An information handling system integrated keyboard selectively retracts and extends keys based upon detected conditions, such as housing configuration, housing motion and end user indications. Extension and retraction shuttle plates motivated by actuator wires moves a sliding plate to extended and retracted positions that define the key positions. Nickel titanium alloy actuator wires shorten upon application of current to pull the shuttle plates to the extended or retracted positions that are maintained by a lock. Limit switches remove current at detection of a desired shuttle plate position. One or more controllers manage actuator wire operation based upon detected conditions and actuator wire temperature and electrical characteristics.

A keyswitch includes a board, a cap, a lifting mechanism, a returning device, first and second blocks. The lifting mechanism is disposed between the board and the cap and includes first and second plates pivoted to the board and opposite to each other. The returning device is located between the first and second plates and includes first and second magnetic members. The first magnetic member extends from the first plate corresponding to the second magnetic member disposed on the board. An abutting part extends from the second plate and abuts under the first magnetic member. The first and second blocks are formed on the cap and respectively spaced from the first and second plates. When the first and second plates are pressed to deform, the first and second blocks abut against the first and second plates respectively to keep the abutting part located under the first magnetic member.

A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, a frame disposed between the base and the keycap for providing a supporting and moving mechanism to the keycap, and another frame interacting with the former frame through a magnetic attraction force. When the keycap is not pressed, the magnetic attraction force drives the two frames to stably stand on the base and form a stable supporting structure, so that the keycap is located at a farther position relative to the base. When the keycap is pressed with an external force to move toward the base, the magnetic attraction force is overcome so that the two frames depart from each other; that is, the above stable supporting structure is temporarily destroyed. Once the external force applied to the keycap is eliminated, the two frames will form the stable supporting structure again due to the magnetic attraction force.

A keyswitch includes a cap, a support structure, a first magnet, and a baseplate having a bending arm protruding from the baseplate and a support rib extending horizontally to form a receiving space with the bending arm. The support structure includes a first support member pivoted to the baseplate and against the cap and a magnetic permeable plate extending from the first support member and being above the receiving space. The first magnet is inserted into the receiving space to be supported by the support rib and be pressed by the bending arm. When the cap is pressed to make the magnetic permeable plate away from the first magnet as the first support member rotates, the cap moves to a pressed position. When the cap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic permeable plate and the first magnet drives the magnetic permeable plate to approach the first magnet.

A keyswitch uses a magnetic attraction force produced between and by a fixed part, fixedly disposed relative to a base, and a movable part, movably disposed relative to the base, as a driving force for returning a keycap to its original position. The movable part is between the fixed part and the base. The keyswitch also uses a force transmission part disposed between the keycap and the movable part as an intermediate for transferring force from the keycap to the movable part. When a force for pressing the keycap downward overcomes the magnetic attraction force, the movable part moves toward the base and then triggers a switch.

A keyswitch includes a cap, a support structure, a first magnet, and a baseplate having a bending arm protruding from the baseplate and a support rib extending horizontally to form a receiving space with the bending arm. The support structure includes a first support member pivoted to the baseplate and against the cap and a magnetic permeable plate extending from the first support member and being above the receiving space. The first magnet is inserted into the receiving space to be supported by the support rib and be pressed by the bending arm. When the cap is pressed to make the magnetic permeable plate away from the first magnet as the first support member rotates, the cap moves to a pressed position. When the cap is released, a magnetic attraction force between the magnetic permeable plate and the first magnet drives the magnetic permeable plate to approach the first magnet.

A keyswitch uses a magnetic attraction force produced between and by a fixed part, fixedly disposed relative to a base, and a movable part, movably disposed relative to the base, as a driving force for returning a keycap to its original position. The movable part is between the fixed part and the base. The keyswitch also uses a force transmission part disposed between the keycap and the movable part as an intermediate for transferring force from the keycap to the movable part. When a force for pressing the keycap downward overcomes the magnetic attraction force, the movable part moves toward the base and then triggers a switch.

A keyswitch structure includes a base, a keycap, a frame disposed between the base and the keycap for providing a supporting and moving mechanism to the keycap, and another frame interacting with the former frame through a magnetic attraction force. When the keycap is not pressed, the magnetic attraction force drives the two frames to stably stand on the base and form a stable supporting structure, so that the keycap is located at a farther position relative to the base. When the keycap is pressed with an external force to move toward the base, the magnetic attraction force is overcome so that the two frames depart from each other; that is, the above stable supporting structure is temporarily destroyed. Once the external force applied to the keycap is eliminated, the two frames will form the stable supporting structure again due to the magnetic attraction force.

A magnetic keyboard includes a base, a switch circuit board and plural keys. Each key includes a keycap, plural first magnetic elements and plural second magnetic elements. The switch circuit board is disposed on the base. The plural keys are connected with the base. The plural first magnetic elements of each key are fixed on an inner surface of the keycap. The plural second magnetic elements are disposed within the base. The first magnetic elements are partially inserted into the corresponding second magnetic elements. Consequently, the keys are connected with the base, and the function of returning the keycaps to their original positions are achievable.

Keyboards with planar translation effecting mechanisms formed by laminated key guides are disclosed. A key assembly for a keyboard includes a keycap having a touch surface for receiving a press force that moves the keycap from an unpressed position toward a pressed position, the unpressed position and pressed position separated in a press direction and a second direction orthogonal to the press direction. A base is included having a laminated key guide contacting a portion of the keycap to provide a planar translation effecting mechanism to guide the keycap in the press direction and the second direction as the keycap moves from the unpressed position toward the pressed position.