A key with balance rods and a keyboard are provided. The key includes a base plate. A sensing component is disposed on the base plate. An intermediate plate is disposed on the sensing component. The intermediate plate has a key hole and a receiving chamber which penetrate upper and lower surfaces of the intermediate plate. A keying portion is disposed on the base plate. Balance rods are disposed between a lower surface of the keying portion and a lower surface of the intermediate plate or base plate. Two balance rods run in the direction of X-axis or the direction of Y-axis, whereas one balance rod runs in the other direction and between the two balance rods. The three balance rods neither cross nor overlap. The key with balance rods and the keyboard have a comfortable feel and are applicable to laptops with thin keyboards, tablets, and smartphone keyboards.

A keyboard and a notebook computer with the keyboard are provided. The keyboard is installed on the notebook computer. The keyboard includes a membrane circuit board, a key frame, a key, a linking rod and a fixing plate. The linking rod is connected with the key frame. The fixing plate is disposed under the key frame. While the linking rod is rotated relative to the key frame to push the key frame, a position-limiting structure of the key frame is moved along a guiding structure of the fixing plate. Consequently, the key frame is limited to be moved in a first axial direction. Moreover, when the key frame is moved to a locked position at the same level with a keycap of the key, the keycap cannot be pressed down.

A hybrid digital analog key switch is designed to generate both a digital signal and an analog signal (DA) from a single key switch after the key is depressed. A pair of spring metal electrodes are electrically coupled to up and down movement of the key stem, and a force sensor is configured on a bottom side of the key module. Both a digital signal and an analog signal are generated when the key is depressed by a user.

An input device includes: a key (8); and an elastic supporting member (11) supporting the key (8) in such a manner as to allow the key (8) to move in a pressing direction of the key (8), the elastic supporting member (11) including: a post section (12) protruding below a level of a bottom face of the key (8) from an edge (8a) of the key (8); and an elastic arm section (13) connected to a tip end of the post section (12) and extending along the edge (8a) of the key (8).

A key switch includes a key top; a pair of links that support the key top such that the key top is capable of being elevated and lowered; and a switch that opens and closes a contact point with respect to an elevating operation of the key top, wherein each of the links includes two arms, a connection portion that connects the two arms, two first shafts respectively formed at outer portions of the two arms, and two second shafts respectively formed at inner portions of the two arms, and wherein the key top includes at least four first support portions each being provided with a first guide groove in which the respective first shaft is slidable, and at least four second support portions each being provided with a second guide groove in which the respective second shaft is slidable.

A keyswitch device includes a circuit board, a fixing bracket, a micro switch, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The circuit board has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The fixing bracket includes a main body and a first hook. The main body abuts against the first surface. The first hook is connected to the main body and fixed to the circuit board. The micro switch passes through the main body, and is disposed on the circuit board and configured to generate a pressing signal to the circuit board while being pressed. The keycap is supported on the micro switch and configured to press the micro switch toward the circuit board. The connecting assembly is connected between the fixing bracket and the keycap and configured to guide the keycap to move upward and downward relative to the circuit board.

A keyboard with height-adjustable keys is provided. The keyboard includes a key supporting plate, the keys and a movable plate. Each key includes a supporting element. Moreover, plural bulges are disposed on the supporting element. The movable plate is disposed under the key supporting plate. The key is fixed on the key supporting plate. The key is connected with the key supporting plate through the supporting element. Moreover, the plural bulges are penetrated downwardly through the key supporting plate and inserted in the movable plate. While the movable plate is moved, the bulges are pushed and the key is moved toward the key supporting plate with the supporting element. Consequently, the height of the key is lowered.

Modular button components are described that comprise a tactile switch coupled to a center portion of the modular button component and at least one electrical contact. A bracket extends beyond a length of the center portion of the modular component. In various embodiments, the tactile switch, the bracket and the at least one electrical contact are insert molded into a single assembly to form the modular button component that is detachably coupled to a printed circuit board.