A key includes a display, a connector, and a supporting structure. The display has a displaying surface and a connecting surface opposing the displaying surface. Electrodes are disposed on the connecting surface. The connector includes a connection dock and substantially bead-shaped conductors. The connection dock supports the display and has through holes. The conductors are substantially disposed in the through holes, respectively, and electrically connected to the electrodes, respectively. The support mechanism is engaged with the connection dock.

An input device according to the present invention includes: a thumb keyboard part having a plurality of keys provided on a wall surface of an upright wall structure; and four-finger keyboard parts connected to one side of the thumb keyboard part and extending to the other side thereof, and having a plurality of keys provided on the surface thereof. The thumb keyboard part of the upright wall structure is provided at one side of the four-finger keyboard part, and thus the plurality of keys are arranged on an upright wall so as to correspond to the horizontal movement of the thumb such that the utilization of the thumb is maximized, thereby enabling improvements of keyboard input speed and work efficiency to be promoted.

An input device according to the present invention includes: a thumb keyboard part having a plurality of keys provided on a wall surface of an upright wall structure; and four-finger keyboard parts connected to one side of the thumb keyboard part and extending to the other side thereof, and having a plurality of keys provided on the surface thereof. The thumb keyboard part of the upright wall structure is provided at one side of the four-finger keyboard part, and thus the plurality of keys are arranged on an upright wall so as to correspond to the horizontal movement of the thumb such that the utilization of the thumb is maximized, thereby enabling improvements of keyboard input speed and work efficiency to be promoted.

A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 16 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two lettersthose letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each keynamely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific keyfor a total of 26 letters.

A keyboard is provided having 26 letters assigned to only 16 to 21 keys, and preferably 21 keys. This advantageous system of typing makes use of either one or two hands. The 26 letters of the English alphabet are all displayed. Five keys have two lettersthose letters are PQ, JK, UW, VX and YZ for a total of ten letters. Sixteen keys have one letter assigned to each keynamely the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, L, M, O, N, R, S and T for a total of sixteen letters assigned to a specific keyfor a total of 26 letters.

A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.

In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The keys utilize contacts located on the bottom of the keys which may be conductive or nonconductive.

In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The keys utilize contacts located on the bottom of the keys which may be conductive or nonconductive.