Keycap with outer opaque layer and inner semi-transparent layer of similar color.

Abstract

Keycap comprising an outer, essentially opaque first layer made of a first polymeric material and an inner, semi-transparent second layer made of a second polymeric material, wherein the second layer is designed to represent characters, symbols, graphic elements, characterized in that the first layer and the second layer are colored in similar shades, so that in the unilluminated state an essentially homogeneous external appearance is created.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to keycaps for input devices, in particular computer keyboards, with a multi-layered structure for displaying characters, symbols or graphic elements. State of the art

[0002] Common keycaps are either monochrome, opaque designs with printed characters or multi-layered constructions with contrasting materials. Conventional multi-component injection molding processes (double-shot molding) typically use highly contrasting colors, such as black base caps with white or clear transparent characters. This results in clearly visible color differences between the key surface and the printed characters. Task

[0003] The task is to provide a keycap that, when the lighting is switched off, has an essentially homogeneous external appearance with only minor color deviations between the surface and the characters that are barely perceptible to the viewer, and which at the same time ensures reliable functionality when backlit as well as high-quality, permanent character display. Solution to the task

[0004] The task is solved by a keycap with the following features: • an outer, essentially opaque first layer made of a first polymeric material, • an inner, semi-transparent second layer made of a second polymeric material, wherein the second layer has the form of characters, symbols or graphic elements, • wherein the first layer and the second layer are colored in similar shades, so that in the unlit state an essentially homogeneous external appearance is created for the viewer, • wherein the second layer has a defined light transmittance that is lower than that of a completely transparent layer, but higher than that of the first layer, • so that when the backlight is activated, the characters, symbols or graphic elements become visible as illuminated areas. Detailed description

[0005] The keycap according to the invention is characterized by the fact that both material layers are color-matched, resulting in an almost homogeneous surface when the lighting is switched off. Fig. 1. When backlighting is activated, the characters, symbols, or graphic elements become visible as illuminated areas, with the apparent color depending on the color of the illumination and the optical properties of the semi-transparent layer. Fig. 2.

[0006] The first layer (100) can consist of any suitable polymeric materials and is preferably colored to be essentially opaque to visible light.

[0007] The second layer (101) is designed to be used, in particular, for the representation of characters, symbols, letters, numbers, or graphic elements. It can consist of any transparent or translucent polymeric material. Its transmission can be adjusted by selecting the material, by adding additives, or by other suitable measures.

[0008] The coloring of both layers is achieved by suitable coloring of the polymeric materials used, whereby the first layer (100) produces an essentially opaque color effect, while the second layer (101) has a defined light transmittance in the range between the light transmittance of the first layer (100) and that of a completely transparent layer. Advantages of the invention

[0009] The keycap according to the invention offers in particular the following advantages: • In the unlit state, an almost homogeneous, optically uniform surface is created, since the layers used are color-matched. • When backlighting is activated, the characters, symbols or graphic elements are clearly displayed, with the perceived appearance color being...

Claims

[1] Keycap comprising an outer, substantially opaque first layer of a first polymeric material and an inner, semi-transparent second layer of a second polymeric material, the second layer being designed to represent characters, symbols, graphic elements, characterized by , that the first layer and the second layer are colored in similar shades, so that in the unlit state an essentially homogeneous external appearance is created. [2] Keycap according to claim 1, characterized by that the semi-transparent second layer has a light transmittance in the range of 5% to 80%. [3] Keycap according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the first polymeric material is selected from the group of thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers or elastomers. [4] Keycap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the second polymeric material is a translucent plastic. [5] Keycap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first layer and the second layer are each colored in such a way that they have similar hues when unilluminated and thus form an optically homogeneous appearance. [6] Keycap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the two layers are joined together by a multi-component injection molding process or a comparable multi-component processing process. [7] Keycap according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that when backlighting is activated, the characters, symbols or graphic elements formed in the second layer become visible as illuminated areas, with the perceived appearance color depending on the color of the backlighting. [8] Use of a keycap according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in an input device, in particular in a computer keyboard, with or without backlighting.

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