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.

The invention relates to a method for reconditioning a remote control (1) with a housing consisting of an upper shell (2) and a lower shell (3), and a printed circuit board (21) carrying raised keys (5) for triggering control signals by pressure, the raised keys (5) penetrating the upper shell (2), said method comprising: removing (52) the upper shell (2) and the lower shell (3); blasting (55) at least one of the raised keys (5) on the printed circuit board (21) with an antibacterial abrasive; and inserting (58) the printed circuit board (21) with the raised keys (5) supported thereon between a new upper shell (2) and a new lower shell (3).

A control device is provided adapted to control at least one function of at least one associated load. The control device comprises a front housing portion defining a plurality of button zones each comprising at least one switch and at least one button alignment orifice. The control device further comprises a plurality of interchangeable buttons, including single-zone height and multi-zone height buttons, each adapted to be removably attached to the front housing portion 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 be aligned with at least one switch of one of the button zones to depress the aligned switch when the button is pressed. Each button may further comprises at least one alignment post adapted to be aligned with and inserted through at least one alignment orifice of one of the button zones. 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 handle assembly comprised of a base and a detachable handle that mounts to the base. The base includes integrated electronics, such as switches. The detachable handle includes buttons for activating the switches.

A keyboard device includes a key switch, a base plate, a connecting element and a replaceable key. The replaceable key includes a coupling plate and a keycap. The connecting element is connected between the coupling plate and the base plate. The coupling plate includes a first sliding part. The keycap includes a second sliding part. When the second sliding part is slid relative to the first sliding part, the keycap is combined with the coupling plate or the keycap is detached from the coupling plate. Consequently, the keycap is easily assembled or disassembled. Moreover, since the connecting element is not touched during the process of disassembling the keycap, the connecting element is not damaged.

A key structure includes a movable support element, a keycap, and a fitting portion. The keycap includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a rim, the bottom surface is jointed with the movable support element, and a periphery of the top surface extends downward to form the rim. The fitting portion is located on the rim, and operated by an operation body to separate the keycap from the movable support element.

A keyboard includes a circuit board module and a key module. The key module includes a keycap, a connecting seat, a connecting assembly and an elastic member. The connecting seat is disposed on the circuit board module. The connecting seat has an opening. One end of the connecting assembly connects to the keycap, and the other end connects to the connecting seat. The elastic member is disposed in the opening of the connecting seat, and the connecting seat presses against the elastic member.

An operator control system includes switches, RFID transponders, and a RFID reader. Each switch has a cap support and a switch cap. The switch caps are respectively interchangeably attachable to the cap supports. The RFID transponders are respectively attached to the switch caps. Each RFID transponder stores a respective piece of information identifying a respective control function so that the switch cap to which the RFID transponder is attached is associated with the respective control function. The RFID reader is arranged on at least one of the switches for reading the piece of information of at least one of the RFID transponders.

An operator control system includes switches, RFID transponders, and a RFID reader. Each switch has a cap support and a switch cap. The switch caps are respectively interchangeably attachable to the cap supports. The RFID transponders are respectively attached to the switch caps. Each RFID transponder stores a respective piece of information identifying a respective control function so that the switch cap to which the RFID transponder is attached is associated with the respective control function. The RFID reader is arranged on at least one of the switches for reading the piece of information of at least one of the RFID transponders.

A key structure is provided. The key structure comprises a substrate, a membrane circuit disposed on the substrate, a conduction switch disposed on the membrane circuit, a keycap, a bending portion fixed to the keycap, an elastic member disposed on the membrane circuit and abutting against the keycap, and a connecting rod disposed movably between the membrane circuit and the keycap. The connecting rod includes an operating arm and an engaging portion. The operating arm is connected to the engaging portion, and the engaging portion selectively engages with the bending portion. When the operating arm moves in a direction parallel to a surface of the keycap, the operating arm drives the engaging portion to disengage from the bending portion and the elastic member provides a force against the keycap to move the keycap away from the conduction switch.