Two part key cap for use in keyboard keys and methods for their manufacture

摘要

A key assembly is for use in a keyboard of the type including a key guide having a planar translation effecting (PTE) feature. The key assembly includes a key base having a PTE mating feature configured to interact with the PTE feature during a key press, and a key cap configured to be attached to the key base. The key base is made of a first material and the key cap is made of a second material different from the first material. A conductive portion and/or a magnet may be wedged between or secured within the key base or the key cap.

主权项

1. A keyboard having a plurality of key assemblies and planar translation effecting (PTE) features, wherein each of at least a subset of the key assemblies comprises:
a key base including a PTE mating feature; and a key cap having a top surface component configured to be contacted by an input object; wherein the PTE mating feature is configured such that the key cap translates vertically and laterally in a planar manner relative to the PTE feature in response to the input object contact, wherein the PTE mating feature comprises a first material and the top surface component comprises a second material different from the first material, and wherein the first material is characterized by a relatively higher coefficient of sliding friction than the second material.