Patent ID: 8207465

Claim:
A key switch unit, comprising: a keycap elongated in a lengthwise direction; a switch mechanism configured to operate in response to receiving a pressing force through the keycap; a supporting plate configured to support the switch mechanism; and a key reinforcement mechanism engaging the keycap on a lower side thereof to reinforce the keycap, the key reinforcement mechanism including a first wire member having a first beam part extending over substantially an overall dimension of the keycap in the lengthwise direction and engaging the keycap on the lower side thereof; a second wire member having a second beam part extending in the lengthwise direction between a region contacting the switch mechanism and a first lengthwise end of the keycap and engaging the keycap on the lower side thereof; and a third wire member having a third beam part extending in the lengthwise direction between the region contacting the switch mechanism and a second lengthwise end of the keycap and engaging the keycap on the lower side thereof, wherein the first, second, and third wire members have respective end parts turnably supported on the supporting plate.