keyboard

Abstract

A keyboard includes a base plate, a display element, and a key assembly. The display element is disposed above the base plate. The key assembly includes a key cap, a fixing seat, two balance bars, and a reset member. The key cap is located above the base plate and has a light-transmitting portion located above the display element. The fixing seat is disposed on the base plate and has a limiting slot. Each balance bar includes a bar portion and an end portion. The bar portion rotatably connects the key cap. The end portion is movably limited in the limiting slot. The reset member abuts against the key cap above the base plate and is adjacent to an edge of the key cap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure concerns a type of keyboard. Background Technology

[0002] In terms of current personal computer usage habits, the keyboard is an indispensable input device for inputting text or numbers. Furthermore, all consumer electronics products encountered in daily life and large-scale industrial processing equipment require buttons as input devices to operate these products and equipment.

[0003] Generally, specific characters can be applied to the keycaps using methods such as ink printing, spray painting, and laser engraving. However, different types of characters belong to different types of keyboards. Different types of keyboards require different stock of materials, which prevents the reduction of production and marketing costs. Furthermore, this conventional keyboard does not allow users to replace the characters on the keycaps with other desired patterns or text.

[0004] Therefore, how to develop a keyboard that can solve the above problems is one of the issues that the industry is currently eager to address by investing research and development resources in. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, one purpose of this disclosure is to propose a keyboard that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, according to one embodiment of this disclosure, a keyboard includes a base plate, a display element, and a key assembly. The display element is disposed above the base plate. The key assembly includes keycaps, a mounting base, two stabilizers, and a reset member. The keycaps are located above the base plate and have a light-transmitting portion above the display element. The mounting base is disposed on the base plate and has a limiting groove. Each stabilizer includes a rod portion and an end portion. The rod portion rotatably engages with the keycap. The end portion is movably limited within the limiting groove. The reset member abuts against the keycap above the base plate and is adjacent to the edge of the keycap.

[0007] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a reset member is disposed below one of the balance bars. The reset member is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the bar portion of the aforementioned balance bar.

[0008] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the reset member has a receiving groove. The receiving groove receives a portion of the rod portion of the aforementioned balance bar.

[0009] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the keyboard further includes a circuit board disposed on a base plate. The aforementioned portion of the lever abuts against the bottom of a receiving groove. The reset member also has a conductive post. The conductive post is located below the receiving groove and configured to contact the circuit board when a keycap is pressed.

[0010] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the reset member further comprises two support legs. The support legs extend substantially parallel to the aforementioned portion of the balance bar.

[0011] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a reset member is disposed and contacts between the keycap and the mounting base.

[0012] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the balance bar includes a first balance bar and a second balance bar. The first balance bar is a solid structure. The ends of the second balance bar are hollow structures.

[0013] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, at least a portion of the end of the first balance bar is movably fitted inside the end of the second balance bar.

[0014] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the keyboard further includes a circuit board disposed on a base plate. The keycaps have conductive ribs. The conductive ribs are configured to contact the circuit board when a keycap is pressed.

[0015] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the display element is fixed to the bottom surface of the keycap.

[0016] In one or more embodiments disclosed herein, the keyboard further includes a carrier. The carrier has a first engaging structure. The bottom surface of the keycaps has a second engaging structure. The first engaging structure and the second engaging structure engage with each other. A display element is supported on the carrier.

[0017] In summary, in the keyboard disclosed herein, the display element located above the base plate can display specific patterns or text according to the user's needs, and can be viewed by the user through the light-transmitting part of the keycap. Therefore, it is very convenient for the user to change patterns or text to highlight the uniqueness of the keyboard. The keyboard disclosed herein uses two balance bars instead of the conventional scissor-type linkage structure to guide the movement of the keycap, thus effectively avoiding the problem of obstructing the display element. In addition, the ends of the two balance bars can be designed to be interlocked to achieve linked movement when the keycap is pressed. In some embodiments of the keyboard disclosed herein, the reset member has a receiving groove for accommodating a portion of the balance bar, and a conductive post located below the receiving groove. Therefore, when the keycap is pressed, the force-bearing distance of the conductive post is shorter, thus achieving the effect of triggering the key signal more quickly.

[0018] The above description is only used to illustrate the problem to be solved by this disclosure, the technical means to solve the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments disclosed herein more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0021] Figure 2 To illustrate a partial exploded perspective view of a keyboard according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0022] Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 The structure in the image omits a partial 3D composite diagram of the keycaps;

[0023] Figure 4 For illustration Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure in the image;

[0024] Figure 5 For illustration Figure 3 A partial 3D view of the first balance bar and the reset component;

[0025] Figure 6 To illustrate a partial exploded perspective view of a keyboard according to another embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 7 For illustration Figure 6 The structure in the image omits a partial 3D composite diagram of the keycaps;

[0027] Figure 8 For illustration Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure in the image;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating some components of a button device according to another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0029] [Symbol Explanation]

[0030] 100: Keyboard

[0031] 110: Base Plate

[0032] 120: Circuit board

[0033] 121: Openwork section

[0034] 122: Perforation

[0035] 130: Display element

[0036] 140, 240: Button assembly

[0037] 141,241,341: Keycaps

[0038] 141a: Light-transmitting part

[0039] 142: Fixture

[0040] 142a: Limiting groove

[0041] 143: First stabilizer bar

[0042] 143a, 144a: First section of the rod

[0043] 143b, 144b: Second part of the rod

[0044] 143c, 144c: End portion

[0045] 144: Second stabilizer bar

[0046] 145, 245: Reset component

[0047] 145a: Reception slot

[0048] 145b: Conductor post

[0049] 145c, 245c: Support feet

[0050] 145d1, 145d2, 245d2: Notch

[0051] 150: gasket

[0052] 241a: Conductor rib

[0053] 341b: Second engagement structure

[0054] 360: Support Base

[0055] 361: First engagement structure Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following describes several embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity, many practical details will be described in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit this disclosure. That is, in some embodiments of this disclosure, these practical details are not essential. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity, some conventional structures and elements will be shown in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 A perspective view of a keyboard 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the keyboard 100 in this embodiment can be an external keyboard for use with a desktop computer (e.g., a PS / 2 interface keyboard or a USB interface keyboard) or an input device that includes keypads, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the concept of the keyboard 100 disclosed herein can be applied to any electronic product that uses pressing as an input method.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3. Figure 2 A partial exploded perspective view of a keyboard 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 For illustration Figure 2 The structural diagram omits a partial 3D assembly of keycap 141. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the keyboard 100 includes a base plate 110, a circuit board 120, and a plurality of key assemblies 140. The circuit board 120 is disposed on the base plate 110. The combination of the base plate 110, the circuit board 120, and the single key assembly 140 can be regarded as a key device. In this key device, the keyboard 100 further includes a display element 130. The display element 130 is disposed above the base plate 110.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the circuit board 120 has a through-hole portion 121. The display element 130 is disposed on the base plate 110 and placed in the through-hole portion 121, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the display element 130 may be disposed between the base plate 110 and the circuit board 120, and the circuit board 120 may have a cutout or transparent area located directly above the display element 130.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the keyboard 100 further includes a spacer 150. The display element 130 is disposed on the base plate 110 through the spacer 150 to prevent short circuits. In this embodiment, the spacer 150 is annular, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the material of the spacer 150 includes insulating foam, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the key assembly 140 includes keycaps 141. Keycaps 141 are located above the base plate 110 and have a light-transmitting portion 141a located above the display element 130. The display element 130 can display specific patterns or text according to the user's needs, and these patterns or texts can be viewed by the user through the light-transmitting portion 141a of the keycaps 141. Therefore, it is very convenient for the user to change patterns or texts to highlight the uniqueness of the keyboard 100.

[0062] In some embodiments, the display element 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit, a light-emitting diode display unit, an electronic paper display unit, etc., but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the button assembly 140 further includes a fixing base 142, a first balance bar 143, and a second balance bar 144. The circuit board 120 has a through hole 122. The fixing base 142 passes through the through hole 122 and is disposed on the base plate 110, and has a limiting groove 142a. The limiting groove 142a is a through hole in this embodiment, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The first balance bar 143 includes a first rod portion 143a, a second rod portion 143b, and an end portion 143c. The first rod portion 143a is rotatably connected to the keycap 141. The second rod portion 143b is connected to one end of the first rod portion 143a, bent relative to the first rod portion 143a, and extends toward the fixing base 142. The end portion 143c is connected to one end of the second rod portion 143b and bent relative to the second rod portion 143b. The second rod portion 143b is connected between the first rod portion 143a and the end portion 143c. Additionally, the second balance bar 144 includes a first rod portion 144a, a second rod portion 144b, and an end portion 144c. The first rod portion 144a is rotatably connected to the keycap 141. The second rod portion 144b is connected to one end of the first rod portion 144a, bent relative to the first rod portion 144a, and extends toward the mounting base 142. The end portion 144c is connected to one end of the second rod portion 144b, and bent relative to the second rod portion 144b. The second rod portion 144b connects the first rod portion 144a and the end portion 144c. In this embodiment, the length of the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143 is greater than the length of the first rod portion 144a of the second balance bar 144. Therefore, the second rod portion 143b of the first balance bar 143 is located outside the second rod portion 144b of the second balance bar 144. The end portion 143c of the first balance bar 143 extends inward, while the end portion 144c of the second balance bar 144 extends outward, so that the end portions 143c of the first balance bar 143 and 144c of the second balance bar 144 are respectively... Inserted from both sides of the limiting groove 142a and movably limited within the limiting groove 142a, the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144 are movably disposed on the keycap 141 and the base plate 110 through the aforementioned structural configuration, so that when the keycap 141 is pressed, especially when the user presses the edge or corner of the keycap 141, the pressing force can be transmitted to the entire keycap 141 through the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144, so as to drive the keycap 141 to rise and fall smoothly relative to the base plate 110.

[0064] With the aforementioned structural configuration, the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144 can replace the conventional scissor-type linkage structure to guide the movement of the keycap 141, thus effectively avoiding the problem of obstructing the display element 130.

[0065] In some embodiments, the keycap 141 can be manufactured using processes such as two-material injection molding (e.g., the periphery of the pressing surface of the keycap 141 is made of black material, while the center is made of transparent material), spot painting, or printing. In this way, the center of the pressing surface of the keycap 141 allows the user to view the pattern or text displayed on the display element 130 below, while the periphery of the pressing surface of the keycap 141 can obscure the first balance bar 143, the second balance bar 144, and the mounting base 142 below.

[0066] In some embodiments, the material of the mounting base 142 may include plastic and may be fixed to the base plate 110 via a hot melt process, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 4 It is a drawing Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first balance bar 143 is a solid structure. The end 144c of the second balance bar 144 is a hollow structure. At least a portion of the end 143c of the first balance bar 143 is movably fitted inside the end 144c of the second balance bar 144. By designing the end 143c of the first balance bar 143 and the end 144c of the second balance bar 144 as a mutually fitted structure, the linked movement of the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144 when the keycap 141 is pressed can be realized. In some embodiments, the end 143c of the first balance bar 143 and the end 144c of the second balance bar 144 may also be provided with corresponding protrusions and grooves, so that the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144 can move together.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second balance bar 144 may be a hollow structure. In some other embodiments, the first rod portion 144a and the second rod portion 144b of the second balance bar 144 may be solid structures, while the end portion 144c may be a hollow sleeve fitted onto the second rod portion 144b. However, this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least one of the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144 is made of metal, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0070] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the key assembly 140 further includes a plurality of reset members 145. The reset members 145 are disposed on the circuit board 120, abutting against the keycap 141 and adjacent to the edge of the keycap 141. Some reset members 145 are disposed below the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143, while others are disposed below the first rod portion 144a of the second balance bar 144. When the keycap 141 is pressed down by an external force, the reset members 145 generate a resistance force supporting the keycap 141, thereby providing a tactile feel for the user to press, and guided by the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144, the pressed keycap 141 can move to its lowest position. When the external force applied to the keycap 141 is released, the reset members 145, through the generated resistance force, cause the previously pressed keycap 141 to return to its highest position. In some embodiments, the reset members 145 may be elastomers, and the material may include rubber, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 5 It is a drawing Figure 3 A partial perspective view of the first balance bar 143 and the reset member 145. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the reset member 145 has a receiving groove 145a. The receiving groove 145a is formed by a recess in the reset member 145 on the side facing the keycap 141, corresponding to the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143. The receiving groove 145a accommodates a portion of the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143. The aforementioned portion of the first rod portion 143a abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove 145a. In addition, the reset member 145 also has a conductive post 145b. The conductive post 145b is located below the receiving groove 145a and is configured to contact the circuit board 120 when the keycap 141 is pressed.

[0072] In some embodiments, circuit board 120 may be a thin-film circuit board, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, circuit board 120 includes a lower thin-film layer, an upper thin-film layer, and a spacer layer (not shown) separating the two thin-film layers. The spacer layer has a through-hole located directly below keycap 141. The lower and upper thin-film layers each include circuitry and a plurality of conductive points. When keycap 141 is not pressed, the conductive points on the upper thin-film layer and the conductive points on the lower thin-film layer are electrically separated and located on opposite sides of the spacer layer. When keycap 141 is pressed and moves toward base plate 110, keycap 141 and the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143 compress and deform the reset member 145, causing the conductive post 145b of the reset member 145 to push the upper thin-film layer partially into the through-hole of the spacer layer, thereby causing the conductive points on the upper thin-film layer to pass through the through-hole and contact the conductive points on the lower thin-film layer (i.e., triggering behavior). In this way, the circuit board 120 can then generate a trigger signal corresponding to the pressed button component 140.

[0073] Through the structural configuration between the first rod portion 143a and the receiving groove 145a of the reset member 145, when the keycap 141 is pressed, the force-bearing distance of the conduction post 145b is relatively short, thus achieving the effect of triggering the key signal quickly.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the reset member 145 is elongated and extends laterally, substantially parallel to the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143. Additionally, the reset member 145 also has two support feet 145c. The support feet 145c extend laterally, substantially parallel to the first rod portion 143a of the first balance bar 143, and are located on both sides of the conduction post 145b. Through the aforementioned structural configuration, the area supported by a single reset member 145 on the keycap 141 can be increased, thereby effectively preventing the keycap 141 from tilting when a certain edge or corner is pressed.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the reset member 145 has multiple recesses 145d1 and 145d2. Recess 145d1 is formed on the sidewall of the receiving groove 145a and is recessed from the side of the reset member 145 facing the keycap 141. Recess 145d2 is located on the support foot 145c and is recessed from the side of the reset member 145 facing the base plate 110. Through the design of recesses 145d1 and 145d2, the ease with which the reset member 145 deforms under pressure can be adjusted, thereby providing a specific pressing feel as needed.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 . Figure 6 A partial exploded perspective view of a keyboard 100 according to another embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 For illustration Figure 6 The structure of the keycap 241 is omitted in the partial three-dimensional composite diagram. Figure 8 For illustration Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the structure. For example... Figures 6 to 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the keyboard 100 includes a base plate 110, a circuit board 120, a display element 130, a plurality of key assemblies 240, and a pad 150, wherein the base plate 110, the circuit board 120, the display element 130, and the pad 150 are the same as or similar to... Figure 2 The embodiments shown are described above, and therefore, the descriptions of these components can be found in the foregoing descriptions, and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the key assembly 240 of this embodiment includes a keycap 241, a mounting base 142, a first balance bar 143, a second balance bar 144, and a reset member 245, wherein the mounting base 142, the first balance bar 143, and the second balance bar 144 are the same as or similar to... Figure 2The embodiments shown are described above, and therefore the descriptions of these components can be found in the foregoing related descriptions, and will not be repeated here.

[0077] It should be noted that, compared to this embodiment... Figure 2 One difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reset member 245 is disposed and contacts between the keycap 141 and the mounting base 142. When the keycap 241 is pressed down by an external force, the reset member 245 generates a supporting force on the keycap 241, thereby providing a tactile feel for the user to press, and guided by the first balance bar 143 and the second balance bar 144, the pressed keycap 241 can move to its lowest position. When the external force applied to the keycap 241 is released, the reset member 245, through the generated resistance, causes the aforementioned pressed keycap 241 to return to its highest position. In this embodiment, the reset member 245 is an inverted dome structure. The diameter of the side of the reset member 245 facing the keycap 241 is larger than the diameter of the side facing the base plate 110. It is provided with a plurality of arc-shaped support feet 245c. These support feet 245c abut against the bottom surface of the keycap 241. The notches 245d2 between the support feet 245c can be used to adjust the ease of deformation of the reset member 245 under pressure, thereby providing a specific pressing feel as needed, and allowing air to be discharged through the notches 245d2 when the reset member 245 is compressed.

[0078] In some embodiments, the reset member 245 may be disposed on the fixing base 142 by an in-mold injection molding process. In other embodiments, the reset member 245 may be attached to the fixing base 142 by an adhesive process (e.g., through adhesive). In other embodiments, the reset member 245 may also be disposed on the bottom surface of the keycap 241 in the manner described above.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the keycap 241 has a conductive rib 241a. The conductive rib 241a is disposed on the edge of the keycap 241 and protrudes toward the base plate 110. The conductive rib 241a is configured to contact the circuit board 120 when the keycap 241 is pressed. As described above, in an embodiment where the circuit board 120 is a thin-film circuit board including a lower thin-film layer, an upper thin-film layer, and a spacer layer, when the keycap 241 is pressed and moves toward the base plate 110, the keycap 241 will compress the reset member 245 and deform it, causing the conductive rib 241a on the edge of the keycap 241 to push the upper thin-film layer partially into the through hole of the spacer layer, thereby causing the contact point on the upper thin-film layer to pass through the through hole and contact the contact point of the lower thin-film layer (i.e., triggering behavior). Thereby, the circuit board 120 can then generate a trigger signal corresponding to the pressed key assembly 240.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 9This is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating some components of a button device according to another embodiment of this disclosure. This embodiment is for... Figure 2 The keycap 141 in the illustrated embodiment and Figure 6 The keycap 241 in the illustrated embodiment has been modified in structure, and the placement of the display element 130 has also been modified. Specifically, in this embodiment, the key device further includes a support 360. The support 360 has a first engaging structure 361. The bottom surface of the keycap 341 has a second engaging structure 341b. The first engaging structure 361 and the second engaging structure 341b engage with each other. The display element 130 is supported on the support 360 and located between the support 360 and the bottom surface of the keycap 341. Therefore, in practical applications, Figure 2 and Figure 6 The design shown in the embodiment, where the display element 130 is disposed on the base plate 110, can be modified according to this embodiment to be fixed to the bottom surface of the keycap 341. In this way, the display element 130 can move up and down together with the pressed keycap 341. In some embodiments, the first engaging structure 361 and the second engaging structure 341b are shaped like hooks, but this disclosure is not limited to this.

[0081] From the detailed description of the specific embodiments disclosed above, it is clear that in the keyboard of this disclosure, the display element disposed above the base plate can display specific patterns or text according to the user's needs, and can be viewed by the user through the light-transmitting part of the keycap. Therefore, it is very convenient for the user to change patterns or text to highlight the uniqueness of the keyboard. The keyboard of this disclosure uses two balance bars instead of the conventional scissor-type linkage structure to guide the movement of the keycap, thus effectively avoiding the problem of obstructing the display element. In addition, the ends of the two balance bars can be designed to be interlocked to realize the linkage movement of the two when the keycap is pressed. In some embodiments of the keyboard of this disclosure, the reset member has a receiving groove for accommodating a part of the balance bar, and has a conductive post located below the receiving groove. In this way, when the keycap is pressed, the force distance of the conductive post is shorter, thus achieving the effect of triggering the key signal faster.

[0082] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A keyboard, characterized in that, Include: One base plate; A display element is disposed above the base plate; and One-button component, including: A keycap is located above the base plate and has a light-transmitting portion located above the display element; A fixed base is disposed on the base plate and has a limiting groove; Two balance bars, each balance bar comprising a bar portion and an end portion, the bar portion being rotatably connected to the keycap, and the end portion being movably confined within the limiting groove; and A reset member abuts against the keycap above the base plate and adjacent to the edge of the keycap. The reset member is disposed below one of the balance bars, wherein the reset member is elongated and extends parallel to the bar portion of the balance bar; the reset member has a receiving groove that receives a portion of the bar portion of the balance bar; wherein the reset member also has two support feet that extend parallel to the bar portion of the balance bar.

2. The keyboard as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a circuit board disposed on the base plate, the portion of the rod abutting the bottom of the receiving groove, and the reset member also having a conductive post located below the receiving groove and configured to contact the circuit board when the keycap is pressed.

3. The keyboard as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reset element is positioned and contacts between the keycap and the mounting base.

4. The keyboard as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The balance bar includes a first balance bar and a second balance bar. The first balance bar is a solid structure, and the end of the second balance bar is a hollow structure.

5. The keyboard as described in claim 4, characterized in that, At least a portion of the end of the first balance bar is movably fitted into the end of the second balance bar.

6. The keyboard as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a circuit board disposed on the base plate, the keycap having a conductive rib configured to contact the circuit board when the keycap is pressed.

7. The keyboard as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display element is fixed to the bottom surface of the keycap.

8. The keyboard as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The device further includes a carrier having a first engagement structure, and a second engagement structure on the bottom surface of the keycap. The first engagement structure and the second engagement structure engage with each other, and the display element is supported on the carrier.

Images