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 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.

Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.

A key switch device includes: a key top that includes an operating surface; a pair of link members that is interlocked with each other to move the key top upward and downward; a frame member that includes a leg portion extending downward and a flange portion provided at an end of the leg portion, and pivotably supports the pair of the link members; and a support plate that includes a through hole through which the leg portion and the flange portion penetrate, and a projection portion projecting upwardly from a part of an outer periphery of the through hole toward an inside of the through hole.

A key switch device includes: a key top that includes an operating surface; a pair of link members that is interlocked with each other to move the key top upward and downward; a frame member that includes a leg portion extending downward and a flange portion provided at an end of the leg portion, and pivotably supports the pair of the link members; and a support plate that includes a through hole through which the leg portion and the flange portion penetrate, and a projection portion projecting upwardly from a part of an outer periphery of the through hole toward an inside of the through hole.

A keyboard/keyboard enclosure is provided. The keyboard/keyboard enclosure includes front and rear shells removably connected together and made of a durable metal material such as aluminum. The enclosure defines a cavity and various features for positioning and/or restraining a PCB within the cavity. A keypad is positioned on the front surface of the front shell. End caps extend into the cavity from opposed ends of the front and rear shells, thereby selectively securing the front and rear shells together and/or further positioning and/or restraining the PCB within the cavity.

A key module includes a base plate, a circuit layer and a lifting mechanism. The circuit layer is disposed on the base plate. The lifting mechanism is pivotally connected with the base plate relative to the circuit layer, and the lifting mechanism has an abutment element. The abutment element could interfere with the circuit layer to reduce the noise generated by the key module during operation.

A key module includes a base plate, a circuit layer and a lifting mechanism. The circuit layer is disposed on the base plate. The lifting mechanism is pivotally connected with the base plate relative to the circuit layer, and the lifting mechanism has an abutment element. The abutment element could interfere with the circuit layer to reduce the noise generated by the key module during operation.

The present invention provides an illuminated keyboard, including a light guide backplate and a plurality of keys connected to the light guide backplate. The light guide backplate of the present application is made of a light guide material and configured to transmit and project light rays to the keys. A printed circuit layer is formed on the light guide backplate and includes a plurality of conductive switch contacts. Each key includes a key cap, a connection member, and a support member, and the support member has a conductive contact. When the key cap is pressed, the conductive contact of the support member moves downward to trigger a conductive switch contact of the printed circuit layer to generate a switch signal. In the present application, a light guide backplate provides functions, such as guiding light, a function of printed circuit layer, and connecting a key, so as to reduce thickness of the illuminated keyboard.

The present invention provides an illuminated keyboard, including a light guide backplate and a plurality of keys connected to the light guide backplate. The light guide backplate of the present application is made of a light guide material and configured to transmit and project light rays to the keys. A printed circuit layer is formed on the light guide backplate and includes a plurality of conductive switch contacts. Each key includes a key cap, a connection member, and a support member, and the support member has a conductive contact. When the key cap is pressed, the conductive contact of the support member moves downward to trigger a conductive switch contact of the printed circuit layer to generate a switch signal. In the present application, a light guide backplate provides functions, such as guiding light, a function of printed circuit layer, and connecting a key, so as to reduce thickness of the illuminated keyboard.