An input device is characterized in that in a first stroke region in which an operation panel is pushed during a touch operation, a first reaction force that occurs by pushing the operation panel is generated by the first elastic portion. In a second stroke region including a stroke longer than in the first stroke region and a stroke for performing a push operation, a second reaction force that occurs by pushing the operation panel is a resultant force generated by a first elastic portion and the push switch. In the vicinity of a boundary between the first stroke region and the second stroke region, the amount of change in the first reaction force with respect to a stroke length is less than the amount of change in the second reaction force with respect to a stroke length.

Low-profile keysets and input devices having such low-profile keysets are described. In one example, the input device includes a support structure having a first and second surface; a bezel having a first and second surface, wherein the first surface of the bezel is adjacent to the first surface of the support structure, and the bezel comprises at least one opening; at least one key cap positioned within the at least one opening of the bezel, wherein each key cap is configured to move between a first and second position to trigger a function of the input device; and a fabric cover layer positioned adjacent to the second surface of the bezel, such that the bezel and the at least one key cap are positioned between the fabric cover layer and the support structure, the fabric cover layer is only adhered to the second surface of the bezel.

Provided are a switch module and a push switch that have a soft sensation when pressed. A push switch and a switch module have a substrate, a first fixed contact point disposed on the substrate surface, a second fixed contact point disposed around the first fixed contact point on the substrate surface, a convex dome-shaped upper spring disposed on the substrate surface so that an end part is in contact with the second fixed contact point, the upper spring being pressed so as to invert the dome shape and to establish conduction between the first fixed contact point and the second fixed contact point, and a lower spring disposed below the upper spring, the lower spring adjusting the operation load applied to the upper spring during inversion of the dome shape.

There is provided a button for varying output based on force applied. The button comprises: a contact pad with at least two contacts, the contacts being arranged in a complementary pattern of interdigitated fingers with a separation therebetween; and an actuator and a conductive layer, the conductive layer being located between a base of the actuator and the contact pad and being independent of the actuator and contact pad, the base of the actuator being shaped to increase the surface area of the conductive layer in contact with the contacts as the actuator is pushed towards the contact pad. This increases current flow between the contacts in use as the force applied to the actuator increases.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a key switch mechanism including: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activation position; an elastomeric dome which, when the plunger is in the neutral position, is non-deformed and which, when the plunger is in the activation position, is elastically deformed by the plunger; a conductive spring having a stationary end portion and a moveable end portion, the stationary end portion electrically coupled to a circuit, and the moveable end portion coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner to be moved when the plunger is displaced towards the activation position, in connection with the corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein, when the plunger is in the neutral position, the electrical contact is arranged at a distance from the moveable end portion, and, when the plunger is in the activation position, the moveable end portion is moved to contact the electrical contact.

A stepped stroke button includes a transmission unit having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; an operating unit arranged at the first end; and a contact unit arranged at the second end and axially guided in a first guide. At least one of the operating unit and the contact unit is configured to be axially movable with respect to the transmission unit, wherein during operation of the stepped stroke button, an operating stroke occurring relative to the first guide is configured differently from a mediated contact stroke occurring relative to the first guide. The ratio of the operating stroke to the contact stroke is greater than 1:1 and the operating stroke is greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

A key structure includes a keycap, a membrane circuit board, and a rubber dome between the keycap and the membrane circuit board. The rubber dome includes a ring-shaped structure, a lower foundation structure, a contacting post, a first inclined wall and a second inclined wall. The ring-shaped structure includes a first top surface. The first top surface is upwardly pushed against the keycap. The lower foundation structure includes a first bottom surface. The first bottom surface is pushed downwardly pushed against the membrane circuit board. The contacting post is connected with the ring-shaped structure. The first inclined wall is connected with the ring-shaped structure and the lower foundation structure. The second inclined wall is connected with the ring-shaped structure and the contacting post. There is a first included angle θ1 between the second inclined wall and the first bottom surface. Preferably, 30°≤θ1≤85°.

A mechanical component is provided. The component can have a core, a sheath circumferentially surrounding the core, and an insulator between the core and the sheath. The core can include a shape memory material that is arranged to move from an initial form to an activated form upon a temperature of the core warming past a transition temperature of the shape memory material. A distal portion of the sheath can be in electrical communication with a distal portion of the core, while the insulator blocks a flow of electrical current between a proximal portion of the sheath and a proximal portion of the core.

According to various embodiments, there is provided a key switch mechanism including: a key button; a plunger attached to the key button and displaceable between a neutral position and an activation position; an elastomeric dome which, when the plunger is in the neutral position, is non-deformed and which, when the plunger is in the activation position, is elastically deformed by the plunger; a conductive spring having a stationary end portion and a moveable end portion, the stationary end portion electrically coupled to a circuit, and the moveable end portion coupled to the elastomeric dome in a manner to be moved when the plunger is displaced towards the activation position, in connection with the corresponding deformation of the elastomeric dome; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein, when the plunger is in the neutral position, the electrical contact is arranged at a distance from the moveable end portion, and, when the plunger is in the activation position, the moveable end portion is moved to contact the electrical contact.

Low-profile keysets and input devices having such low-profile keysets are described. In one example, the input device includes a support structure having a first and second surface; a bezel having a first and second surface, wherein the first surface of the bezel is adjacent to the first surface of the support structure, and the bezel comprises at least one opening; at least one key cap positioned within the at least one opening of the bezel, wherein each key cap is configured to move between a first and second position to trigger a function of the input device; and a fabric cover layer positioned adjacent to the second surface of the bezel, such that the bezel and the at least one key cap are positioned between the fabric cover layer and the support structure, the fabric cover layer is only adhered to the second surface of the bezel.