Patent ID: 8222554

Claim:
A key input apparatus of a portable terminal, comprising a key part corresponding to a switch part having a plurality of contact pieces, the key part being pushed or slid so as to make contact with the contact pieces, wherein the contact pieces comprise at least two linearly arranged first contact pieces facing a first direction and at least two second contact pieces facing each other, one of the at least two first contact pieces making electric contact when the key part is pushed opposite to the first direction such that the key part engages one of the at least two first contact pieces along the first direction, and one of the at least two second contact pieces making electric contact when the key part is slid in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction such that the key part engages one of the at least two second contact pieces along the second direction, wherein at least two first key contact parts are disposed respectively in both ends of a rear surface of the key part, one of the at least two first key contact parts making contact correspondingly with one of the at least two first key contact pieces when the key part is pushed at respective one of the both ends.