What is presented is a key module (120) for a keyboard (100). The key module (120) comprises at least one guide unit (230) formed to guide movement of an actuation unit (125) of the key module (120) between a rest position actuated position upon actuation of the key module (120). The key module (120) also comprises at least one spring element (240) for biasing the actuation unit (125) of the key module (120) into the rest position. The key module (120) further comprises means (315) for dampening mechanical vibrations of the spring element (240) at least when the actuation unit (125) is in the rest position.

A keyboard device includes plural key structures. Each key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a membrane circuit board, a connecting member and an elastic element. The keycap includes a pressing post. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The connecting member is penetrated through the membrane circuit board and connected between the keycap and the base plate. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the membrane circuit board. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The elastic element includes a resilience piece and plural supporting ribs. The plural supporting ribs are arranged between the resilience piece and the keycap. The plural supporting ribs are contacted with the pressing post of the keycap. Consequently, there is a gap between the pressing post and the resilience piece.

A keyboard device includes plural key structures. Each key structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a membrane circuit board, a connecting member and an elastic element. The keycap includes a pressing post. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the base plate and the keycap. The connecting member is penetrated through the membrane circuit board and connected between the keycap and the base plate. The keycap is movable upwardly or downwardly relative to the membrane circuit board. The elastic element is arranged between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The elastic element includes a resilience piece and plural supporting ribs. The plural supporting ribs are arranged between the resilience piece and the keycap. The plural supporting ribs are contacted with the pressing post of the keycap. Consequently, there is a gap between the pressing post and the resilience piece.

Provided herein is a keyboard assembly that includes a keyboard substrate, a plurality of keycaps, and a plurality of lifting supports. Each keycap is connected to the keyboard substrate by using a lifting support. The keyboard substrate is connected to a bottom plate and a top plate, with the bottom plate including a key accommodation groove that further includes a concave slope. The lifting support is located in the key accommodation groove, with one end abutting against the concave slope and being capable of sliding on the concave slope. In a process in which the top plate rotates to a first specified location, the keyboard substrate is driven to move, the lifting support descends, and the keycap descends. In a process in which the top plate rotates to a second specified location, the keyboard substrate is driven to move.

A keyboard and a notebook computer with the keyboard are provided. The keyboard is installed on the notebook computer. The keyboard includes a membrane circuit board, a key frame, a key, a linking rod and a fixing plate. The linking rod is connected with the key frame. The fixing plate is disposed under the key frame. While the linking rod is rotated relative to the key frame to push the key frame, a position-limiting structure of the key frame is moved along a guiding structure of the fixing plate. Consequently, the key frame is limited to be moved in a first axial direction. Moreover, when the key frame is moved to a locked position at the same level with a keycap of the key, the keycap cannot be pressed down.

A keyboard and a notebook computer with the keyboard are provided. The keyboard is installed on the notebook computer. The keyboard includes a membrane circuit board, a key frame, a key, a linking rod and a fixing plate. The linking rod is connected with the key frame. The fixing plate is disposed under the key frame. While the linking rod is rotated relative to the key frame to push the key frame, a position-limiting structure of the key frame is moved along a guiding structure of the fixing plate. Consequently, the key frame is limited to be moved in a first axial direction. Moreover, when the key frame is moved to a locked position at the same level with a keycap of the key, the keycap cannot be pressed down.

A key switch includes a base plate, a key top, a pair of link members, and a switch mechanism. The key top is above the base plate. The link members support the key top and operate in an interlocked manner to allow the key top to be lifted and lowered with respect to the base plate. One of the link members includes a projecting portion at a distal end of an arm of the link member. The other one of the link members includes a concave receiving portion at a distal end of an arm of the link member. The projecting portion is rotationally fitted to the concave receiving portion. The switch mechanism is disposed between the base plate and the key top and is configured to open and close a contact portion of an electric circuit in accordance with lifting and lowering operation of the key top.

A keyswitch includes a board having a first magnetic portion and a pivot portion, a cap, a switch, and a support device including a first support member having first and second bodies connected to each other via an elastic connection arm. The first body has first and second end portions connected to the cap and the pivot portion respectively. The second body has a second magnetic portion and a triggering portion. A U-shaped slot is formed around the triggering portion to make the triggering portion form an elastic cantilever arm extending from the second body. When the cap is pressed to make the second magnetic portion away from the first magnetic portion at a specific distance, the triggering portion triggers the switch. When the cap is released, a magnetic force between the first and second magnetic portions drives the second magnetic portion to approach the first magnetic portion.

An illuminated keyswitch includes a keycap, a pair of frames adapted to support the keycap in an up-down movement, the pair of frames disposed corresponding to each other and substantially rotatably coupled to each other to define an inner space under the keycap, a pair of elastic members connecting the pair of frames to be located at two opposite sides of the inner space, respectively, and an illumination light source disposed between the pair of elastic members in the inner space and adapted to provide an illumination light. During the up-down movement of the keycap, a vertical projection of the pair of frames surrounds the inner space without interfering therewith, so the illumination light passes the inner space to illuminate the keycap.

A slim-type keyboard includes a first flexible layer, a pressed frame and a circuit board assembly. The first flexible layer includes plural pressed regions. The pressed frame includes plural cantilever strips. The circuit board assembly includes plural dome switches. The plural cantilever strips are covered by the first flexible layer. The pressed regions are aligned with the cantilever strips and the dome switches, respectively. When one of the pressed regions is pressed, the cantilever strip is pushed down to trigger the corresponding dome switch. Each cantilever strip includes a U-shaped groove and a suspension end. The U-shaped groove opens to the suspension end. Consequently, the tactile feel of pressing the cantilever strip is improved.