A method and apparatus for folding a keyboard along one or more vertical axes where the staggered rows on a standard QWERTY keyboard are slid into alignment prior to folding to simplify the folding mechanism and further reduce the footprint of the device when folded.

A mechanical keyboard with reduced number of keys includes many mechanical keys which are divided into a function section and an alphanumeric section disposed at one side of the function section. Each mechanical key has a keycap. The keycap has a light-transmitting character symbol on a top surface thereof. At least one mechanical key is a self-defined key in the function section or the alphanumeric section. Each keycap of the self-defined key has a top wall and a side wall facing a user. The top wall and the side wall respectively have a light-transmitting character symbol. Each self-defined key has a first lighting module and a second lighting module which are alternatively activated to light. The first lighting module corresponds to the top wall of the self-defined key. The second lighting module corresponds to the side wall of the self-defined key.

A foldable portable keyboard includes a first input module, a second input module, a connecting unit and a handgrip unit. The first input module has opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second ends. The second input module has opposing front and back faces, and opposing first and second ends. The connecting unit is configured to be connected to the first end of the first input module and the first end of the second input module. The handgrip unit is configured to be engaged to the second end of the first input module and the second end of the second input module. The first input module and the second input module are configured to be in a flat configuration or in a folded configuration.

A keyboard device includes a flexible layer, electrical traces on the flexible layer and a lattice substrate to support the flexible layer. The keyboard device further includes a key actuatable to contact the flexible layer and to stretch at least a portion of the flexible layer into an opening in the lattice substrate and a sensor to detect a change of capacitance of the electrical traces in response to actuation of the key by a conductive object.

A travel-proofed portable computer keyboard with keys sealed against dust and minor impacts includes an alphanumeric keyboard, a numeric keypad, and a first locking mechanism. The alphanumeric keyboard includes an open cavity. The numeric keypad is received in or protruding from the cavity. The numeric keypad includes a first notch and a second notch. The first locking mechanism includes an engaging member which can lock the numeric keypad in place. The numeric keypad is held in the cavity of the alphanumeric keyboard when the engaging member engages the first notch of the numeric keypad, thereby facilitating the carrying of the computer keyboard. The numeric keypad is held to protrude from the cavity of the alphanumeric keyboard when the engaging member engages the second notch of the numeric keypad, thereby enabling the use of the computer keyboard.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to input devices configured for use with computing devices. The present invention relates to input device configured with a plurality of input members grouped into contoured-shaped bowls on a portion of the input devices. The input device may also be configured for use with multiple hand positions and multiple profiles based on the hand positions. The input device may enable switching between user-programmable profiles, and may include sensory feedback indicating the profiles active on the input device.

An input system includes a first base portion and a second base portion that each include a keying surface. A base portion manipulation mechanism couples the first base portion to the second base portion. The base portion manipulation mechanism includes a moveable coupling that is configured to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into at least one of a tented orientation and a splayed orientation. A locking mechanism provides a biasing force that causes an engagement between portions of the moveable coupling that resists relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion absent an unlocking force, wherein the locking mechanism is responsive to the unlocking force that overcomes the biasing force to allow relative movement of the first base portion and the second base portion into the at least one of the tented orientation and the splayed orientation.

A multidirectional button, key, menu, or a keyboard for use in a user interface of a computing device (10). An object of the user interface may include a software keyboard (14) on a display screen (16).

The present invention discloses a portable electronic apparatus, which includes a cover casing, a base casing, a first input module and a second input module. The base casing is pivoted to the cover casing, and the base casing includes a containing portion and at least one first connecting portion. The containing portion is located on the base casing, and the first connecting portion is disposed on the containing portion. The first input module and the second input module are disposed on the containing portion interchangeably, the first input module has a second connecting portion, and the second input module has a third connecting portion. When the first input module is disposed on the containing portion, the second connecting portion electrically connects to the first connecting portion. When the second input module is disposed on the containing portion, the third connecting portion electrically connects to the first connecting portion.

A steering wheel assembly is provided. The steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel body having a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface. The first surface has a keyboard template defined thereon. The keyboard template includes a plurality of key areas.