A switch mechanism (12) includes a housing (16, 18) with a fenestration (21), a switch element (22) held in the housing, and a membrane switch held in the fenestration. The membrane switch includes a flexible membrane (20) and a rigid rib (26). The rib is constrained to linear movement by guides (37, 38) in the housing so that contact with the membrane causes the membrane to deform and the rib to translate to actuate the switch 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.

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.

A mobile communication terminal side button structure according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: a frame having a button hole formed thereon; a button inserted into the button hole, a pressurizing protrusion being formed on the inner surface of the button; a piezoelectric element, one surface of which contacts the pressurizing protrusion; and a support member arranged on the other surface of the piezoelectric element so as to support both side edges of the piezoelectric element.

A keyboard structure and assembling method thereof are provided. The keyboard structure includes a baseplate, a keycap and a frame having a hook body. The keycap can be inserted into the frame and restricted by the hook body, so that the range of movement of the keycap is restricted. The keycap cannot be separated from the frame so that the coupling of the frame and the baseplate is not interfered by the keycap. Thus, the present invention can effectively simplify the assembling process of the keyboard.

A switch assembly includes a switch body defining a switch opening, a dome switch positioned in the switch opening, a film attached to a surface of the switch body and covering the switch opening, and a protrusion extending from the film in an area above the switch opening. The protrusion is configured to transfer a force from a keycap of a key to the dome switch when the keycap is depressed. The dome switch may include an upper dome below the film and a lower dome below the upper dome.

A switch assembly includes a switch body defining a switch opening, a dome switch positioned in the switch opening, a film attached to a surface of the switch body and covering the switch opening, and a protrusion extending from the film in an area above the switch opening. The protrusion is configured to transfer a force from a keycap of a key to the dome switch when the keycap is depressed. The dome switch may include an upper dome below the film and a lower dome below the upper dome.

The disclosure provides a key device including a housing, a soft material layer, and a key component. The housing has at least one first assembly hole. The soft material layer is disposed on the housing and has at least one second assembly hole. The key component includes at least one key body and an elastic frame. The key body is exposed to the housing through the second assembly hole and the first assembly hole correspondingly. The elastic frame is connected with the key body and squeezes the soft material layer. The key device of the disclosure has waterproof and dustproof functions and may effectively reduce the cost.