A compact key structure comprises a base plate, a
conductive membrane, an elastic member, a frame and a cap wherein said key structure is characterized in that the
conductive membrane is single-
film structure and has a contact corresponding to each key and with meshed-hook shape <CUSTOM-CHARACTER FILE="US06191776-20010220-P00001.TIF" ID="CUSTOM-CHARACTER-00001">. An aperture is provided at the center of the contact for venting air. The elastic member and the cap are attached by a non-reactive type paste such that the elastic member and the cap can be attached and separated repeatedly. The surface of said elastic member attached to said cap is of staircase shape and has venting holes formed on the lateral side to facilitating the restoring of the elastic member after being pressed. Moreover, a conductive bump is provided within the elastic member and corresponding to the
conductive membrane. A conductive layer is formed on the conductive layer and corresponding to the contact of the conductive membrane. The conductive bump of the elastic member is connected to the contact of the conductive membrane and a
closed loop is formed within the key when the cap is pressed down, whereby the
signal generated by key stroking action is transmitted to the computer. The conductive membrane is designed to be single-
film structure, whereby the keyboard is more compact with
reduced height.