An electro-permanent magnet key assembly may comprise an electro-permanent magnet generating a magnetic field when a direction of current applied to an electrically conductive wire coiled around a low-coercivity magnet, and a pair of scissor plates operably connected to the electropermanent magnet, such that the scissor plates rotate away from one another in the presence of downward force on a key cap situated atop the scissor plates. The top surface of the key cap may lie flush with adjacent keys of a keyboard when the key cap is in a neutral position. The electro-permanent magnet key assembly may further comprise a ferromagnetic flange operably connected to one of the scissor plates having angled overlap protrusions situated adjacent to the electropermanent magnet when the key cap is not in the neutral position, such that the angled overlap protrusions are attracted toward the magnetic field to return the key cap to the neutral position.

A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a scissors support connecting the keycap and the base plate, a linking support rotatably disposed on the base plate, a movable part movably disposed relative to the base plate, and a magnetic part on the movable part. The linking support includes a magnetic portion and a driving portion. The magnetic part and the magnetic portion produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween. When the movable part is located at a first position, the magnetic part is located under the magnetic portion, and the magnetic attraction force drives the keycap through the linking support to move away relative to the base plate. When the movable part moves from the first position to a second position, the magnetic part moves away relative to the magnetic portion, so that the magnetic attraction force decreases so as to make the keycap move toward the base plate.

A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a lift mechanism connecting the keycap and the base plate, a movable part movably disposed relative to the base plate, a linking support, and a magnetic part on the base plate. The linking support has a pivotal connection portion, a magnetic portion, and a driving portion. The magnetic part and the magnetic portion produce a magnetic attraction force therebetween. When the movable part is located at a first position, the pivotal connection portion is rotatably disposed on a protruding portion of the movable part, and the magnetic attraction force drives the keycap through the linking support to move away relative to the keycap. When the movable part moves from the first position to a second position, the protruding portion moves away, so that the pivotal connection portion falls down and the keycap moves toward the base plate.

A waterproof partition adapted to a button includes a waterproof film and a waterproof foam formed on a surface of the waterproof film and covering a periphery of the waterproof film. The waterproof foam is formed with an opening for providing a moving passage for pressing the button. The waterproof film has elasticity, and the waterproof film is annular.

A keyboard (110) includes a base board (116), keys (112), pitfalls (120) and a mode control mechanism (118). The keys (112) include cups (1124), and the mode control mechanism (118) may switch the keyboard (110) especially the key cups (1124) between different modes. In case that the keyboard (110) is not in use, these cups (1124) can be received in the pitfalls (120) to reduce the profile of the keyboard (110). In case that the keyboard (110) is to be used, the keys (112) may be raised up and arranged on the base board (116) in order to enable long keystroke and provide good typing experience.

Keyboards are disclosed that are retractable. Movable magnetic or mechanical linkage elements are configured to reposition keycaps and stabilizers between different relative positions. Structures in a movable layer can act on the keycaps or stabilizers to move the keycaps and stabilizers into a retracted position for storage and for saving space in an electronic device. The stabilizers can be scissor mechanisms, butterfly mechanisms, and similar devices. The movable layer can be moved in response to rotation of a hinge or other mechanical element in the electronic device.

A keyboard (110) includes a base board (116), keys (112), pitfalls (120) and a mode control mechanism (118). The keys (112) include cups (1124), and the mode control mechanism (118) may switch the keyboard (110) especially the key cups (1124) between different modes. In case that the keyboard (110) is not in use, these cups (1124) can be received in the pitfalls (120) to reduce the profile of the keyboard (110). In case that the keyboard (110) is to be used, the keys (112) may be raised up and arranged on the base board (116) in order to enable long keystroke and provide good typing experience.

A waterproof button structure includes a housing, a cover plate, and a waterproof partition. The housing includes a button switch. The cover plate covers the button switch. The cover plate includes a pressable button. The button switch is in one-to-one correspondence with the button. The waterproof partition is located between the housing and the cover plate. A waterproof film of the waterproof partition is adjacent to the cover plate. A waterproof foam of the waterproof partition is adjacent to the housing. When the button is pressed, the button is abutted by the waterproof film, and the button switch is activated.

The keyboard device includes a substrate, a key, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. The substrate includes a top surface having an assembly area. The assembly area has a pivoting base including a standing portion and an extension portion extending from the standing portion. The key is liftably disposed over the assembly area. A pivoting hook is extending from the bottom of the key toward the assembly area, and one end of the pivoting hook includes a pivoting portion. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are disposed on the assembly area and elastically abutted against the bottom of the key, so that the pivoting portion is abutted against and pivoted to the extension portion, and a liftable distance is maintained between the extension portion and the bottom of the key.

The present disclosure discloses a keyboard including a base plate, membrane circuit board, a plurality of keys and a frame. The base plate includes a plurality of assembly areas and a first opening. The first opening is disposed between some said assembly areas. The membrane circuit board is disposed above the base plate. The membrane circuit board includes a second opening corresponding in position to the first opening, respectively. The frame is disposed above the base plate, and the membrane circuit board is disposed between the base plate and the frame. The frame blocks the first and second openings. The frame includes receiving portions corresponding in position to the assembly areas. The keys pass through the receiving portions and are fixed to the assembly areas of the base plate, respectively. Gaps between the frame and keys, the first and second openings jointly form an air current channel.