A three-dimensional circuit membrane includes a thermoplastic plastic sheet and a wiring. The thermoplastic plastic sheet has a surface and a thermoformed structure outwardly protruding from the surface. The wiring is printed on the surface and extends to the thermoformed structure. The thermoformed structure has a hollowed portion beside the wiring such that the thermoformed structure collapses easily when pressed. A key having the three-dimensional circuit membrane, a method for manufacturing the three-dimensional circuit membrane, and a method for manufacturing the key are further provided.

A key able to accept a label for a keypad used in controlling electrically operated devices, wherein the key structure accepts and secures an interchangeable label, and which forms an impermeable barrier to the electrical contacts of a programmable circuit board.

A button includes a display element including a mounting section, a hollowed bottom board having a joint section, support frame members having an interconnection driving section, a button cap body having a light-transmitting section and a contacting section, and an elastic element. The support frame members and the elastic element are arranged on the contacting section located outside the button cap body to that a user is allowed to see, by way of the light-transmitting section of the button cap body, through the hollowed bottom board to the display element at the bottom so as to completely observe a text/pattern section of the display element. In a pressing-down operation, the interconnection driving section makes the support frame members to operate with leverage for causing the elastic element to drive the display element. Further, individual button modularization can be achieved with the arrangement of the mounting section and the joint section.

This application is directed to keycaps for use in association with key switches that facilitate the creation of custom keyboards. Mechanical keyboards feature key switches having standardized top portions that make it possible to fit a wide variety of different keycaps thereon. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include specialized, electronic keycaps that introduce different functionalities to improve keyboard customizability. For example, in some embodiments, keycaps can include haptic feedback mechanisms, while in other embodiments keycaps can include a display screen.

Described herein are several examples of an apparatus that features receptacles configured to accept interchangeable buttons. Each of the interchangeable buttons has a receptacle interface on a first side, which allows them to electrically connect to and communicate with the aforementioned apparatus, and a unique user-perceivable label on a second side. Electronic elements embedded in each interchangeable button, or alternatively located on its first side, correspond to a unique user-perceivable label. Based on these electronic elements, the apparatus recognizes each button individually, and identifies their user-perceivable label. As a result, the interchangeable buttons may be re-positioned on the apparatus and maintain their intended functionality according to their user-perceivable label. In addition, new interchangeable buttons with different user-perceivable labels and new functionality, according to their labels, can be introduced to the apparatus.

A keyswitch assembly and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed. The keyswitch assembly includes a display unit, a carrier, one or more contact pads, a light-shielding layer, and a transparent keycap. The display unit includes one or more display regions. The carrier is for carrying the display unit. The contact pads are on the carrier and are electrically connected to the display regions. The light-shielding layer is positioned corresponding to the display regions. The light-shielding layer includes one or more transparent patterns. The transparent patterns are positioned respectively corresponding to the display regions. The transparent keycap is positioned on the display unit.

A control device includes a button assembly having one or more buttons and a button carrier that includes a plurality of resilient, independently deflectable spring arms. The control device may be configured as a wall-mounted keypad to control a load control device, or as a thermostat to control a temperature regulation appliance. The button carrier may be configured to prevent interference between the buttons during operation of the control device. The button assembly may be captured between a faceplate of the control device and a housing that is attached to a rear side of the faceplate. The control device may include one or more button retainers that are attached to the buttons and that are configured to align respective outer surfaces of the buttons relative to each other, and relative to the faceplate of the control device, when the buttons are in respective rest positions.

Described herein are several examples of an apparatus that features receptacles configured to accept interchangeable buttons. Each of the interchangeable buttons has a receptacle interface on a first side, which allows them to electrically connect to and communicate with the aforementioned apparatus, and a unique user-perceivable label on a second side. Electronic elements embedded in each interchangeable button, or alternatively located on its first side, correspond to a unique user-perceivable label. Based on these electronic elements, the apparatus recognizes each button individually, and identifies their user-perceivable label. As a result, the interchangeable buttons may be re-positioned on the apparatus and maintain their intended functionality according to their user-perceivable label. In addition, new interchangeable buttons with different user-perceivable labels and new functionality, according to their labels, can be introduced to the apparatus.

A physical computer keyboard which includes: a circuit board having touchpoints; physical programmable, pluggable keys such that each of the keys is programmable to provide the function of each of the keys, each of the keys having interlocking elements to join with an adjoining key, each key having connectors on a bottom surface of each key to make electrical contact with the touchpoints; and display panels with one display panel on a top surface of each key, the function of each key being displayed on the display panel of each key.

A key able to accept a label for a keypad used in controlling electrically operated devices, wherein the key structure accepts and secures an interchangeable label, and which forms an impermeable barrier to the electrical contacts of a programmable circuit board.