Patent ID: 7850378

Claim:
A keyboard assembly configured for converting keystroke activation into electrical signals, the keyboard assembly comprising: a plurality of individual key cap assemblies, each individual key cap assembly comprising: a key cap configured to transition between a rest position and depressed position, an associated key cap support pad located directly below and physically separate from the key cap and arranged to provide mechanical support only for the associated key cap located directly thereabove, and a linkage unit that mechanically couples the key cap and the key cap support pad, the linkage unit facilitating the transitioning of the key cap between the rest and depressed positions; and a keyboard support lattice comprising: a plurality of interconnected horizontal and vertical ribs that intersect to form a plurality of apertures at least one of which has a shape and size in accordance with the key cap, wherein the horizontal and vertical ribs fit interstitially between at least some of the plurality of individual key cap assemblies, wherein the interconnected horizontal and vertical ribs connect together and support at least some of the plurality of key cap support pads such that the associated plurality of key cap assemblies are supported by and are physically separated from each other only by the keyboard support lattice.