Particular embodiments described herein provide a display that includes a mask that includes a one or more exposed areas, a top electrode, one or more bottom electrodes, a dielectric between the top electrode and the one or more bottom electrodes, and an electrical connection to create a differential voltage between the top electrode and the one or more bottom electrodes.

A membrane digital analog switch includes an input button surface adapted to receive an input pressure from a user, and a digital switch positioned below the input button surface to generate a digital switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified digital pressure threshold. The membrane digital analog switch also includes an analog switch adapted to generate an analog switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified analog pressure threshold. The specified analog pressure threshold is greater than the specified digital pressure threshold, the digital switch activation signal is a binary digital signal, and the analog switch activation signal is variable and corresponds to an analog sensed value of the received pressure on the input button surface.

An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

A push switch according to the present disclosure includes: a case including a recess and having an upper surface located around the recess; a movable member disposed in the recess and including a pressure-receiving portion; a contact portion which switches between ON and OFF by deformation of the movable member; a first sheet including a joining portion which is opposite to the upper surface of the case, a pressing portion located above the pressure-receiving portion, and an intermediate portion located between the joining portion and the pressing portion, the first sheet covering the recess at the pressing portion and the intermediate portion; and a second sheet joined to the first sheet. The joining portion of the first sheet is joined to the upper surface of the case, and the second sheet is joined to the intermediate portion of the first sheet.

There is disclosed in an example a key having a tactile element; and a flexible and conductive external element disposed over the tactile element. There is also disclosed an example method of manufacturing the key, and an electronic device comprising a plurality of active keys, including at least one of the key.

Particular embodiments described herein provide a display that includes a mask that includes a one or more exposed areas, a top electrode, one or more bottom electrodes, a dielectric between the top electrode and the one or more bottom electrodes, and an electrical connection to create a differential voltage between the top electrode and the one or more bottom electrodes.

An interface device includes a movable button connected to a frame structure by resilient structures positioned laterally between the button and the frame structure. Multiple layers or diaphragms of material can be used to make the button, frame, and resilient structures. Movement of the button can trigger a switch or sensor in a manner allowing an electronic device to detect interaction with the button. The interface device can be implemented in an electronic device such as a keyboard that has a low number of parts yet also providing tactile, stabilized key travel, support for various sensor or switch types for the keys, and, in some cases, haptic feedback.

A switching device capable of receiving pressing operations for an electronic device is provided. The switching device includes a push button rotatably supported on an upper surface of a base member, and a detection switch that is pressed when the push button is pressed to rotate. Either the push button or the base member includes an engaging part and an elastic part, while the other one of the push button or the base member includes a rotational shaft with which the engaging part is rotatably engaged and a supporting shaft against which the elastic part is pressed. The push button rotates about an engaged portion between the engaging part and the rotational shaft with the elastic part being pressed against the supporting shaft, and presses the detection switch.

A push switch according to the present disclosure includes: a case including a recess and having an upper surface located around the recess; a movable member disposed in the recess and including a pressure-receiving portion; a contact portion which switches between ON and OFF by deformation of the movable member; a first sheet including a joining portion which is opposite to the upper surface of the case, a pressing portion located above the pressure-receiving portion, and an intermediate portion located between the joining portion and the pressing portion, the first sheet covering the recess at the pressing portion and the intermediate portion; and a second sheet joined to the first sheet. The joining portion of the first sheet is joined to the upper surface of the case, and the second sheet is joined to the intermediate portion of the first sheet.

A push-button switch member includes: a movable contact and an operation key disposed facing the protruding side thereof, and in contact therewith or spaced therefrom. The movable contact includes: an upper contact portion disposed directly under a key body; an outer fixed portion in the upper contact portion or more outward therefrom in the radial direction, and fixed more outward in the radial direction than the key body; and a non-contacting outer portion provided more outward in the radial direction than the upper contact portion, and disposed to face in a non-contacting state another contact so as to be able to contact another contact which is disposed on an outer side in the radial direction and contacted by the upper contact portion when pushed by the key body. The non-contacting outer portion has a bottom portion for a line contact or a surface contact with another contact.