes a pair of links for supporting a key top, each provided on the support sheet and including a first arm and a second arm, and a frame for supporting the links, provided on the support sheet. Each link includes a rotation shaft provided at a first end and a slide shaft provided at a second end of each of the first arm and the second arm. The rotation shaft is rotatably placed on one of the frame and the key top. The slide shaft is slidably placed in a corresponding one of guide grooves provided on the other of the frame and the key top. A connecting groove is provided in the first arm of at least one of the links. A connecting shaft is provided on the second arm of the other of the links, and is movably placed in the connecting groove.

Abstract: A magnetic keyswitch includes a base, a keycap, a curved supporter, a bracket and a second magnetic portion. The keycap moves relative to the base upwardly and downwardly. The curved supporter is disposed between the keycap and the base and has a first end and a second end. A first magnetic portion is disposed on the first end. The bracket slides relative to the base and is switched between a first position and a second position. The second magnetic portion is disposed on the bracket. An attractive force is generated between the second magnetic portion and the first end when the bracket is located at the first position, so that the second end supports the keycap at a first height. The attractive force is removed when the bracket moves to the second position, and the keycap is descended to a second height by an external force.

Abstract: A key module and a keyboard having the key module are provided. The key module includes a base, a scissor-type unit and a keycap. The scissor-type unit has a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has a connection shaft rotatably pivotally connected to a shaft hole of the second frame. The shaft hole has a travel distance therein for the shaft to move within the shaft hole along a predetermined direction. The first and second frames respectively have a first side pivotally connected to a pivot connection unit of the key cap, and a second side slidably connected to a restricting unit of the base. Through the above-mentioned design, the first frame can rotate with respect to the second frame, so that the keycap can move up and down with respect to the base.

Abstract: A keyswitch and a keyboard are provided. A top plate of a keycap of the keyswitch, for being pressed and decoration, and a frame including groove bodies, for linking with a supporting mechanism, are separated into two components such that the top plate may be implemented as a plate structure with much thinner thickness while maintaining its strength, and the frame with the groove bodies is attached to the top plate via insert molding or adhering. The frame and the top plate form the keycap, in which the groove bodies at the frame and the top plate form sliding slots or engaging slots in cooperation with the supporting mechanism. The thickness of the keycap can be substantially reduced and meanwhile maintain the necessary stroke of the keyswitch and the strength of the keycap. The keyboard having the keyswitches is made possible for further miniaturized with thinner thickness.

Abstract: A key structure with a scissors-type connecting member is provided. The key structure includes a base plate, a scissors-type connecting member, and a keycap. The scissors-type connecting member includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame includes a rotating shaft and an extension structure. The extension structure is extended from a first sidewall of the first frame to a ring-shaped periphery of the rotating shaft for enhancing a structural strength of the rotating shaft. The second frame includes a receiving recess for accommodating the rotating shaft and the extension structure.

Abstract: A key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a scissors-type connecting member, and an elastic element. The scissors-type connecting member is connected with the base plate and the keycap. After the key structure is assembled and the keycap is not assembled, the elastic element provides an upward first elastic force, and the scissors-type connecting member is bent to provide a downward second elastic force. By exerting a small force on the keycap, the key structure can be triggered.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, at least one lift mechanism, a link, and a restoration mechanism. The lift mechanism is connected to and between the base and the keycap. The link is moveably on the base. The restoration mechanism is disposed on the link and the base and can generate a restoration force. When the keycap is pressed down by a user to move toward the base, a sliding portion of the lift mechanism slides on the base to drive the link to move relative to the base. Further, when the pressing on the keycap by the user is eliminated, the restoration force urges the link to move to drive the sliding portion to slide reversely, so that the keycap moves away from the base.

Abstract: A keyswitch, disposed on a base plate, includes a keycap and a scissors-like supporting structure. The scissors-like supporting structure is disposed on the base plate and supports the keycap. The scissors-like supporting structure includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member. The first supporting member includes a first engaging shaft and a second engaging shaft respectively engaged with the base plate and the keycap. The second supporting member is pivotally connected to the first supporting member and includes a third engaging shaft and a fourth engaging shaft respectively engaged with the base plate and the keycap. A line connected between the centers of gravity of the first and second engaging shaft is not perpendicular to the first and second engaging shaft. A line connected between the centers of gravity of the third and fourth engaging shaft is not perpendicular to the third and fourth engaging shaft.

Abstract: A cam-action anti-rolling mechanism for buttons is described herein. One embodiment may take the form of a button having a body with a slot extending therethrough. The slot has a normal orientation to a direction of motion for the button. The button also includes a cam bar having a first portion extending through the slot and a second portion offset from and parallel to the first portion. The cam bar is coupled in a slip fit manner within the slot to the body and the second portion provides a rotational axis for the cam bar. A fixture coupled to the second portion of the cam bar is provided to allow for rotation of the cam bar.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a bottom board, a circuit board disposed on the bottom board, a resilient member, a key cap and two supporting members. The bottom board is formed with two first holes spaced apart from each other. The key cap is located over the bottom board, and includes two pivoting portions that are spaced apart from each other. Each supporting member has an end pivoted to a respective one of the pivoting portions of the key cap, and an opposite end pivoted to the bottom board. When the key cap is moved toward the bottom board and presses the resilient member, each of the supporting members engages at least partly a corresponding one of the first holes, and the resilient member triggers the circuit board so as to generate a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A key structure includes a base plate, a switch circuit board, a keycap, and an enclosure frame. The keycap includes a magnetic element. The magnetic element is disposed on an edge part of the keycap. The enclosure frame includes a magnetic coating layer. The magnetic coating layer is formed on an edge part of the enclosure frame and disposed over the magnetic element. When the keycap is depressed, the keycap is moved to trigger the switch circuit board, so that the switch circuit board generates a key signal. When the keycap is no longer depressed, the keycap is moved toward the magnetic coating layer in response to the magnetic force. The key structure can be normally operated without the need of installing an elastic rubbery element.

Abstract: A key switch structure can include a key top, a link structure, a back plate, a membrane sheet, an elastic member, an arm bar, and a pushing member. The link structure can guide the key top in the pushing direction while the key top is pushed. The back plate can support the link structure. The membrane sheet can include a contact portion arranged on the membrane sheet and connectable, in response to a predetermined pressure, to an electrical contact to form a closed circuit. The elastic member can push and separate the key top from the back plate, and be elastically deformable. The arm bar can movably support the key top, and the arm bar can be supported movably at the back plate. The pushing member can push the link structure while the key top is pushed.

Abstract: A keyboard for an electronic device, including a switch plate configured to be in communication with the electronic device, a key cap movably supported above the switch plate, and a translation mechanism operably connected to the switch plate and the keycap. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the key cap vertically relative to the switch plate. The translation mechanism includes a first support and a second support substantially identical to the first support, where the first support and the second support are a rigid material and as the key cap is depressed, the first support and the second support pivot relative to each other to translate the keycap vertically with respect to the switch plate.

Abstract: A multi-directional button assembly includes a first switch, a second switch, a support piece, a pressing slice, a center button body, and a directional button body. The first switch and the second switch respectively provide a first trigger point and a second trigger point to be pressed to generate a first trigger signal and a second trigger signal. The support piece is disposed above the first switch and includes an aperture corresponding to the first trigger point. The pressing slice extends from the support piece to a position above the second switch. The center button body includes an extension post and is pressed for driving the extension post to press the first trigger point via the aperture. The directional button body is disposed above the pressing slice and is pressed to bias the pressing slice to press the second trigger point without pressing the first trigger point.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure includes a keycap having a vertical connection member and a vertical-horizontal-translation mechanism, a baseplate having a vertical connection member, a slidable part having a vertical-horizontal-translation mechanism, and a restoring member. The vertical connection members are engaged for constraining the keycap to move relative to the baseplate substantially along a Z axis. The vertical-horizontal-translation mechanisms are engaged, so that the slidable part can perform a motion in response to a movement of the keycap toward the baseplate along the Z axis upon a pressing operation. The motion includes a displacement in a first direction. When the pressing operation is discontinued, a horizontal restoring force by the restoring member enables the slidable part to perform a motion that includes a displacement in a second direction to move the keycap away from the baseplate along the Z axis. The second direction is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A key switch disposed on a base of a keyboard is disclosed. The key switch includes a key cap, an edge plate, a linkage bar and a sliding end. The key cap is disposed above the base. The edge plate is connected to the base, and a slot is formed on the edge plate. The linkage bar is for connecting the keycap and the base. The sliding end is connected to an end of the linkage bar, and the sliding end is slidably disposed in the slot and abuts against a top surface of the base, wherein a cross section area of the sliding end is smaller than a cross section area of the end of the linkage bar.

Abstract: Described herein are one or more techniques related to a touchsurface with level and planar translational travel responsiveness. One or more of the described implementations include an input device having a rigid body including a touchsurface configured to travel along a depression path in response to being depressed by a user. The input device also includes a leveling mechanism that operates in manner to keep the touchsurface substantially level as the touchsurface travels along the depression path in response to being depressed by the user. Furthermore, the input device has a planar-translation-effecting mechanism that defines a planar translation component of the depression path, such that the touchsurface exhibits planar translation as the touchsurface travels along the depression path.

Abstract: A keyswitch device which is provided with a support mechanism which supports a keytop in a movable manner, and a membrane sheet which has a plurality of upper electrodes and a plurality of lower electrodes which respectively correspond to the plurality of the upper electrodes and which form contact pairs with the corresponding upper electrodes. A plurality of contact pairs are arranged for a single keytop. The rubber cup pushes the plurality of contact pairs which are arranged for the single keytop.

Abstract: A key switch disposed on a base of a keyboard includes a key cap, a linkage bar, an edge plate and a recess portion. The key cap is disposed above the base. The linkage bar connects the key cap and the base. The edge plate is connected to the base. A slot is formed on the edge plate, and an end of the linkage bar is slidably latched in the slot. The recess portion is formed on the base and adjacent to the slot. A step is between a holding surface of the recess portion and a top surface of the base. The end of the linkage bar is caved in the recess portion and held on the holding surface of the recess portion when the end of the linkage bar is slidably latched in the slot.

Abstract: A self-locking switch including a button sub-assembly and a housing sub-assembly. The button sub-assembly includes at least one button with a tab extending from a lower surface at a first end and at least one shaft engagement point on the lower surface at a second end, and a bracket comprising a first end and a second end with a rotation shaft at the second end. The bracket is rotatably connected to the button. The housing sub-assembly includes a switch housing having engagement points, and a switching mechanism in the housing. The button sub-assembly and the housing sub-assembly are joined together by engaging the tab of the button and the first and second ends of the bracket to corresponding engagement points on the switch housing and the engagement points are not accessible from outside the self-locking switch after the button sub-assembly and the housing sub-assembly are assembled together.

Abstract: Provided is a key switch that enables sufficiently enhancement of the rigidity of a key top. A key switch includes a support plate; a key top disposed on the support plate; a link configured to link the key top with the support plate; a switch; a first arm disposed on a back surface of the key top between the link and a first short-side end of the key top, and extending in a long-side direction of the key top; a second arm disposed on the back surface of the key top between the link and a second short-side end of the key top, and extending in the long-side direction of the key top; and a reinforcement plate mounted on the key top. The reinforcement plate comprises a short-side part extending in the short-side direction of the key top between the first arm and the second arm.