A mute-able input device with keystroke tactile feedback includes: a plurality of keys, each including a tactile structure and a sound-generating structure for respectively generating operational tactile feedback and operating sounds; a plurality of adjusting mechanisms, each including an adjusting portion corresponding to one of the keys; at least one switching unit including an operating portion and a switch member, the operating portion connecting the switch member and the adjusting mechanism, the switch member generating a switching signal involving a mode switching between different tactile modes or different sound modes for one or more keys. When the operating portion moves in response to a force, the switch member is triggered to achieve the mode switching; meanwhile, the adjusting portion moves to interfere with at least one of the tactile structure or the sound-generating structure along with the movement of the operating portion.

A keyswitch includes a base having a pillar, a cap having a rib and movable relative to the base, a sleeve rotatably sleeving the pillar and having first and second top surfaces and convex and concave portions, an elastic member abutting against the sleeve and the base, and a resilient arm abutting against a first or second position on the convex portion with rotation of the sleeve. When the resilient arm abuts against the first position, the rib abuts against the first top surface to prepress the elastic member for generating a first preload. When the cap is pressed for moving the sleeve downward, the resilient arm moves from the first or second position to the concave portion. When the resilient arm abuts against the second position, the rib abuts against the second top surface to prepress the elastic member for generating a second preload larger than the first preload.

A powered communication system comprises an improved layout of keys configured to treat, mitigate, or delay the onset and reduce the severity of symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and other pathologies by reducing movement of a user's fingers during typing. A layout of the powered communication system comprises the most-used letters on a home or center row while retaining a plurality of keys in the same placement as the QWERTY keyboard. The powered communication system further comprises customizable function keys to further reduce finger movement and at least one sensor to monitor a user's health while typing.

An example keyboard can include: a base with a midpoint, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; and a plurality of keys arranged on the base, wherein the plurality of keys is positioned to form a curved shape on the base such that the plurality of keys extend from the midpoint of the base towards a user as the plurality of keys extends towards the first end and the second end of the base.

The present utility provides a keyboard, including a first operating area, a second primary key area, and a third shortcut module area which are provided on a keyboard carrier from the bottom up. The second primary key area is used for three rows of alphabet keys. The first operating area is used for setting of a space bar, and the bottom of the second primary key area and the left and right sides of the first operation area constitute left and right palm support positions. The third shortcut module area is divided into left and right sections corresponding to the left and right palm support positions of the first operating area, the left and right sections being provided with shortcut modules respectively. When a palm is on a palm support position, the palm can reach over the second primary key area to operate the shortcut module, the palm can reach over the second main key area to operate a shortcut module without lifting the wrist.

Dual, ergonomically ideal, neutral-posture, wireless-and-programmable, joinable keys-input devices/housings (FIGS. 1A and 1B): with hinged ratcheted bases to allow additional operator-preferred keys-input planes of key-address; with hypothenar- and palm-rests; with customizable domed keys set in a customizable four-stair-stepped-key-ledges-configuration to match the natural curl and reach of operators' relaxed fingers; with the same domed keys arrayed to provide closer reach for the fingers with less extension of said fingers; with elevated and dedicated little-finger keys for ease of access; with two-way scalloped thumb-levers operable by simply dropping the relaxed thumbs; with joiner-rings for uniting the devices/housings; with built-in bolts-accesses for attachment to chair- or desk-arms; with embedded lenses for wireless transmission, projection, or remote control, or other; with integrated microphone for voice commands or recording; with a plurality of keys for possible alphanumeric input; with additional utility keys. Other embodiments obtain.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a housing, a key cover that penetrates at least a part of the housing and exposes at least a part of the key cover to an outside, a key button that is disposed inside the key cover and generates a pressing signal when the key button is pressed, a pressure sensor including a plurality of depressurization points between the key cover and the key button, and at least one processor electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the key button, and the at least one processor obtains a pressure signal corresponding to each of the plurality of depressurization points through the pressure sensor, obtains the pressing signal through the key button, and performs a specified operation based on the pressure signal corresponding to each of the obtained depressurization points and the pressing signal.

A data entry system comprises a processor configured to receive a first data entry, make a first determination whether the first data entry is a first character entry or a first chorded entry, select a first output based on the first determination, and transmit the first output. The processor is further configured to receive, after transmitting the first output, a second data entry; make a second determination whether the second data entry is a second character entry or a second chorded entry; select a second output based on the second determination; and transmit the second output. The first data entry is the first character entry and the second data entry is the second chorded entry, or the first data entry is the first chorded entry and the second data entry is the second character entry.

Keyboards that are selectably configurable between a standard interface and a braille interface. In embodiments, the keyboard is equipped with six keys corresponding to six dots of a braille matrix, each of the keys equipped with a shape memory alloy spring or other mechanism to cause each of the keys to selectably extend above the keyboard plane. On activation, the six keys are extended and the remaining keys deactivated, to provide an easy to locate braille interface. On subsequent activation, the six keys are retracted and the keyboard is reverted to a standard interface. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

A portable electronic apparatus including a first body, a second body, and a keyboard is provided. The second body is pivotally connected to the first body. The keyboard is disposed on the first body and includes a plurality of key structures. One of the key structures includes an elevating platform, a key cap, and a camera. The key cap is detachably mounted to the elevating platform, and the camera is mounted at one side of the key cap facing the elevating platform. After the camera is detached from the elevating platform together with the key cap, the camera is mounted and positioned to the second body together with the key cap, and at least a portion of the camera is exposed to the outside.