One variation of a keyboard system includes: a substrate including an array of inductors; a tactile layer arranged over the substrate defining an array of key locations over the array of inductors; an array of magnetic elements, each arranged within the tactile layer at a key location configured to inductively couple to an adjacent inductor and configured to move relative to the adjacent inductor responsive to application of a force on the tactile layer at the key location; and a controller configured to read electrical values from the inductors. In response to detecting a change in electrical value at a first inductor, the controller also configured to: register a first keystroke of a first key type associated with a first key location defined over the first inductor; and drive an oscillating voltage across the first inductor to oscillate the tactile layer over the substrate during a haptic feedback cycle.

One variation of a keyboard system includes: a substrate including an array of inductors; a tactile layer arranged over the substrate defining an array of key locations over the array of inductors; an array of magnetic elements, each arranged within the tactile layer at a key location configured to inductively couple to an adjacent inductor and configured to move relative to the adjacent inductor responsive to application of a force on the tactile layer at the key location; and a controller configured to read electrical values from the inductors. In response to detecting a change in electrical value at a first inductor, the controller also configured to: register a first keystroke of a first key type associated with a first key location defined over the first inductor; and drive an oscillating voltage across the first inductor to oscillate the tactile layer over the substrate during a haptic feedback cycle.

A remote control device includes a housing and an upper element. The top surface of the upper element can be partitioned to include different frictionally engaging surfaces. At least one frictionally engaging surface can be used as an input surface that receives user inputs such as touch or force inputs. An input device, such as a force sensing switch, can be positioned in the housing and used in determining an amount of force applied to the input surface. The bottom surface of the upper element below the second surface can be affixed to the housing in a manner that permits the input surface to bend based on the applied force.

A remote control device includes a housing and an upper element. The top surface of the upper element can be partitioned to include different frictionally engaging surfaces. At least one frictionally engaging surface can be used as an input surface that receives user inputs such as touch or force inputs. An input device, such as a force sensing switch, can be positioned in the housing and used in determining an amount of force applied to the input surface. The bottom surface of the upper element below the second surface can be affixed to the housing in a manner that permits the input surface to bend based on the applied force.

A switch device includes: an operation unit including a first switch, a second switch, a first resistor, a second resistor, and a first terminal; and a control unit including a second terminal coupled to the first terminal. A series circuit of the first switch and the first resistor and a series circuit of the second switch and the second resistor are coupled between the first terminal and a ground. The control unit monitors a potential of the first terminal which changes in response to on/off of the first and second switches via the second terminal, and determines the operation state of each switch based on the potential. A contact of the first switch is configured of a contact in which a resistance value between contacts at the time of opening and closing changes more sharply as compared with a contact of the second switch.

A backlit keyboard includes key switches and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting surface, and at least one light-emitting device. The light guide plate is provided with light-guiding dots disposed on a bottom surface thereof. A light-shielding layer disposed on the light guide plate has a light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion corresponding to at least one of the key switches. The reflecting surface faces the bottom surface of the light guide plate, and a pattern at least partially overlaps the light-shielding portion. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed in an opening of the light guide plate, and the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device face respective sidewalls of the opening. The first light-emitting device is located underneath the light-shielding portion.

A backlit keyboard includes key switches and a backlight module. The backlight module includes a light guide plate, a reflecting surface, and at least one light-emitting device. The light guide plate is provided with light-guiding dots disposed on a bottom surface thereof. A light-shielding layer disposed on the light guide plate has a light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion corresponding to at least one of the key switches. The reflecting surface faces the bottom surface of the light guide plate, and a pattern at least partially overlaps the light-shielding portion. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed in an opening of the light guide plate, and the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device face respective sidewalls of the opening. The first light-emitting device is located underneath the light-shielding portion.

Embodiments of keyboards having variations of electrically connecting keys to an internal component of an electronic device are described. Some embodiments include positioning several rows of conductive layers below several rows of keys. The conductive layers may be configured to receive a signal indicating a key has been depressed. Also, the internal component may be configured to scan the conductive layers to determine whether a key or keys have been depressed. In some embodiments, the conductive layers lie outside a portion of the electronic device in which internal components are traditionally located. In some embodiments, a substrate may be integrally connected with the keyboard. The substrate may receive some internal components of the electronic device.

A key mechanism is disclosed. The key mechanism comprises a keycap, a dome support structure positioned relative to the keycap and defining an opening, an actuation mechanism coupled to the keycap, and a collapsible dome positioned in the opening of the dome support structure. The actuation mechanism is configured to movably support the keycap relative to the dome support structure. The dome comprises an upstop member configured to limit upward travel of the collapsible dome.

A key mechanism is disclosed. The key mechanism comprises a keycap, a dome support structure positioned relative to the keycap and defining an opening, an actuation mechanism coupled to the keycap, and a collapsible dome positioned in the opening of the dome support structure. The actuation mechanism is configured to movably support the keycap relative to the dome support structure. The dome comprises an upstop member configured to limit upward travel of the collapsible dome.