Patent ID: 12198874

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. The term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the terms “illustrative”, “exemplary”, or “example” is used to provide exemplary instances or illustrations of the item in discussion, and not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, or not construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Furthermore, the use of plurals can also refer to the singular, including without limitation when a term refers to one or more of a particular item; likewise, the use of a singular term can also include the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.

All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions, exploded views, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring now to the figures wherein like elements are represented by like numerals throughout, there is shown inFIGS.1and2, a perspective view, and an exploded, perspective view, respectively, of a magnetic keycap assembly10, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic keycap assembly10comprises a keycap12removably, magnetically attached to a keybase14that is adapted for mounting to a key switch on a mechanical keyboard. The magnetic keycap assembly10generally comprises an overall square or rectangular geometry which corresponds to the general shapes of keys provided on mechanical keyboards. Keycap12includes a generally square or rectangular cap body16having a first side defining a top surface17, and a second side defining a planar, bottom surface18directly opposite the top surface17, as better illustrated inFIG.4. In one, non-limiting example, the top surface17includes ergonomic features comprising a concave depression for accommodating the rounded, distal contours of a user's fingers during use.

As shown inFIG.4, there is provided a diverse, combination of attachments for removably attaching the keycap12securely to the keybase14to prevent the keycap12from wobbling, moving, shifting or sliding as a result of repetitive, actuation or operating forces applied to the keycap12during use. Actuation or operating forces affect the performance of keys, and operation of mechanical keyboards. Actuation force is denoted as the amount of pressure needed to press down on a key of a keyboard to achieve an actuation point which generates an electrical signal for input into a computer. Dynamic forces attributed to linear, lateral, and/or torsion forces often result in conventional keycaps or key covers becoming loose overtime as a result of repeated actuation forces applied during use. To overcome this drawback, the magnetic keycap assembly10comprises a keycap12that includes a plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26provided on the planar, bottom surface18of the cap body16. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26comprise a total of four magnets that are strategically placed at designated regions on the planar, bottom surface18. In one embodiment, each designated region comprises a corner area defined by the square or rectangular geometry of cap body16. Each of the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26is affixed to the corners using any well-known material or method including for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding process. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of notches or bores comprising four notches or bores are each formed within the planar, bottom surface18of the cap body16for securely receiving each of the keycap magnets20,22,24,26therein such that the exposed outer surface of each keycap magnet lays coplanar with the planar, bottom surface18. In one exemplary embodiment, each keycap magnet may comprise a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 2.01 mm, and a depth of 1 mm, where each of the notches are sized to accommodate the shape and diameter of each keycap magnet. It is contemplated that each of the plurality of notches and keycap magnets may comprise varying geometric shapes, sizes or dimensions.

To prevent actuation forces from displacing the keycap12about the keybase14during use, there is provided a second, attachment configuration comprising an interface, snap-fit, or press-fit attachment configuration. The second attachment configuration comprises keycap attachments including a plurality of tabs denoted at28,30,32,34provided on the planar, bottom surface18of cap body16. Each of the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34are configured to removably extend within each of a corresponding plurality of apertures54,56,58,60provided on the planar, upper surface36of keybase14, as better illustrated inFIG.2. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34comprise a total of four tabs each including a generally square or rectangular shape that are strategically located at designated regions on the planar, bottom surface18. In construction, the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34can be separately affixed to, or integrally formed with, the cap body16. It is understood that the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34can comprise any number of tabs each having a same or different geometric shape, and arranged in any orientation and/or location on the planar, bottom surface18of keycap12. In one, non-limiting embodiment, each designated region is located about the peripheral, outer edges on the square or rectangular cap body16, with each of the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34interposed or oriented in-between keycap magnets20,22,24,26, as better illustrated inFIG.4. For example, tab28is disposed in-between keycap magnets20,22, tab30is disposed in-between keycap magnets22,24, tab32is disposed in-between keycap magnets24,26, and tab34is disposed in-between keycap magnets26and20.

Turning now toFIGS.2and3, there is provided an exploded, perspective view of the magnetic keycap assembly ofFIG.1, and a magnified, partial, perspective view of keybase14taken along section A ofFIG.2. Keybase14includes a generally rectangular or square base body35including a planar, upper surface36integral with sidewalls38,40,42,44that each extend downwards, and diverge slightly outwards, and a lower surface64opposite the planar, upper surface36as noted inFIG.4. The base body35is geometrically shaped and sized to accommodate receiving keycap12on the planar, upper surface36so that the outer side surfaces of keycap12are coplanar with the planar, outer surfaces of sidewalls38,30,42,44resulting in the magnetic keycap assembly10having smooth, contiguous outer surfaces. It is appreciated that each sidewall38,30,42,44may be curved, angled, sloped, or vertical, and include an outer surface that is planar, non-planar, concave or convex.

Keybase14includes a plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52each provided on the planar, upper surface36of the base body35to secure, and prevent keycap12from wobbling, moving, shifting or sliding along the upper surface of the keybase14as a result of repetitive actuation forces applied to the top surface17of the keycap12during use. Each of the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52is affixed to respective corners of the planar, upper surface36of base body35to accommodate releasable attachment to the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26provided on cap body16. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52comprise a total of four magnets strategically provided at designated corners of the planar, upper surface36of the keybase14. As a representative example illustrated inFIG.3, there is shown a keybase magnet46located at a corner of the base body35adjacent apertures54and56. Each of the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52are affixed to the base body35using any well-known material or technique including, for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding technique. In one embodiment, there may be provided a plurality of notches or bores comprising a total of four notches or bores are formed within the base body35for each receiving a keybase magnet46,48,50,52therein such that the exposed outer surface of each keybase magnet lays coplanar with the planar, upper surface36. In one exemplary embodiment, each keybase magnet46,48,50,52may comprise a cylindrical shape having a diameter of 2.01 mm and a depth of 1 mm, where each of the notches are sized to accommodate the shape and diameter of each keycap magnet. It is appreciated that each of the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26, and each of the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52may comprise any shape, size, and/or diameter, and may comprise a permanent magnet constructed from a strong magnet material such as neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), or constructed from other magnetic materials including samarium cobalt (SmCo), Alnico, Ceramic, or Ferrite magnets.

With continued reference toFIGS.2and3, keybase14includes a second attachment configuration comprising keybase attachments including a plurality of apertures54,56,58,60formed within the planar, upper surface36of the keybase14to accommodate receiving the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34therein to provide an interface, snap-fit or press-fit attachment for further withstanding repetitive actuation forces imposed on the keycap12during use. The shape and dimension of each of the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60is selected to receive each of the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60therein. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60may extend completely through the base body35where each aperture includes an open bottom, or alternatively, each of the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60may extend partially within the base body35, where each aperture includes a closed bottom. It is understood that each of the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34may include physical attributes that are employed for use as a snap-fit arrangement including for example, providing resilient or spring-like arms, or are dimensioned to accommodate a press-fit attachment. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60comprise a total of four apertures strategically located about the peripheral edges of the planar, upper surface36of the keybase14, as better illustrated inFIG.2. To properly align the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60with the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34, the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60are similarly interposed or oriented in-between keybase magnets46,48,50, and52. For example, aperture54is disposed between keybase magnets46and52, aperture56is situated in-between keybase magnet46and48, aperture58is between keybase magnet48and50, and aperture60is located in-between keybase magnet50and52. To better illustrate the physical layout of the keybase magnets and apertures, there is provided a magnified, partial, perspective view inFIG.3which illustrates the strategic placement of one of the plurality of keybase magnets46situated adjacent two of the plurality of apertures54, and56. As shown, one of the plurality of keybase magnets46is located in the corner region of base body35, and displaced a predefined distance from apertures54,56each situated along the outer edges of the planar, upper surface36of the base body35. The strategic orientation, location, and combination of the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52, plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26, plurality of tabs28,30,32,34, and plurality of apertures54,56,58,60provides a diverse combination of attachments needed to securely attach keycap12to the keybase14to prevent the keycap12from becoming loose or being displaced as a result of repeated actuation forces applied to the planar, top surface17of the keycap12during use.

Turning now toFIGS.4and5, there is shown an exploded, bottom, perspective view of the magnetic keycap assembly10, and a partial, bottom, perspective view of the keybase14taken along section B ofFIG.4, respectively. Keybase14includes a stem connector62extending downwards from a central region of a lower surface64of base body35, and is surrounded by sidewalls38,40,42, and44. Mechanical key switches of keyboards generally comprise a linear key switch, a tactile key switch, or a click switch that are employed for generating an electrical input signal for computers to process. Such mechanical key switches generally comprise various components including, for example, a keycap, a stem, an upper housing to accommodate receipt of the stem, a coil spring, a holding base, and a cross-point contact. The magnetic keycap assembly10is adapted for mounting to a mechanical keyboard by directly attaching the stem connector62to the stem of a key switch provided on a mechanical keyboard. The constructional dimensions of stem connector62are generally governed by various switching attributes including keycap stroke, key travel distance, and point of actuation. In one exemplary embodiment, stem connector62comprise a height H of 2.45 mm, and a diameter of 4.3 mm. The stem connector62includes a stem opening66formed within the body of the stem connector62for attaching the keybase14to the stem of a key switch (not shown) on a mechanical keyboard. In an exemplary embodiment, stem opening66replicates the shape of a plus sign, but may comprise any shape including a circular or rectangular shape. The dimensional size and shape of stem opening66is typically constructed in accordance with the brand or type of mechanical key switch employed on a mechanical keyboard. It is appreciated that any number of plurality of magnetic keycap assemblies10are used to configure or customize a functional, mechanical keyboard. In particular embodiments, stem connector62can be any type of keyboard connectors, such as, for example, integrated mounts, snap-on mounts, Cherry MX mounts, Hirose Cherry mounts, customer cruciform mounts, tee and bar mounts, Alps mounts, IBM Beam Spring mounts, Electric mounts, RAFI mounts, Mitsumi mounts, Key Tronic mounts, Topre mounts, Clare-Pendar mounts, Marquardt mounts, or any other keyboard key connector.

Referring now toFIG.6there is shown a top, perspective view of a magnetic keycap assembly100, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The magnetic keycap assembly100comprises a keycap102removably, magnetically attached to a keybase104using a diverse combination of attachments, and adapted for mounting to a mechanical keyboard. Keycap assembly100comprises an elongate, rectangular geometry that correlates to the shape of a spacebar provided on mechanical keyboards. As such, keycap102includes an elongate, rectangular cap body105having a top surface106, and a planar, bottom surface108opposite the top surface106, as better illustrated inFIG.7. In one, non-limiting example, the top surface106may include any ergonomic configuration including for example, an upper convex structure, or protruding surface for accommodating a user's thumbs during use.

As shown inFIG.7, there is provided a diverse, combination of attachments for removably attaching keycap102to the keybase104to prevent the keycap102from wobbling, moving, shifting or sliding as a result of repetitive, actuation or operating forces applied to the upper surface106of the keycap102during use. One diverse attachment comprises a plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118provided on the planar, bottom surface108of the cap body105. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118comprise a total of six magnets strategically located at designated regions on the planar, bottom surface108. In one embodiment, such designated regions comprise corner areas defined by the rectangular geometric shape of cap body105, and peripheral outer edges of the cap body105. Each of the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118is affixed to the planar, bottom surface108using any well-known material or method including for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding process. In one non-limiting embodiment, a plurality of notches or bores comprising six notches or bores are each formed within the planar, bottom surface108of the cap body105for receiving each of the keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118therein such that the exposed outer surface of each keycap magnet is coplanar with the planar, bottom surface108. In one exemplary embodiment, each keycap magnet may comprise the same or different shape and dimension as that of each of the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24and26.

A second diverse attachment comprising an interface, snap-fit, or press-fit attachment that is employed to further secure keycap102to keybase104. A plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130are provided on the planar, bottom surface108of cap body105. Each of the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130are configured to fit into a corresponding plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164provided on the planar, upper surface133of keybase104, as better illustrated inFIG.8. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130comprise a total of six tabs each comprising a generally square or rectangular geometry, and situated at designated regions on the planar, bottom surface108. In construction, the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130are separately affixed to, or integrally formed with, cap body105. It is understood that the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130may comprise any number of tabs each having a same or different geometric shape that are arranged in any orientation and/or location on the planar, bottom surface108of cap body105. In one, non-limiting embodiment, such designated regions are located at various areas along the peripheral edges on the cap body105. For example, tabs120,130are located at distal ends of the cap body105in-between keycap magnets110,111, and116,118, respectively, tabs122,124are situated along the peripheral edges on the cap body105and interposed or situated in-between keycap magnets111,112, and110,114, respectively, and tabs126,128are situated along the peripheral edges of the cap body105in-between keycap magnets112,116, and114,118, respectively.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, base body132includes a planar, upper surface133integral with sidewalls134,136,138,140that each extend downwards and diverge slightly outwards. The base body132is geometrically shaped and sized to accommodate receiving keycap102on the planar, upper surface133so that the outer side surfaces of keycap102are coplanar with the planar, outer surfaces of sidewalls134,136,138,140resulting in the magnetic keycap assembly100including smooth, contiguous outer surfaces. It is appreciated that each sidewall134,136,138,140may be curved, angled, sloped, or vertical, and include an outer surface that is planar, non-planar, concave or convex surface.

With reference toFIGS.8and9, there is provided an exploded, perspective view of the magnetic keycap assembly100ofFIG.6, and a magnified, partial, perspective view of the keybase104taken along section C ofFIG.8, respectively. Keybase104includes a plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152provided on the planar, upper surface133of base body132to further removably, secure, and prevent the keycap102from wobbling, moving, shifting or sliding along the upper surface133of the keybase104as a result of repetitive actuation forces applied to the top surface106of the keycap102during use. Each of the plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152is affixed to respective corners of the planar, upper surface133of the base body132to accommodate releasable attachment to the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118provided on cap body105. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152comprise a total of six magnets physically arranged at designated corners, and along the peripheral edge of the planar, upper surface133of the base body132. Each of the plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152are affixed to base body133using any well-known material or technique including, for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding technique. In one embodiment, a plurality of notches or bores comprising a total of six notches or bores are each formed within base body132for receiving a corresponding keybase magnet142,144,146,148,150,152therein such that the exposed outer surface of each keybase magnet is coplanar with the planar, upper surface133. In one exemplary embodiment, each keybase magnet may comprise the same or different size and shape of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118. Each of the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118, and each of the plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152may comprise any shape, size, and/or diameter, and may comprise a permanent magnet constructed from a strong magnet material such as neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), or constructed from other magnetic materials including samarium cobalt (SmCo), Alnico, Ceramic, or Ferrite magnets.

In one embodiment, either the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26, or the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52associated with the magnetic keycap assembly10, may be replaced with metal elements each strategically affixed in the same location as either the replaced plurality of keybase magnets, or alternatively, the replaced plurality of keycap magnets. For example, a plurality of metal elements equal in number to the plurality of keycap magnets20,22,24,26may be attached to the planar, bottom surface18of keycap12, at the same locations as that of the replaced plurality of keycap magnets20,24,26, and28. Upon removably attaching keycap12to keybase14, the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52releasably, magnetically adhere to the metal elements provided on the keycap12when removably attached to keybase14. Each metal element may be directly attached to the planar, bottom surface18of the keycap12, or alternatively, may be disposed within notches or bores formed within the planar, bottom surface18of the cap body16using any well-known material or technique including for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding technique where the exposed surface of the metal element is coplanar with the planar, bottom surface18.

Similarly, in one alternative embodiment, either the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118, or the plurality of keybase magnets142,144,146,148,150,152associated with magnetic keycap assembly100, may also be replaced with metal elements that are each strategically affixed in the same location as either the replaced plurality of keybase magnets, or alternatively, the replaced plurality of keycap magnets. For example, a plurality of metal elements equal in number to the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116,118may be attached to the planar, bottom surface108of the keycap102, at the same locations of the plurality of keycap magnets110,111,112,114,116, and118. Upon removably attaching keycap102to keybase104, the plurality of keybase magnets110,111,112,114,116,118magnetically adhere to the metal elements provided on the keycap102when removably attached to keybase104. Each metal element may be directly attached to the planar, bottom surface108of the keycap102, or alternatively, may be disposed within notches or bores formed within the planar, bottom surface108of the cap body105using any well-known material or technique including for example, an adhesive, a glue, a silicone material, or an over-molding technique where the exposed surface of the metal element is coplanar with the planar, bottom surface108. It is appreciated that each of the metal elements employed in the magnetic keycap assembly10,100may comprise any size, dimension, or geometric shape including square, round, cylindrical, rectangular, ellipse, or oblong.

With continued reference toFIGS.8and9, a diverse attachment configuration is provided for removably, securing the keycap102to keybase104. The diverse attachment comprises a plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164each formed within the planar, upper surface133of the base body132to accommodate receiving the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130providing an interface, snap-fit or press-fit attachment. Each of the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164is correspondingly shaped to accommodate the shape of each of the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130. Each of the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164may be formed completely through the base body132, or alternatively, formed partially within the base body132where each aperture includes a closed bottom. It is understood that each of the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130may be designed as a snap-fit arrangement including for example, resilient or spring-like arms, or designed to accommodate a press-fit attachment. In one, exemplary embodiment, the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164comprise a total of six apertures strategically located about the peripheral edges of the planar, upper surface133of the keybase104, as better illustrated inFIG.8. To properly align the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164with the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130, the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164are oriented in corresponding locations similar to positioning of the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128, and130. As such, the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164are located at designated regions on the planar, bottom surface133of the keybase104including at distal ends of the cap body105in-between keycap magnets142,144, and150,152, respectively, apertures156,158are situated along the peripheral edges of the upper surface133between keycap magnets142,146and144,148, respectively, and apertures160,162are situated along the peripheral edges of the upper surface133between keycap magnets146,152, and148,150, respectively. As illustrated in the magnified, partial, perspective view inFIG.9, there is shown an exemplary arrangement of one keybase magnet142located at a corner region of the planar, upper surface133, adjacent aperture154arranged along the peripheral, outer edge of the planar, upper surface133. It is understood that the diverse, combination of attachments including the plurality of keycap magnets, the plurality of keybase magnets, the plurality of tabs, and the strategic, positioning and orientation of the plurality of keycap magnets, the plurality of keybase magnets, the plurality of tabs, and the plurality of apertures of keycap12,102, and keybase14,104, respectively, provide a structural, even weight distribution for maintaining optimum functionality of the magnetic keycap assembly10,100, and for an enhanced, secure attachment of the keycap12,102to respective keybases14,104to prevent displacement, movement or detachment of keycaps12,102due to actuated actuation forces imposed on each magnetic keycap assembly10,100by users during use.

In one exemplary embodiment, the diverse combination of attachments provided on both the keycap12, and keybase14, may be arranged conversely such that the plurality of tabs34,38,40,42provided on keycap12, and the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130provided on keycap102, are alternatively provided on keybases14,104, respectively, and the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60provided on keybase14, and plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164provided on keybase104, are alternatively provided on keycaps12, and102, respectively.

In an effort to reduce steps in manufacturing, and promote the integration of parts, the magnetic keycap assembly10may be structurally configured such that each of the plurality of keycap magnets20,24,26,28are incorporated or encased within each of the plurality of tabs28,30,32,36, and each of the plurality of keybase magnets46,48,50,52are incorporated or enclosed within each of the plurality of apertures54,56,58,60so that each keycap magnet releasably, magnetically attaches to a respective keybase magnet while the plurality of tabs28,30,32,36extend within each corresponding aperture54,56,58,60in a press-fit engagement. In one alternative embodiment, the plurality of tabs28,30,32,34, and plurality of apertures54,56,58,60provided on the keycap12and keybase14, respectively, may by completely eliminated, and a plurality of stubs each including a stub magnet (not shown), provided at four distant corners on the planar, bottom surface18of cap body16. Each keybase magnet20,24,26,28is disposed at a predetermine depth within a corresponding notch provided at the four corners of the keybase14, to provide an aperture for correspondingly receiving each of the plurality of stubs therein. Upon attaching the keycap12to the keybase14, the stub magnets of each stub are magnetically affixed to a corresponding keybase magnet provided within each notch while the plurality of stubs extend within each corresponding notch in a press-fit engagement. It is appreciated that a similar arrangement and configuration for reducing steps of manufacturing, and promoting integration of parts may also be applied to the magnetic keycap assembly100.

Turning now toFIGS.7and10, there is shown an exploded, bottom, perspective view of the magnetic keycap assembly100, and a bottom view of keybase104, respectively. Keybase104includes a stem connector166for attaching the magnetic keycap assembly100to the stem of a key switch provided on a mechanical keyboard. The stem connector166extends downwards from a central region of a bottom surface168of base body132, and is surrounded by sidewalls134,136,138and140. Stem connector166may comprise the same or different constructional shape and dimension as that of stem connector66but is generally governed by various switching attributes including for example, keycap stroke, key travel distance, and point of actuation, and the type of key switch profile used. A stem opening170is provided within the body of the stem connector166for attaching the keybase104directly to a stem of a key switch (not shown) of a mechanical keyboard. In an exemplary embodiment, the stem opening170replicates the shape of a plus sign, but in other cases may comprise a circular or rectangular shape. The dimensional size and shape of the stem opening170is typically constructed in accordance with the brand or type of mechanical key switch employed on designated mechanical keyboards. It is noted that the bottom view ofFIG.10, further illustrates the strategic orientation and location of the plurality of apertures154,156,158,160,162,164provided on the planar, upper surface133of the keybase104to accommodate receiving the plurality of tabs120,122,124,126,128,130therein. In particular embodiments, stem connector166may comprise any type of keyboard connector, such as, for example, integrated mounts, snap-on mounts, Cherry MX mounts, Hirose Cherry mounts, customer cruciform mounts, tee and bar mounts, Alps mounts, IBM Beam Spring mounts, Electric mounts, RAFI mounts, Mitsumi mounts, Key Tronic mounts, Topre mounts, Clare-Pendar mounts, Marquardt mounts, or any other keyboard key connector. Although the figures show a single stem connector166, in particular embodiments (not shown), there are two or three stem connectors166.

An added level of design is provided for users to quickly, and easily customize the magnetic keycap assembly10,100using a variety of interchangeable keycaps, as illustrated inFIGS.11A-11D, and12A-12D. Users often spend a great deal of time in front of computer keyboards for work or pleasure. For added fun, and to make the experience more appealing, users can personalize mechanical keyboards by enhancing the aesthetic appeal and/or improving on certain ergonomic features. For example, some interchangeable keycaps200,400,600,700, may include certain ergonomic features comprising a rubber material202,602added to the top surface of a keycap200,600, or frictional elements402,702that comprise indentations, nubs, dimples, ridges, or protrusions provided on the upper surface of the keycaps, to enhance frictional contact and prevent slippage. One interchangeable keycap800may include a gel padding802provided on the upper surface to promote added comfort. A unique combination of artistic designs can be provided to improve the mundane appearance of standard keycaps and enhance aesthetic appeal. For example, interchangeable keycaps500,900may include a variety of designs502,902comprising a variety of different colors, artistic forms, characters, motifs, images, patterns, or other indicia using any well-known technique. Letters, numbers, characters, indicia, or other artistic features may be applied to interchangeable keycaps using any process or technique including for example, dye sublimation, pad printing, laser etching, or double shot printing. Further, interchangeable keycaps200,300,400,500,600,700,800,900may include a variety of different structural features to replicate certain physical attributes or features associated with characters, motifs, figures, animals, articles, or other features. For example, one interchangeable keycap may include various structural features for mimicking flames, teeth, horns, or other appearances. In one example, an interchangeable keycap300includes a raised, enlarged letter denoted at302to better accommodate users with visual impairment. In some embodiments, the interchangeable keycap300may include alternative symbols, such as commonly used symbols or letters in used in different languages to allow for programing keys, and easily swapping the keycap to identify programmed symbols, numbers, or letters. In some embodiments, a key is reprogrammed as a macro key to simulate multiple keystrokes and the user can easily swap the keycap to identify the particular macro.

In some embodiments (not shown), keybase14,104and/or keycap12,102is decorated using a variety of different colors, artistic forms, characters, motifs, images, patterns, or other indicia using any well-known technique. Letters, numbers, characters, indicia, or other artistic features may be applied anywhere on the keybase14,104and/or keycap12,102using any process or technique including for example, dye sublimation, pad printing, laser etching, or double shot printing. In some embodiments, this allows the key to visually denote multiple functions without cluttering the top of keycap, such as, for example, a red keycap paired with a blue keybase indicates two functions for the same key. Alternatively, a small symbol on the front of the keybase can also designate one function of the key while another replaceable keycap indicates another function. In one embodiment, the control key's keybase (or keycap) can be, for example, yellow and certain keys on the keyboard can have corresponding yellow keybases with symbols on the keybases indicating to the user that when the control key is pressed those alternative functions are activated for each key with a yellow keybase. In such embodiments, the modular nature of the system allows the keycaps to remain a neutral or different color.

Dimensional characteristics and materials employed to construct the magnetic keycap assembly10,100including the keycap12,102and keybase14,104are governed by various design factors including, but not limited to, actuation or operation forces, activation point, total travel distance, tactile position, and reset point. Cap body16,105of keycap12,102, respectively, and base body35,132, of keybase14,104, respectively, may each be fabricated from a durable plastic material including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Other materials may be used to construct the magnetic keycap assembly10,100including for example, wood, aluminum, glass, ceramic, nylon, or a hard rubber material. Either or both the keycap12,102, and/or keybase14,104may be translucent, transparent, or opaque. Also, either or both the keycap12,102, and/or keybase14,104may include luminous characteristics including for example, a bioluminescent material, light emitting diodes, or a reflective material. It is understood that each magnetic keycap assembly10may comprise any keycap profile including any of a cherry, DSA, KAM, KAT, MT3, OEM, or SA profile.

It is also understood that the planar bottom surfaces18,108, and planar top surfaces36,133of keycap12,102, and keybase14,104, respectively, may comprise other surface formations including for example, a convex and concave attachment configuration. Further, it is appreciated that the keycap attachments and keybase attachments may each comprise other types of attachment configurations including but not limited to, protrusions, notches, latches, spring detents, snaps, friction attachments, bayonet attachments, peg and hole attachment, or clips.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not deemed to be limiting. Furthermore, it is understood that any of the features presented in the embodiments may be integrated into any of the other embodiments unless explicitly stated otherwise. The scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the components of the system may be integrated together, or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps.