An input device configured to communicate with a computing device includes at least one keycap, a support mechanism operably connected to the keycap and configured to move the keycap from a first position to a second position, a feature plate operably connected to the support mechanism, and a sensing member. The sensing member is configured to detect at least one of a change of position of the at least one keycap, a speed of the at least one keycap, an amount of force applied to the at least one keycap, or a location of a finger. The sensing member may be a capacitive sensor. In some embodiments, the input device may not include the support mechanism and the sensing member may be configured to detect the location of a finger regardless whether or not the keycap moves.

A key supported by a scissor mechanism including interlocking scissor members assembled to mutually pivot along a pivot track. A first scissor member may include a pivot track and an up-stop track and a second scissor member may include at least a first and second extension portion positioned within the pivot track and the up-stop track respectively. When the key is depressed, the first extension portion may slide and at least partially pivot or rotate within the pivot track, and the second extension portion may slide within the up-stop track.

A keyswitch structure includes a baseplate having a switch opening, a keycap movably disposed above the baseplate, a circuit board disposed on the baseplate, the circuit board having a through hole, and a mechanical switch disposed below the keycap, the mechanical switch extending through the through hole to be partially received in the switch opening and electrically coupled to the circuit board, wherein when the keycap moves toward the baseplate, the keycap triggers the mechanical switch.

A keyswitch module includes a bottom plate, a movable plate, a keycap, and a connecting assembly. The moving plate is stacked with the bottom plate and capable of moving between a first position and a second position relative to the bottom plate. The movable plate moves a horizontal stroke from the first position to the second position. The connecting assembly is operatively connected to the bottom plate and connected to the keycap. A forced portion of the connecting assembly is configured to be moved by a forcing structure of the movable plate to make the keycap move between an opening position and a closing position relative to the bottom plate. When the movable plate is located at the first position, the forcing structure and the forced portion are separated by a distance, and the keycap is located at the opening position.

A key structure includes a key cap, a bridge assembly, a first supporting part, a second supporting part, an attractable element and a magnet. The bridge assembly includes first and second hinge parts. One end of the first hinge part has a first link bar, and the other end has a first pivot coupling portion and a first shaft having a first connecting portion. One end of the second hinge part has a second link bar, and the other end has a second pivot coupling portion and a second shaft having a second connecting portion coupled to the first connecting portion. When the magnet under a first attractive position, the first end of the attractable element is attracted to the first attractive position. When the magnet under a second attractive position, the second end of the attractable element is attracted to the second attractive position.

A linkage mechanism includes a left wing having two left arms, two left supporting rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, and two left sliding rods that are respectively formed on the left arms, a right wing having two right arms, two right supporting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and two right connecting rods that are respectively formed on the right arms, and a hinge unit having two left hinge pins, two right hinge pins, two left hinge holes and two right holes. Each left hinge hole is formed in a respective left arm and is engaged with a respective right hinge pin. Each right hinge hole is formed in a respective right arm and is engaged with a respective left hinge pin.

A keyboard device includes plural keycaps and a membrane switch circuit member. The membrane switch circuit member is disposed under the plural keycaps. The membrane switch circuit member includes a wiring board and plural separate covering pads. The wiring board includes plural first trace patterns and plural second trace patterns corresponding to the plural keycaps. The plural second trace patterns are disposed on the wiring board and separated from the plural first trace patterns. There is a gap between each first trace pattern and the adjacent second trace pattern. The covering pads are disposed over the wiring board. The plural covering pads are aligned with the corresponding keycaps and cover the corresponding gaps. The covering pad has a triggering trace pattern over the corresponding gap.

A keyboard device includes plural key structures. Each key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a connecting member and at least one raised structure. The keycap is located over the base plate. The connecting member is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate through the connecting member. The connecting member includes at least one first hook part. The raised structure is installed on the base plate. The first hook part is connected with the raised structure. The raised structure includes a top wall, a lateral wall and a perforation. The lateral wall is connected between the top wall and the base plate. The perforation is formed in the lateral wall. The first hook part is penetrated through the perforation and contacted with the top wall.

A key for user input having superior tactile qualities. The key is suspended by a magnetic field force to improve the smoothness of motion. Two compact interleaved members link a keycap to a key base to provide highly precise parallel travel with reduced tilt and flexion, and improved durability.

A photoelectric switch, including: a base, an infrared tube, a keycap, a balance frame, a resetting mechanism, and a light-blocking member. The light-blocking member is configured to change the propagation direction of light emitted from the infrared tube to allow or block the light propagation in the infrared tube. The infrared tube is disposed on the base. The infrared tube includes a light-emitting end and a light-receiving end. The infrared tube, the balance frame, and the resetting mechanism are disposed beneath and covered by the keycap. In operation, upon being pressed by an external force, the balance frame leads the keycap to move downwards smoothly; the light-blocking member moves upwards or downwards along with the motion of the keycap and the balance frame or the resetting mechanism. The resetting mechanism is configured to reset the keycap or the balance frame.