There is described a keyboard including user-operable alpha-numeric keys. One or more identification devices associated with the user-operable keys are included in the keyboard. When placed in proximity to the keyboard, the one or more identification devices selectively communicate with a digital apparatus in response to user-actuation of the user-operable keys. The keyboard comprises a flexible substrate for enabling the keyboard to be folded into a non-deployed inactive state, and unfolded into a deployed active state for communicating with the digital apparatus. When in proximity thereto, the keyboard communicates with the apparatus by way of near-field magnetic and/or electrostatic coupling. The keyboard includes an intermediate resonant circuit for interfacing between the one or more identification devices and the digital apparatus; the resonant circuit includes a component spatially disposed to overlay a first region onto the digital apparatus in use, and to overlay a second region coupled to the one or more identification devices in use for coupling signals therebetween. The keyboard is especially useful for mobile telephones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) for rendering data entry easier.

A keyboard including a fixing plate, a base plate, and a plurality of keys is provided. The base plate includes a plurality of magnetic elements, and each magnetic element corresponds to one key. Each key further includes a first support element and a second support element, and the first support element is made of a magnetic material. The key is disposed on the fixing plate, and the base plate may move relative to the fixing plate, so that the magnetic element is displaced and attracts the first support element to ascend or descend, so as to adjust the height of the key.