A key module includes a bracket, a circuit film assembly, a keycap, and a connecting structure. The bracket includes a bottom plate and a bracket pivotal portion protruding from the bottom plate. The circuit film assembly is disposed on the bracket and includes a plurality of film layers and a supporting portion formed by at least one of the film layers. The supporting portion is located beside the bracket pivotal portion. The keycap is disposed above the bracket and the circuit film assembly and includes a keycap pivotal portion. The connecting structure is disposed between the bracket and the keycap and includes a first pivot pivotally disposed at the bracket pivotal portion and a second pivot pivotally disposed at the keycap pivotal portion. The supporting portion beside the bracket pivotal portion supports the first pivot, such that the first pivot continuously contacts the bracket pivotal portion.

A key module includes a bracket, a circuit film assembly, a keycap, and a connecting structure. The bracket includes a bottom plate and a bracket pivotal portion protruding from the bottom plate. The circuit film assembly is disposed on the bracket and includes a plurality of film layers and a supporting portion formed by at least one of the film layers. The supporting portion is located beside the bracket pivotal portion. The keycap is disposed above the bracket and the circuit film assembly and includes a keycap pivotal portion. The connecting structure is disposed between the bracket and the keycap and includes a first pivot pivotally disposed at the bracket pivotal portion and a second pivot pivotally disposed at the keycap pivotal portion. The supporting portion beside the bracket pivotal portion supports the first pivot, such that the first pivot continuously contacts the bracket pivotal portion.

A backlit keyboard includes key switches and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting surface, and at least one light-emitting device. The light guide plate is provided with light-guiding dots disposed on a bottom surface thereof. A light-shielding layer disposed on the light guide plate has a light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion corresponding to at least one of the key switches. The reflecting surface faces the bottom surface of the light guide plate, and a pattern at least partially overlaps the light-shielding portion. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed in an opening of the light guide plate, and the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device face respective sidewalls of the opening. The first light-emitting device is located underneath the light-shielding portion.

A backlit keyboard includes key switches and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting surface, and at least one light-emitting device. The light guide plate is provided with light-guiding dots disposed on a bottom surface thereof. A light-shielding layer disposed on the light guide plate has a light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion corresponding to at least one of the key switches. The reflecting surface faces the bottom surface of the light guide plate, and a pattern at least partially overlaps the light-shielding portion. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed in an opening of the light guide plate, and the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device face respective sidewalls of the opening. The first light-emitting device is located underneath the light-shielding portion.

A method for manufacturing a membrane switch member that can be manufactured easily and that can be caused to function as an electrostatic sensor even when a protruding portion is pressed. Injection molding by injecting a material including a supercritical fluid gas and a resin material in a mixed state; and, after the injection molding, removing a first mold from a second mold, causing gas produced within the injection molded resin to grow in concave portions, thereby causing the concave portions to invert to a protruding state; and manufacturing a membrane switch member in which voids are formed between the protruding portions and a molding resin layer, and portions other than the portions corresponding to the protruding portions are adhered to the resin layer by an adhesion layer.

A method for manufacturing a membrane switch member that can be manufactured easily and that can be caused to function as an electrostatic sensor even when a protruding portion is pressed. Injection molding by injecting a material including a supercritical fluid gas and a resin material in a mixed state; and, after the injection molding, removing a first mold from a second mold, causing gas produced within the injection molded resin to grow in concave portions, thereby causing the concave portions to invert to a protruding state; and manufacturing a membrane switch member in which voids are formed between the protruding portions and a molding resin layer, and portions other than the portions corresponding to the protruding portions are adhered to the resin layer by an adhesion layer.

A keyboard device is disclosed. The keyboard device includes a base, a key top, a film actuator, a position sensor, and a controller. The key top is movably arranged on the upper surface side of the base. Disposed between the base and the key top, the film actuator bends according to an applied voltage. Also disposed between the base and the key top, the position sensor detects a position of the key top. The controller applies a voltage to the film actuator in order to generate a repulsive force corresponding to the position of the key top detected by the position sensor.

A keyboard device is disclosed. The keyboard device includes a base, a key top, a film actuator, a position sensor, and a controller. The key top is movably arranged on the upper surface side of the base. Disposed between the base and the key top, the film actuator bends according to an applied voltage. Also disposed between the base and the key top, the position sensor detects a position of the key top. The controller applies a voltage to the film actuator in order to generate a repulsive force corresponding to the position of the key top detected by the position sensor.

The keyboard having a plurality of plate-shaped keys which are connected to actuators stabilizes the keys by all the keys and all the actuators being connected to a bending-elastic but tension-resistant band-like membrane.

The keyboard having a plurality of plate-shaped keys which are connected to actuators stabilizes the keys by all the keys and all the actuators being connected to a bending-elastic but tension-resistant band-like membrane.