Abstract: A multi-mode mechanical key switch assembly has a housing and a stem supported in a base of the housing, the stem constrained to move, when depressed during keystroke, from a resting state and toward the base of the housing. The assembly has a removable contact leaf spring seated in the housing and having a contact portion located in a travel path of the stem for engaging with the stem during the keystroke to provide audible and/or tactile feedback. The contact leaf spring is movable between a first seated position and a second seated position to change the characteristics of the feedback. Removal of the contact leaf spring from the housing enables the stem to travel its maximum keystroke distance without auditory or tactile feedback.

Abstract: A key structure includes a base, a movable mechanism movably positioned on the base, a sound generating member positioned on the base, and an adjusting unit movable relative to the base to be at a first position or a second position. The sound generating member has a hitting portion, which extends corresponding to an impact surface. When the adjusting unit is at the first position, and a pressing force is applied to the movable mechanism, the movable mechanism moves relative to the base and drives the sound generating member to move, so the hitting portion moves to hit the impact surface to generate a hitting sound. When the adjusting unit is at the second position, the adjusting unit restricts movement of the hitting portion, so the hitting portion cannot move to hit the impact surface.

Abstract: A switch includes a housing, a movable member reciprocable in a movement direction relative to the housing and including an operation part located at an end of the movable member outside the housing, and a guide that guides the movable member in the movement direction. The operation part has a plurality of slopes extending linearly from the operation surface toward a distal end of the movable member outside the housing, sloping away from a central axis of the movable member toward the operation surface, and sloping in directions intersecting with one another as viewed in the movement direction.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a controller includes a base and a continuous sealing layer connected to the base forming an environmentally sealed compartment between the base and a lower surface of the continuous sealing layer. A circuit board is positioned within the compartment, and a rotary knob encoder is positioned on an upper surface of the continuous sealing layer. Movement of the rotary knob encoder is detectable by the circuit board through the continuous sealing layer.

Abstract: Detent systems for rotary actuators that utilize one or more sets of magnets that have either attractive or repulsive characteristics. A biasing magnetic element may be positioned to repel a floating movable magnet. The repelled movable magnetic element is forced into contact with a serrated detenting ring via the repulsive force between magnets of common pole. As the detenting ring is rotated relative to the biasing magnet, the “floating” magnetic element is forced closer to the biasing magnet. The repulsive force drives the floating magnetic element into the next recess detent causing the rotational component to snap to the next detented position. The magnetic element rolls about its longitudinal axis as the magnetic element moves from one detent location to the next, which results in rolling friction that tends to cause significantly lower surface wear and increased life.

Abstract: In some aspects, a switching device for a medical apparatus includes a first switching member adapted to select an assigned operating function of the medical apparatus; and a second switching member adapted to permit the selecting of the assigned operating function of the first switching member. The second switching member is adapted such that it has a detection space in which it detects a presence of an operating object; and the first switching member is arranged in the detection space of the second switching member.

Abstract: An operating member including an actuating part movably mounted between a rest position and a switching position, a circuit board with an open contacting portion, a switching mat made of an elastic material disposed adjacent to the circuit board, and at least one contact pill formed on a side of the switching mat facing towards the circuit board, which cooperate in such a way that, in the switching position of the actuating part at the latest, the open contacting portion of the circuit board is closed by the contact pill, and where the switching mat moreover forms at least one tactile-feel dome which is associated with the contact pill, is elastically compressible by actuation of the actuating part in the direction of the switching position and which, in its initial position, defines a unilaterally open hollow volume in the switching mat, in order to cause a tactile feedback on the actuating part, where the contact pill is disposed outside the hollow volume defined by the tactile-feel dome.

Abstract: A case-open switch assembly for a data entry device including a housing, the case-open switch assembly including at least one arrangement of electrical contacts arranged on a base surface, the at least one arrangement including a central contact and at least one contact spaced from and at least partially surrounding the central contact and at least one element, having a conductive contact surface including a central contact engagement portion and at least one contact engagement portion spaced from and at least partially surrounding the central contact engagement portion, which contacts the central contact and the at least one contact spaced from and at least partially surrounding the central contact and defines a short circuit between the central contact and at least one of the at least one contact when in a closed operative orientation.

Abstract: Provided is a card with a built-in electronic component, which has a superior button click sensation. A card of the present invention into which is built-in a module substrate upon which an electronic component has been disposed is provided with: a front cover sheet stacked upon a side above the module substrate; an adhesion layer adhering between the module substrate and the front cover sheet; and a dome switch which is disposed upon the module substrate, and by way of the card upper surface being pressed, the switch's movable portion deforms to the module substrate side so that the electrical contact comes into tactile contact with the module substrate in order to operate the card; wherein the switch's movable portion is such that the upper surface does not adhere to the adhesion layer and the deformation to the module substrate side is unrestrained with respect to the adhesion layer.

Abstract: A touch-activated device IS based on dielectric elastomers and includes a method for manufacturing same. The device includes a matrix of dielectric elastomer actuators (3) with, a matrix of upper electrodes (2) connected in rows (20); a matrix of lower electrodes (2?) connected in columns (21); a layer of dielectric elastomer (1) between the matrix of upper electrodes (2) and lower electrodes (2?); a passive upper layer (8) and a passive lower layer (8?) that cover the elastomer matrix (3); a printed circuit board (7) with electrical terminals (9) connected electrically to the rows (20) and columns (21) of electrodes (2,2?) of the elastomer matrix (3); a matrix of actuator pins (5) partially embedded in a pin support layer (6) on the passive upper layer (8), the base of the actuator pins (5a) facing the upper electrodes (2). The device is used to generate tactile visual images.

Abstract: A method of generating a keyboard switch haptic sensation in a coupled system comprising a touch-sensitive surface and a force exciter or actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive surface, the method comprising generating a carrier wave signal at frequencies within the frequency bandwidth of the coupled system, modulating the carrier wave signal with a modulation envelope so that the modulated carrier wave signal has a closely spaced pair of peaks, and driving the exciter or actuator with the modulated carrier wave signal to excite the touch-sensitive surface to provide a closely spaced pair of impulses whereby the keyboard switch haptic sensation is simulated to a user touching the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: Button assemblies using curable foam shims are disclosed. A button assembly may include a housing, a button positioned within the housing, and a curable foam shim positioned within the housing, the foam shim transformable between a compressible state having a first thickness, to a rigid state having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness. In this manner, the foam shim can be used to adaptively fill the interior of a button assembly by adapting to the dimensions of various components within the button assembly. In another example, a button assembly is formed using a foam shim by curing from a first state having a first thickness to a second state having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. In this manner, the foam shim can be used to adaptively fill the interior of a button assembly by adapting to the dimensions of various components within the button assembly.

Abstract: A device for switching and controlling electrical apparatus, has a guide bearing for creating haptics indicating the position of the device. The guide bearing has one bearing part constructed as a switch housing and one bearing part constructed as an actuating element. The guide bearing has a control path formed on one of the bearing parts and a rolling-body mount constructed on the other bearing part. A rolling body is held in the rolling-body mount. A haptic spring presses the rolling body onto the control path. The structure of this device is suitable for creating haptics, without the operational reliability and service life of the guide bearing being appreciably impaired.

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 tactile presentation device has a chassis having a top surface chassis, a bottom surface chassis, and an inner space, a button type operation unit fixed to the top surface chassis and having an operation surface, an actuator arranged in the inner space, and a vibration transmission member arranged between the actuator and the button type operation unit. The top surface chassis has a top surface having a top surface opening exposing the operation surface of the button type operation unit to outside, and a side surface formed along the peripheral edge of the top surface. The actuator is fixed to the side surface of the top surface chassis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key.

Abstract: An operating device includes an operation member to be push-operated by an operator, a body mounting the operation member so as to be push-operated by the operator, a columnar portion protruding from a surface of the body opposite the operation member; and a resiliently deformable click member disposed between the columnar portion and the operation member to impart a click feeling to the operator. The click member includes a first member located on a side of the operation member and a second member located on a side of the columnar portion and having a smaller external size than the first member.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes an engine, an engine power controller, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The control portion does not control the engine power controller based on an amount detected by the operation amount detector in a preliminary zone in which the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector is not more than a first operation amount. The control portion controls the engine power controller based on an operation amount detected by the operation amount detector if the operation amount is greater than the first operation amount. A second operation amount smaller than the first operation amount is set in the preliminary zone and the control portion determines whether operation of the operation portion is carried out based on whether operation corresponding to the second operation amount is detected by the operation input detector.

Abstract: A keyboard or keyboard key that has a force sensor that measures the force imparted to the key when a user presses the key or rests a finger on a key. Key embodiments may also include an actuator that excites the in order to provide feedback to the user in accordance with various feedback methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a touchsurface assembly such as a key assembly are described. The touchsurface assembly includes a base, a keycap and a magnet physically coupled to the base near to the keycap. A keycap coupler has a first portion magnetically attracted to the magnet and a second portion cantilevered from the magnet to support the keycap in an unpressed position. When a press force applied to the keycap overcomes a magnetic force pulling the keycap coupler toward the magnet, the keycap coupler pivots away from the magnet to allow the keycap to move toward a pressed position.

Abstract: Provided are a switch and input device that can give a user a switch pressing sensation and push-back sensation and that are highly quiet. This switch 1 comprises a pressure transmitting member 2, which is formed from a medium that transfers changes in pressure and which transfers pressure change in a prescribed direction when pressed, and a push-back member 3 that is disposed adjacent to the pressure transmitting member 2 and pushes the pressure transmitting member 2 back in the direction opposite to the prescribed direction when transmission of a pressure change in the prescribed direction is detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device (10), in particular in a motor vehicle, having an adjustable touch-sensitive switching element (12) which is switchable by a touch pressure exerted in a direction (s) of actuation. The switching element (12) is adapted to assume a first initial position, in which the switching element (12) bears on an abutment (14) in the direction (s) of actuation. The switching element (12) is adapted to assume a second initial position, in which, compared with the first initial position, the switching element (12) is adjusted by a predeterminable travel (x1) contrary to the direction (s) of actuation.

Abstract: A push switch of the present invention includes a case in which a concave portion is formed. The push switch of the present invention includes a movable member formed so as to be convex upward and arranged in the concave portion. The push switch of the present invention includes a protecting sheet provided above the movable member so as to cover the concave portion, the protecting sheet having an adhesive formed on a lower surface thereof. The push switch of the present invention is provided with an intermediate sheet between a lower surface of the adhesive and an upper surface of the movable member.

Abstract: A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing including a plurality of steps. The plurality of mounting steps are formed by at least removing a preselected amount of housing material at predetermined locations on the interior surface. At least some of the mounting steps are used to mount at least some of the plurality of internal operating components to the housing.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide keyboards that provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, movement of an actuator and/or a user-engageable portion in a direction generally orthogonal to a direction of the keypress when the switch is closed provides a user with haptic feedback, which simulates a snapover movement.

Abstract: A touch-activated device IS based on dielectric elastomers and includes a method for manufacturing same. The device includes a matrix of dielectric elastomer actuators (3) with, a matrix of upper electrodes (2) connected in rows (20); a matrix of lower electrodes (2?) connected in columns (21); a layer of dielectric elastomer (1) between the matrix of upper electrodes (2) and lower electrodes (2?); a passive upper layer (8) and a passive lower layer (8?) that cover the elastomer matrix (3); a printed circuit board (7) with electrical terminals (9) connected electrically to the rows (20) and columns (21) of electrodes (2,2?) of the elastomer matrix (3); a matrix of actuator pins (5) partially embedded in a pin support layer (6) on the passive upper layer (8), the base of the actuator pins (5a) facing the upper electrodes (2). The device is used to generate tactile visual images.

Abstract: A rubber key comprising: a key top portion having a rectangular shape in planar view; a skirt portion formed along a perimeter of the key top portion; and a contact portion projecting within the skirt portion from the key top portion on a same side of the skirt portion in a convex state in a length direction of the key top portion, wherein a shortest distance from the contact portion to a virtual plane defined by a ring of an edge of the skirt portion is longer as measured at a portion closer to a center of the key top portion in the length direction than at a portion closer to an end of the key top portion in the length direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data input device produced by means of a switch operated by a stem. A return spring enables the stem to return to a stable position. According to the invention, the device comprises a circular element that can be displaced roughly perpendicularly to the displacement of the stem, a cam attached to the stem, and elastic means holding the circular element pressed against the cam, the cam comprising a slope, a high point and a counter-slope on which the circular element bears in succession when the stem is operated from its stable position to a position in which the switch is operated.

Abstract: A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments while offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.

Abstract: A notebook computer including a host and a keyboard is provided. The host has an assembling region. The keyboard module disposed at the assembling region includes a keyboard and a keyboard frame. The keyboard has a substrate and multiple keys, wherein the keys are disposed on the substrate. The keyboard frame has a frame body and at least one spring arm disposed at a sidewall of the frame body. The frame body is disposed on the substrate and has multiple openings for exposing the keys. Two ends of the spring are connected to the sidewall. A gap is formed between a center portion of the spring arm and the sidewall of the frame body. Further, the center portion has a first position-limiting structure protruding out of the assembling region, and the first position-limiting structure is mutually interfered with the host.

Abstract: A keypad (1200) includes a plurality of keys (1202) and a plurality of key dividers (1204-1210) wherein each of the key dividers includes a plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214) and at least one tactile cue portion (1214) that is interposed between the plurality of raised guide portions (1212-1214). In one example, the keypad (1200) is a bell keypad and is made up of an elastomeric substrate (44) that includes the key dividers (1212-1214), a keypad dome array (48) that supports the silicone substrate (44) and a keypad sheet (36), such as a top sheet of a front assembly, having keypad indicia thereon and slots operatively sized to receive the plurality of key dividers.

Abstract: A push switch includes a movable contact, and a drive body. The movable contact includes an annular part with a circular central hole and four leg parts inclined and extruded downward from the outer circumferential end of the annular part by way of a deflection part, formed in a shape bulging upward at the circular central hole side. The drive body includes a flat plate with the lower end abutting against the position of the inner side of the deflection part of the movable contact, and an operation part of a smaller diameter than the abutting position provided on the flat plate, if the operation part is pressed and manipulated at a position remote from the center, a light and responsive click feel is obtained.

Abstract: A haptic feedback planar touch control used to provide input to a computer. A touch input device includes a planar touch surface that inputs a position signal to a processor of the computer based on a location of user contact on the touch surface. The computer can position a cursor in a displayed graphical environment based at least in part on the position signal, or perform a different function. At least one actuator is also coupled to the touch input device and outputs a force to provide a haptic sensation to the user contacting the touch surface. The touch input device can be a touchpad separate from the computer's display screen, or can be a touch screen. Output haptic sensations on the touch input device can include pulses, vibrations, and spatial textures. The touch input device can include multiple different regions to control different computer functions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensory perception type power switch for a vehicle perceiving the amount of change according to the respective operational state tactilely rather than visually for operating equipment such as various lamps, an air-conditioner or, a lumbar support installed in a seat back.

Abstract: A switch according to the present invention has a plurality of protruding parts and a plurality of support sections both of which are formed on a surface of a thin metal sheet by press molding. The switch includes a plurality of switch sections formed by elastic deformable conductors arranged so as to have a convex surface opposed to the protruding parts, a wiring sheet covering the conductors, and switch buttons. At least one support portion is provided around the protruding parts and a gap area is left between the protruding parts and a switch sheet. In this gap area, each conductor is accommodated at the same position as the protruding parts. The support sections are disposed in a dotted-form to accomplish improvement of a feeling of click that is one of the performances on which the user places much value. In addition, a casing, the protruding parts, and the support portions are press-molded of a thin metal sheet, thereby obtaining the effect of reducing wall thickness and increasing the rigidity.

Abstract: A keyboard, wherein an opposing force generated between two magnet faces of the same polarity is used to return each key button to its original position after being pressed. As a result, the keyboard can be made capable of withstanding harsh environments whilst offering a satisfactory tactile response for the user.

Abstract: A push switch includes a movable contact, and a drive body. The movable contact includes an annular part with a circular central hole and four leg parts inclined and extruded downward from the outer circumferential end of the annular part by way of a deflection part, formed in a shape bulging upward at the circular central hole side. The drive body includes a flat plate with the lower end abutting against the position of the inner side of the deflection part of the movable contact, and an operation part of a smaller diameter than the abutting position provided on the flat plate, if the operation part is pressed and manipulated at a position remote from the center, a light and responsive click feel is obtained.

Abstract: An invention proposes a switch comprising a lower casing in the bottom of which are placed two contact elements. A trip member is elastically deformable through the action of an actuating member. At least one light source is supported by a support plate which straddles the actuating member and has terminals for electrical connection of the light source. The lower face of the support plate rests on the lower casing. The electrical connection terminals of the light source extend outwards from the casing along the vertical lateral faces of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensory perception type power switch for a vehicle perceiving the amount of change according to the respective operational state tactilely rather than visually for operating equipment such as various lamps, an air-conditioner or, a lumbar support installed in a seat back.

Abstract: An input device designed to allow persons of reduced visual acuity to manipulate computer software providing magnification is disclosed. The device attaches to a personal computer via standard peripheral attachment, e.g., Universal Serial Bus. A single, large, lighted button on the superior surface of the device allows the activation and deactivation of computer software providing magnification. A bezel beneath the button may be rotated to control the level of magnification applied by the computer software providing magnification.

Abstract: A button assembly for a home appliance is provided which allows for effective illumination of buttons. The button assembly includes a button body having buttons thereon which may pressed by a user to operate the appliance. The button body has a predetermined space inside, an elastic member which elastically supports the button body, a luminous body provided within the button body to emit light, and an extension extending from the button body which activates a corresponding switch, the extension being configured not to interfere with the luminous body.

Abstract: An ID code is wirelessly sent to a device, such as a keyless-entry system or a keyless-starter system mounted on an automobile, from a portable transmitter. Electronic components including tact switches for transmitting signals are all contained in a resin case composed of a front case and a rear case connected to each other. Front openings are formed on the font case, and the tact switches are disposed in the resin case so that they face the respective front openings. The front openings are covered with a front film formed integrally with the front case. Function displays corresponding to the respective tact switches are printed on the rear surface of the front film. The tact switches are pushed from the front surface of the front film.

Abstract: A push switch device of the invention comprises a body including a set of terminals and closed via a cover. An inner side of the cover is provided with a second resilient unit on which is formed a stopper portion. A push unit is further formed through the body, the push unit being provided with a stop controller pad made of an abrasion-resistant material that is vis-à-vis the stopper portion. A first resilient unit is further placed below the push unit. With the above disposition, when a pressure is exerted on the push unit, the stop controller pad pushes on the stopper portion that moves outwardly. Thereby damage due to wear of the push unit is prevented.

Abstract: A push button device for an electronic device includes an annular translucent member fixed to a body of the electronic device; a push button positioned in the annular translucent member to be capable of being depressed; a light emitter for illuminating the annular translucent member; a convex semi-cylindrical surface which is a portion of a complete cylindrical surface, and is positioned on a side of a space between the light emitter and the annular translucent member; and at least one photoreflective sheet adhered to the convex semi-cylindrical surface. An axis of the complete cylindrical surface extends in a direction substantially parallel to a direction along which the light emitter and the annular translucent member are aligned. A direction normal to a tangent plane to the convex semi-cylindrical surface extends toward the annular translucent member and the push button.

Abstract: A keypad with both elevated and non-elevated key regions, and key switches disposed beneath both types of key regions. The non-elevated key regions each provide corresponding character output based on an operation algorithm that considers activation of at least one adjacent elevated key region as well as activation of the switch below the non-elevated key region. The keypad includes a keymat that is rigidly held at its perimeter in a stretched condition across a switch substrate. The key switches include metal snap domes that have an elevated central region forming a downwardly facing cavity defined at its edge by a ridge disposed above the switch contacts that electrically engages multiple switch contacts in an annular contact zone.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton plunger switch is discrete and may be used with a keyboard. A post attached to magnetic armature is normally magnetically held in coupled engagement with a magnetic coupler attached to a base. The post passes through the lumen of a sleeve attached to the base such that the post, when moved up and down through the lumen, causes the magnetic armature to move in and out of the coupled engagement with the magnetic coupler. The head of a fastener used to secure the magnetic armature to the post is used in a unique way to actuate a membrane switch assembly held in spaced relation to the base. The fastener head protrudes from the bottom of the magnetic armature so that the fastener head, when the magnetic armature is forced out of coupled engagement with the magnetic coupler, physically contacts the membrane switch assembly to close electrical conductors.

Abstract: A switch device including an operating member which includes a plurality of actuating sections, opposing corresponding spring sections, for operating their corresponding spring sections. By actuating the actuating sections, corresponding switches are switched. Ends of the actuating sections which oppose their corresponding spring sections are inclined in the outward direction of the operating member. The tilt angle of an actuating section which opposes its corresponding spring section which is not provided along with a switch is greater than the tilt angle of an actuating section which opposes its corresponding spring section which is provided along with its corresponding switch. In a conventional switch device, one or two switches are actuated depending on what portion of the operating member is pressed. Therefore, differences in the clicking characteristics are produced.

Abstract: A magnetically coupled pushbutton switch has a coupler magnet layer that normally holds an electrically conductive magnetic armature spaced from a substrate layer. An overlay having an overlay electrical conductor formed thereon covers the pushbutton switch. The overlay electrical conductor, which electrically contacts a crown on the armature, is part of a set of electrical conductors that is normally closed. When a user provided actuation force causes the armature to break away from the coupler magnet layer, the set of electrical conductors is opened.

Abstract: A pushbutton of a keyboard includes a cap supported on a base board by a linkage comprising first and second links pivoted together whereby the cap is movable from a released to a depressed positions when depressed. Each link has upper and lower pivots respectively connected to the cap and the base board. The links have two side bars connected between the upper and lower pivots thereof. A cross bar is connected between the side bars of the first link. A resilient arm extends from the cross bar and forms a nub on a free end thereof. A rigid arm extends from one side bar of the second link and has a wedge section having first and second surfaces forming an apex therebetween. The nub of the resilient arm is in contact engagement with the first surface when the cap is at the released position. The nub slides over the apex to reach and engage the second surface when the cap is depressed and moved to the depressed position whereby a pulse-like reaction is generated.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated pushbutton switch has individual switch modules pre-assembled as standalone subassemblies. Each subassembly has a platform with a cavity on its underside. A portion of the platform is magnetized. A metallic armature is held in the cavity by the magnetic attraction of the platform. The switch subassemblies are mounted on a substrate that has switch contacts thereon. The armature is movable into and out of shorting relation with the contacts. A major spacer on the substrate has openings aligned with the switch contacts for receiving the subassemblies. An overlay film covers the subassemblies and major spacer. The armature may have a lens therein for transmitting backlighting. The platform can be magnetized at the time of installation on the substrate.