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 vertical keyboard, which is used with key top pressing direction set to a substantially horizontal direction, includes a housing having opening portions into which the key tops are fitted. A lower internal surface of the opening portion is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the surface of the housing, in a downward direction from the keyboard interior toward the keyboard surface side. This can reduce adhesion or accumulation of dust or dirt in a space between the lower internal surface of the opening portion and the lower internal surface of the key top.

A keyboard device includes a bottom cover, a supporting plate, a flexible circuit board and plural key structures. The supporting plate is installed on the bottom cover. The supporting plate has a curved arc-shaped profile that is bent upwardly in a direction away from the bottom cover. The supporting plate includes plural perforations. The flexible circuit board is arranged between the bottom cover and the supporting plate. The plural key structures are installed on the supporting plate. The plural key structures are penetrated through the corresponding perforations and contacted with the flexible circuit board.

A control device includes a display panel and a key structure. The key structure is located over the display panel. The key structure includes a circuit board, a keycap, an elastic element and a conducting element. The circuit board includes a circuit structure. The circuit structure includes a first circuit pattern and a second circuit pattern. The first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern are separated from each other by a gap. The conducting element is disposed on a support part of the elastic element. When the keycap is pressed down, the keycap is moved downwardly to push the support part. After the support part is moved downwardly for a specified travel distance, the conducting element is contacted with the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern. Consequently, the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern are electrically connected with each other.

A portable information handling system keyboard having infinity keys with a beveled bottom surface perimeter is provided enhanced rigidity with a hidden lattice have support lines of raised material, such as stainless steel, aligned below the beveled bottom surface perimeter of the keys. The lattice provides structural support while remaining substantially hidden from the upper key surface of an infinity keyboard.

The invention relates to a peripheral (1) including at least one transparent key (2), actuable under the effect of pressure and engaged in an opening (11) arranged on a first face (10a) of a case (10), the peripheral (1) including a system (13) for controlling and detecting a pressure exerted on the key (2), and at least one screen (4) allowing symbols (3) to be displayed through each key (2) via respectively a display path (5), the control and detection system (13) including a flexible membrane (14) ensuring an actuating force and a pressure feedback effect and including at least one orifice (17), each orifice delimiting a display path (5) for a key (2), and each orifice (17) being delimited by a border (17a) cooperating with a key (2).

A portable information handling system keyboard having infinity keys with a beveled bottom surface perimeter is provided enhanced rigidity with a hidden lattice have support lines of raised material, such as stainless steel, aligned below the beveled bottom surface perimeter of the keys. The lattice provides structural support while remaining substantially hidden from the upper key surface of an infinity keyboard.

A keyboard case for a tabled computer has a keyboard with a bezel plate having a matrix of apertures therein. A matrix of keycaps corresponds to the matrix of apertures in the bezel plate. The bezel plate has a web between the matrix of apertures comprising narrower lateral web between laterally proximate apertures and wider diagonal web between diagonally proximate apertures. Pockets extend from corners of each aperture into the diagonal web of the bezel plate. Tabs extend from corners of each keycap into corresponding pockets of the bezel plate to interlock the keycaps to the bezel plate.

A device with a keypad that includes a bezel assembled with a flexible substrate is provided. The bezel comprises: a first aperture and a second aperture separated by a retention plate. The flexible substrate comprises two or more arms joined at joining ends, and separated at distal ends, distal from the joining ends; at least one arm, of the two or more arms, comprises: a first button portion and a second button portion configured to respectively mate with the first aperture and the second aperture from a rear-side of the bezel, the first button portion and the second button portion separated by a non-button portion. The flexible substrate may be assembled with the bezel to form the keypad by inserting a distal end of the one or more arms through the first aperture from the rear-side of the bezel.

A device with a keypad that includes a bezel assembled with a flexible substrate is provided. The bezel comprises: a first aperture and a second aperture separated by a retention plate. The flexible substrate comprises two or more arms joined at joining ends, and separated at distal ends, distal from the joining ends; at least one arm, of the two or more arms, comprises: a first button portion and a second button portion configured to respectively mate with the first aperture and the second aperture from a rear-side of the bezel, the first button portion and the second button portion separated by a non-button portion. The flexible substrate may be assembled with the bezel to form the keypad by inserting a distal end of the one or more arms through the first aperture from the rear-side of the bezel.