A lock button status indicator member for use with a key fob having a depressable lock button for remotely activating a locking mechanism communicating with a door. The lock button status indicator member is formed of a viscoelastic polyurethane foam having a slow recovery time. The lock button status indicator member has a base configured to abut the upper surface of the lock button. An adherent, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, is located on the lower surface of the base of the lock button status indicator member, and is adapted to adhere the lower surface of the base to the upper surface of the lock button.

When an operation knob 10 formed of silicone rubber is pushed laterally, a stem 7 tilts with a contact portion (i) as a fulcrum, a push button portion 6b is pushed, and a contact point in a switch mechanism portion 6a operates to turn on a switch circuit. Even if, by a large operating force F3 being applied, the operation knob 10 is extended and the inner surface portion 15, which is a ceiling surface of an internal space 13 of the operation knob 10, rides on an upper end portion 7c, a reinforcing surface 19 provided on the inner surface portion 15 slides on the upper end portion 7c, and the operation knob 10 returns to the initial shape.

A pressure-activated membrane switch and methods of use are provided. The pressure-activated membrane switch includes a first electrically-conductive membrane, and a second electrically-conductive membrane. Contact between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane is configured to cause an electrical circuit, of which the switch is a part, to close. The pressure-activated membrane switch further includes a plurality of spacers dispersed between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and one or more columns positioned on an outer surface of the second electrically-conductive membrane. The plurality of spacers form one or more gaps between the first electrically-conductive membrane and the second electrically-conductive membrane, and the one or more columns are configured to pass through the one or more gaps when a pressure is applied to the one or more columns, which will cause the second electrically-conductive membrane to deform to contact the first electrically-conductive membrane.

When an operation knob 10 formed of silicone rubber is pushed laterally, a stem 7 tilts with a contact portion (i) as a fulcrum, a push button portion 6b is pushed, and a contact point in a switch mechanism portion 6a operates to turn on a switch circuit. Even if, by a large operating force F3 being applied, the operation knob 10 is extended and the inner surface portion 15, which is a ceiling surface of an internal space 13 of the operation knob 10, rides on an upper end portion 7c, a reinforcing surface 19 provided on the inner surface portion 15 slides on the upper end portion 7c, and the operation knob 10 returns to the initial shape.

A touch input device includes a base board unit, a movable board unit, an actuating member and a noise reduction member. The base board unit has a distal end portion. The movable board unit overlaps and is connected to the base board unit, and has a free end portion movable toward or away from the distal end portion of the base board unit. The actuating unit includes a switch protruding from the free end portion and extending into the noise reduction member, and an actuating member protruding from the distal end portion. The noise reduction member is compressed by the distal end portion when the free end portion moves to the position adjacent to the distal end portion for the actuating member to actuate the switch.

A touch input device includes a base board unit, a movable board unit, an actuating member and a noise reduction member. The base board unit has a distal end portion. The movable board unit overlaps and is connected to the base board unit, and has a free end portion movable toward or away from the distal end portion of the base board unit. The actuating unit includes a switch protruding from the free end portion and extending into the noise reduction member, and an actuating member protruding from the distal end portion. The noise reduction member is compressed by the distal end portion when the free end portion moves to the position adjacent to the distal end portion for the actuating member to actuate the switch.

A keyboard device includes a light guide plate, a base plate, plural keys and plural surround-type soundproof elements. The base plate is located over the light guide plate. The plural keys are connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the plural keys and the base plate. The plural surround-type soundproof elements are aligned with the corresponding keys. Each surround-type soundproof element is disposed on the light guide plate, the base plate or the membrane circuit board. While one of the plural keycaps is depressed and moved downwardly relative to the base plate, a sealed space is defined by the corresponding keycap and the corresponding surround-type soundproof element.

A key structure includes a supporting plate, a triggering switch, a keycap and a soft element. The triggering switch is located over the supporting plate. The keycap is located over the triggering switch. When an external force is received by the keycap, the triggering switch is pushed by the keycap. The soft element is disposed on an inner surface of the keycap. When the soft element is contacted with the triggering switch, the soft element is subjected to deformation. When the soft element is contacted with the triggering switch, a portion of the triggering switch is inserted into the deformed soft element to limit a sliding action of the triggering switch. Consequently, the mechanical key switch provides enhanced tactile feel.

The invention provides a keypad module, including a bottom plate, a circuit film, an elastic element, a scissor structure, a keycap and a buffering material layer. The circuit film is disposed on the bottom plate and includes a switch. The elastic element is disposed on the switch. The scissor structure is fixed on the bottom plate. The keycap is disposed on the scissor structure. The buffering material layer is disposed on the inner surface of the keycap.

A key structure includes a supporting plate, a triggering switch, a keycap and a soft element. The triggering switch is located over the supporting plate. The keycap is located over the triggering switch. When an external force is received by the keycap, the triggering switch is pushed by the keycap. The soft element is disposed on an inner surface of the keycap. When the soft element is contacted with the triggering switch, the soft element is subjected to deformation. When the soft element is contacted with the triggering switch, a portion of the triggering switch is inserted into the deformed soft element to limit a sliding action of the triggering switch. Consequently, the mechanical key switch provides enhanced tactile feel.