| 摘要 |
A compact keyboard for use in a portable electronic device includes keys arranged in two level sets. Each set includes an upper level and a lower level, and the keys of the upper and lower levels of each set are arranged in an interdigitated or staggered fashion such the keys of each set form a pattern similar to a pattern of a single row of keys of a standard full-sized keyboard. This key arrangement allows a compact device having limited horizontal dimensions to mimic a key pattern arrangement of a full-sized keyboard. The keys may have pointed indicator portions that bear a character or symbol that indicates the functions of the keys. The pointed indicator portions of the upper and lower levels of a single set may be interdigitated such that characters or symbols on the keys are arranged in a substantially straight line.
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