Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and provides finger support and key definition as the user feels the top surface of the keycaps and flexible layer. The flexible layer therefore smooths the top surface of the keyboard, supports fingers during key travel, prevents ingress of contaminants, fluids, or debris into the keyboard, and provides a surface that can be used as a touch interface that coincides with the keyboard.

An electronic pointing device includes a housing. In addition, the electronic device includes a position transducer coupled to the housing. Further, the electronic pointing device includes a plurality of electrical switches coupled to the housing. Still further, the electronic pointing device includes a cover plate removably coupled to the housing. The cover plate includes a plurality of holes, each hole aligned with one of the plurality of electrical switches. The electronic pointing device also includes a plurality of button members. Each button member is removably disposed in one of the holes of the cover plate and disposed to engage the corresponding, aligned electrical switch to actuate that electrical switch.

Keyboards and other input devices are provided with at least one flexible layer that extends over or under the keycaps. The flexible layer spans interkey spaces and provides finger support and key definition as the user feels the top surface of the keycaps and flexible layer. The flexible layer therefore smooths the top surface of the keyboard, supports fingers during key travel, prevents ingress of contaminants, fluids, or debris into the keyboard, and provides a surface that can be used as a touch interface that coincides with the keyboard.

A button is disclosed. The button includes: a lower button shell, which is a hollow structure with an upper opening, and is provided with a first sliding pin hole through a side wall of the lower button shell; an upper button shell, which is a hollow structure with a lower opening, wherein a side wall of the upper button shell is provided with a second sliding pin hole, the upper button shell is sleeved on the lower button shell, and the second sliding pin hole is directly opposite to the first sliding pin hole; a moveable tray, which is located at a central position in the lower button shell; a sliding arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the moveable tray; a sliding pin, which is located in the lower button shell.

A key structure and a keyboard using the same are disclosed. The key structure includes a bottom plate, a keycap, a lifting mechanism, a backlight module, a fixer and a fixing portion. The lifting mechanism pivotally connects the bottom plate and the keycap. The backlight module is disposed on the bottom plate and is provided with a through hole, a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The through hole is extended to the second surface from the first surface. The fixer presses the first surface. The fixing portion presses the fixer on the bottom plate.

A key structure including a base, a light sensing module, a carrier, a magnetic member, a cap, and a scissor structure are provided. The light sensing module is disposed at the base. The carrier is located above the base. The magnetic member is disposed on the carrier. The cap is adapted to be assembled to the carrier via a magnetic attracting force of the magnetic member or adapted to be detached from the carrier via overcoming the magnetic attracting force of the magnetic member. The scissor structure is connected between the base and the carrier. The carrier and the cap disposed thereon move up and down relative to the base via the scissor structure. An orthogonal projection of the magnetic member on the base is not overlapped with an orthogonal projection of the light sensing module on the base. A keyboard is also provided.

A button is disclosed. The button includes: a lower button shell, which is a hollow structure with an upper opening, and is provided with a first sliding pin hole through a side wail of the lower button shell; an upper button shell, which is a hollow structure with a lower opening, wherein a side wall of the upper button shell is provided with a second sliding pin hole, the upper button shell is sleeved on the lower button shell, and the second sliding pin hole is directly opposite to the first sliding pin hole; a moveable tray, which is located at a central position in the lower button shell; a sliding arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the moveable tray; a sliding pin, which is located in the lower button shell.

A control device for controlling at least one associated load and comprising a housing assembly defining a plurality of button zones each comprising at least one switch. The control device further comprises a plurality of interchangeable buttons adapted to be removably attached to the housing assembly over one or more of the button zones. Each button may comprise a front wall and at least one projection extending from a rear surface of the button and adapted to depress an aligned switch when the button is pressed. Each button may also comprise at least one abutment extending from the rear surface of the button and adapted to abut against the front housing portion such that at least a portion of the button pivots or deflect with respect to the at least one abutment when pressed.

A replaceable key structure includes a key holder and a circuit board. The key holder is disposed above a circuit board. The key holder is formed with a mounting slot for selectively receiving a first key module or a second key module therein. A magnetic sensor and a contact connector are disposed on the circuit board positionally corresponding to the mounting slot of the key holder. The first key module has a shaft, and a magnetic element disposed on the bottom of the shaft. The magnetic sensor can output an analog signal when the magnetic element approaches. The second key module has a trigger switch which has two electrical terminals disposed on the bottom surface of the second key module. When the second key module is installed in the mounting slot, the electrical terminals can be electrically connected to the contact connector.

A button module includes a casing, a button body, an elastic body and a cover. The casing includes a first accommodating recess, a first engaging portion and a retaining platform. The button body is disposed in the first accommodating recess. The button body includes a first positioning portion. The elastic body is disposed between the button body and the retaining platform. The cover is disposed on the casing. The cover includes a second engaging portion, a second positioning portion and a retaining portion. The second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion. The second positioning portion cooperates with the first positioning portion to position the button body in the first accommodating recess. The retaining portion abuts against the retaining platform.