Patent ID: 7687732

Claim:
A key switch comprising: a housing defining an opening having a first side defining a first projecting rib having a uniform actual width and a second side defining a second projecting rib having the uniform actual width, the first projecting rib separated from the second projecting rib by an actual separation, and a key cap comprising a stem having a first side defining a first pair of channel-like guides configured to be in sliding engagement with the first projecting rib, and having a second side defining a second pair of channel-like guides configured to be in sliding engagement with the second projecting rib, the first pair of channel-like guides spaced from each other by a actual uniform spacing, the second pair of channel-like guides spaced from each other by the actual uniform spacing, and the first pair of channel like guides separated from the second pair of channel-like guides by an actual distance; and a membrane switch disposed interact with the stem when the stem is slid within the housing, wherein the actual width may be within 0.03 mm or less of a target width, the actual separation may be within 0.03 mm or less of a target separation, the actual spacing may be within 0.03 mm or less of a target spacing, and the actual distance may be within 0.03 mm or less of a target distance, such that the actual key switch exhibits a noise of about 47 decibels or less when actuated.