摘要 |
<p>A keypad with both elevated (11) and non-elevated (22) key regions, and key switches (12) disposed beneath both types of key regions. The non-elevated key regions each provide corresponding character output based on an operation algorithm that considers activation of at least one adjacent elevated key region as well as activation of the switch below the non-elevated key region. The keypad includes a keymat (41) that is rigidly held at its perimeter in a stretched condition across a switch substrate (23). The key switches include metal snap domes (12) that have an elevated central region (212) forming a downwardly facing cavity (13) defined at its edge by a ridge (214) disposed above the switch contacts (21) that electrically engages multiple switch contacts in an annular contact zone (230).</p> |