A dynamic keyboard able to change and adapt the functionality of the keyboard depending on the scenario in which it is being implemented. Each key can have one or more modes assigned to it that is able to change depending on the use. Groups of keys can have more than one mode assigned to it. Different groups of keys can have different modes assigned to them.

The present invention discloses a multi-functional touch keyboard having a touch sensor, including: a key cap unit 110; a driving circuit unit (not shown); a support 120; a touch pad 130 composed of touch sensors respectively formed on the upper ends of multiple key caps 111 grouped in a specific shape; a left click key 141 and a right click key 142 formed adjacent to both ends of the touch pad 130; and a control unit (not shown) which moves a cursor in conjunction with a touch of the touch pad 130 and performs a click function by means of pressing of the click key, in which the multi-functional touch keyboard performs a touch pad function as a graphic controller while performing basic functions as a keyboard.

The present invention discloses a multi-functional touch keyboard having a touch sensor, including: a key cap unit 110; a driving circuit unit (not shown); a support 120; a touch pad 130 composed of touch sensors respectively formed on the upper ends of multiple key caps 111 grouped in a specific shape; a left click key 141 and a right click key 142 formed adjacent to both ends of the touch pad 130; and a control unit (not shown) which moves a cursor in conjunction with a touch of the touch pad 130 and performs a click function by means of pressing of the click key, in which the multi-functional touch keyboard performs a touch pad function as a graphic controller while performing basic functions as a keyboard.

A key switch includes a key cap, a base, a support device and a bracket. The base has a first magnetic area. The support device is disposed between the key cap and the base. The bracket is movably connected to the support device. The bracket has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force, the key cap moves with the support device from the non-pressed position to a pressed position. When the external force is released, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force, such that the key cap moves with the support device from the pressed position to the non-pressed position.

A key switch includes a key cap, a base, a support device and a bracket. The base has a first magnetic area. The support device is disposed between the key cap and the base. The bracket is movably connected to the support device. The bracket has a second magnetic area corresponding to the first magnetic area. When the key cap is not pressed, a magnetic attraction force between the first and second magnetic areas keeps the key cap at a non-pressed position. When the key cap is pressed by an external force, the key cap moves with the support device from the non-pressed position to a pressed position. When the external force is released, the second magnetic area moves toward the first magnetic area due to the magnetic attraction force, such that the key cap moves with the support device from the pressed position to the non-pressed position.

A membrane digital analog switch includes an input button surface adapted to receive an input pressure from a user, and a digital switch positioned below the input button surface to generate a digital switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified digital pressure threshold. The membrane digital analog switch also includes an analog switch adapted to generate an analog switch activation signal when the received pressure on the input button surface is greater than or equal to a specified analog pressure threshold. The specified analog pressure threshold is greater than the specified digital pressure threshold, the digital switch activation signal is a binary digital signal, and the analog switch activation signal is variable and corresponds to an analog sensed value of the received pressure on the input button surface.

A replaceable key structure includes a key holder and a circuit board. The key holder is disposed above a circuit board. The key holder is formed with a mounting slot for selectively receiving a first key module or a second key module therein. A magnetic sensor and a contact connector are disposed on the circuit board positionally corresponding to the mounting slot of the key holder. The first key module has a shaft, and a magnetic element disposed on the bottom of the shaft. The magnetic sensor can output an analog signal when the magnetic element approaches. The second key module has a trigger switch which has two electrical terminals disposed on the bottom surface of the second key module. When the second key module is installed in the mounting slot, the electrical terminals can be electrically connected to the contact connector.

A replaceable key structure includes a key holder and a circuit board. The key holder is disposed above a circuit board. The key holder is formed with a mounting slot for selectively receiving a first key module or a second key module therein. A magnetic sensor and a contact connector are disposed on the circuit board positionally corresponding to the mounting slot of the key holder. The first key module has a shaft, and a magnetic element disposed on the bottom of the shaft. The magnetic sensor can output an analog signal when the magnetic element approaches. The second key module has a trigger switch which has two electrical terminals disposed on the bottom surface of the second key module. When the second key module is installed in the mounting slot, the electrical terminals can be electrically connected to the contact connector.

A transmission shifter includes a base defining P, R, N, D gear positions; four electrical dome switches associated with each of the P, R, N, D gear positions, and analog and digital circuits operably connected to the electrical switches, respectively, and associated with the P, R, N, D gear positions. The dome switches are arranged in different patterns in each of the different gear positions, and in combination with pushbutton actuators operate with different actuator motions and with different closure distances and forces to cause reliable ad confirmed intentional actuation, including redundancy. The switches are operably connected to analog and digital circuits, which provides additional functional advantage, reliability, and certainty of intentional operation.

A transmission shifter includes a base defining P, R, N, D gear positions; four electrical dome switches associated with each of the P, R, N, D gear positions, and analog and digital circuits operably connected to the electrical switches, respectively, and associated with the P, R, N, D gear positions. The dome switches are arranged in different patterns in each of the different gear positions, and in combination with pushbutton actuators operate with different actuator motions and with different closure distances and forces to cause reliable ad confirmed intentional actuation, including redundancy. The switches are operably connected to analog and digital circuits, which provides additional functional advantage, reliability, and certainty of intentional operation.