PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10128061-B2
Application Number: US-201514867672-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Key and switch housing for keyboard assembly

Abstract:
A key and a switch housing for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. A switch housing for the keyboard assembly may include a body having a switch opening and a light source recess formed adjacent the switch opening. The switch opening may house or receive a dome switch for the keyboard assembly and the light source recess may house or receive a light source assembly configured to illuminate a keycap of the keyboard assembly. The switch housing also can include a top panel integrally formed and molded to a portion of the body. The top panel covers the switch opening formed in the body and the top panel is a light guide.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A key structure for a keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a switch housing, comprising:
 a body defining:
 a switch opening in a top surface; and 
 a light source recess formed adjacent the switch opening; and 
 
 a top panel coupled to the top surface of the body; 
 
 a tactile dome positioned within the opening: 
 a support structure coupled to the switch housing; and 
 a keycap positioned above the body and pivotally coupled to the support structure, wherein: 
 the top panel covers the tactile dome and deforms in response to movement of the keycap; and 
 the top panel is a light guide. 
 
     
     
       2. The key structure of  claim 1 , wherein the keycap moves toward, and contacts, the top panel in response to the input. 
     
     
       3. The key structure of  claim 1 , wherein the top panel covers the light source recess of the body. 
     
     
       4. The key structure of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the body is formed from a first material; 
 the top panel is formed from a second material different from the first material; and 
 the top panel is overmolded on the portion of the body. 
 
     
     
       5. The key structure of  claim 4 , wherein the top panel includes one or more substantially deformable protrusions positioned on a surface of the top panel. 
     
     
       6. The key structure of  claim 5 , wherein the top panel includes a contact protrusion formed on the surface. 
     
     
       7. The key structure of  claim 4 , wherein the body has a rigidity that is greater than a rigidity of the top panel. 
     
     
       8. The key structure of  claim 7 , wherein the second material is substantially transparent and substantially reflective. 
     
     
       9. A key structure for a keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a keycap configured to translate in response to a force; 
 a support structure pivotally connected to the keycap and configured to guide a translation of the keycap; 
 a switch housing beneath the keycap and comprising:
 a body having an opening defined by a wall; and 
 a top panel positioned between the body and the keycap and configured to deform in response to the translation of the keycap; and 
 
 a tactile dome positioned within the opening and surrounded by the wall, the tactile dome configured to collapse as the top panel deforms. 
 
     
     
       10. The key structure of  claim 9 , wherein the top panel deforms into the switch housing in response to the force. 
     
     
       11. The key structure of  claim 9 , wherein a height of the body is greater than a height of the switch. 
     
     
       12. The key structure of  claim 11 , further comprising edge protrusions formed on the top panel; wherein
 the keycap substantially contacts the edge protrusions in response to the force. 
 
     
     
       13. The key structure of  claim 12 , wherein the keycap substantially deforms at least one of the edge protrusions and the top panel of the switch housing in response to the force. 
     
     
       14. The key structure of  claim 9 , wherein the keycap includes a first contact protrusion positioned adjacent the top panel. 
     
     
       15. The key structure of  claim 14 , wherein the top panel comprises a second contact protrusion positioned adjacent to and in alignment with the first contact protrusion of the keycap. 
     
     
       16. The key structure of  claim 15 , wherein the first contact protrusion contacts the second contact protrusion in response to the force. 
     
     
       17. The key structure of  claim 9 , further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to the switch housing. 
     
     
       18. The key structure of  claim 17 , wherein the switch housing further comprises gaskets formed on sidewalls of the switch housing for sealing the switch housing to the PCB. 
     
     
       19. A keyboard assembly, comprising:
 a printed circuit board (PCB); 
 a V-shaped hinge mechanism coupled to the PCB and comprising a first retention pin and a second retention pin; and 
 a keycap releasably coupled to the hinge mechanism, and comprising:
 a first retaining member positioned on an underside of the keycap proximate a first side of the keycap, and comprising a snap-fit feature releasably coupled to the first retention pin and configured to impede translational motion of the first retention pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to an actuation direction of the keycap; and 
 a second retaining member positioned on the underside of the keycap and proximate a second side of the keycap opposite the first side, the second retaining member comprising a slide-retention fit feature releasably coupled to the second retention pin. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The keyboard assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the snap-fit feature is pivotably coupled to the first retention pin. 
     
     
       21. The keyboard assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the slide-retention fit feature is pivotably coupled to the first retention pin. 
     
     
       22. The keyboard assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the snap-fit feature further comprises an opening for receiving the first retention pin. 
     
     
       23. The keyboard assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the opening defines:
 a first portion having a width smaller than a width of the first retention pin; and 
 a second portion in communication with the first portion, and having a width at least equal to the width of the first retention pin. 
 
     
     
       24. The keyboard assembly of  claim 19 , wherein the V-shaped hinge mechanism facilitates moving the keycap from an undepressed state to a depressed state.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional patent application of and claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,074, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,841, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Key for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,067, filed Sep. 30, 2014 and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,840, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Dome Switch for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,087, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,842, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Venting System for Keyboard Assembly,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/058,081, filed Sep. 30, 2014, and titled “Keyboard Assembly,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/129,843, filed Mar. 7, 2015, and titled “Light Assembly for Keyboard Assembly,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly for an electronic device and, more particularly, to components of a key and a switch housing for the keyboard assembly key. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices typically include one or more input devices such as keyboards, touchpads, mice, or touchscreens to enable a user to interact with the device. These devices can be integrated into an electronic device or can stand alone as discrete devices that can transmit signals to another device via wired or wireless connection. For example, a keyboard can be integrated into the casing of a laptop computer. When integrated within the casing of the laptop computer, all of the components of the keyboard must be included within the casing of the laptop computer. 
     However, as the overall size of the electronic device is reduced, the available space for the keyboard and its various components is also reduced. As a result, the size of the components of the keyboard may be required to be reduced. With a reduction in size and material used to form the various components, the strength and, ultimately, the operational life of the component may be reduced. This may cause the operational life of the keyboard assembly and/or electronic device to be reduced as well. 
     In one example, a keycap of a keyboard assembly may be reduced in size to compensate for the reduction in available space in conventional electronic devices. The reduction in the keycap size may increase the risk of operational failure of the keycap and/or may increase the damage to the keycap and/or its distinct portions. For example, connection portions of the keycap utilized to couple the keycap to a housing and/or hinge of the keyboard assembly may be weakened when the size and/or material of the keycap is reduced. If a connection portion is damaged, the keycap may no longer be coupled to the keyboard assembly resulting in an inoperable key input to the keyboard assembly. 
     In another example, internal components of the keyboard, such as a switch housing for a dome switch, may be reduced in size and material to compensate for the reduction in available space in conventional electronic devices. The switch housing may protect the dome switch and provide structure and/or support for each key in the keyboard assembly. Like the keycap, a reduction in the size and/or material used to form the switch housing may increase the risk of operational failure of the switch housing and/or damage to the switch housing and/or other components positioned within the keyboard assembly. Furthermore, a reduction in the size and/or material used for the switch housing may negatively affect other features of the switch housing as well. For example, where a switch housing aids in light dispersal to illuminate the keyboard assembly, a reduction in the size of the switch housing may also cause a reduction in the ability of the switch housing to disperse light within the keyboard assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     A switch housing for a keyboard assembly is disclosed. The switch housing comprising a body having a switch opening and a light source recess formed adjacent the switch opening. The switch housing also comprises a top panel integrally formed and molded to a portion of the body. The top panel covers the switch opening formed in the body and the top panel is a light guide. 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises a switch housing having a body that comprises a switch opening and a top panel integrally formed and molded to a portion of the body. The top panel covers the switch opening. The keyboard assembly also comprises a keycap positioned above the switch housing. The keycap is coupled to a hinge mechanism for moving the keycap from a rest or undepressed state to a depressed state. 
     A keyboard assembly is disclosed. The keyboard assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and a hinge mechanism coupled directly to the PCB. The hinge mechanism comprises one or more retention pins positioned on each end of the hinge mechanism. The keyboard assembly also comprises a keycap releasably coupled to the hinge mechanism. The keycap comprises first retaining members positioned on a first side of the keycap. The first retaining members comprise a snap-fit releasably coupled to the retention pins. The keycap also comprises second retaining members positioned on a second side of the keycap opposite the first side. The second retaining members comprise a slide-retention fit releasably coupled to the retention pins. The slide-retention fit comprises a ledge portion contacting the retention pins and a protrusion wall positioned adjacent the ledge portion. 
     A method of removing a keycap from a keyboard assembly. The method comprises applying a force in a first direction on a first side of the keycap. The first side of the keycap comprises a snap-fit releasably coupled to a retention pin of a hinge mechanism of the keyboard assembly. The method also comprises applying a force in a second direction on a second side of the keycap. The second side of the keycap comprises a slide-retention fit releasably coupled to a distinct retention pin of the hinge mechanism. Additionally, the method comprises applying a force in the first direction on the second side of the keycap. 
     A key is disclosed. The key comprises a keycap comprising a set of retention pins positioned on a first side and a second side of the keycap. The key also comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) and a V-shaped structure coupled directly to the PCB and configured to connect the keycap to the PCB. The V-shaped structure comprises a first arm and a snap-fit positioned on the first arm of the V-shaped structure. The snap-fit is releasably coupled to the retention pins positioned on the first side of the keycap. The V-shaped structure also comprises a second arm and a slide-retention fit positioned on the second arm. The slide-retention fit is releasably coupled to the retention pins positioned on the second side of the keycap. Additionally, the V-shaped structure comprises a third retaining feature positioned on the first arm of the V-shaped structure opposite the snap-fit. The third retaining feature secures the first arm to the PCB. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows an electronic device including a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of a single key of the low-travel keyboard assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of a key assembly of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a keycap and a hinge mechanism, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  shows a side view of a key assembly of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a keycap and a hinge mechanism, according to additional embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of a key assembly of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a keycap and a hinge mechanism, according to further embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  shows a portion of a keycap and hinge mechanism of a low-travel keyboard assembly, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a flow chart illustrating a method uncoupling a keycap from a hinge mechanism of a low-travel keyboard assembly. This method may be performed on the keycap as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8A  shows an enlarged view of a keycap of a low-travel keyboard assembly in the process of having a first side uncoupled from a hinge mechanism by being moved in a first direction, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8B  shows the first side of the keycap of  FIG. 8A  uncoupled from the hinge mechanism, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8C  shows the keycap of  FIG. 8B  being moved in a second direction, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8D  shows the keycap of  FIG. 8C  having a second side being moved in the first direction, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 8E  shows the keycap of  FIG. 8D  uncoupled from the hinge mechanism, according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a switch housing, according to embodiments. The cross-section view is taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a cross-section view of a low-travel keyboard assembly including a switch housing, according to another embodiment. The cross-section view is taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     The following disclosure relates generally to a keyboard assembly for an electronic device and, more particularly, to components of a key and a switch housing for the keyboard assembly. 
     In a particular embodiment, a key for the keyboard assembly may have a keycap attached to a hinge mechanism having a group of retaining features for securing the keycap within the keyboard assembly. Specifically, the retaining features of the hinge mechanism may secure the hinge mechanism to a layer (e.g., printed circuit board) of the keyboard assembly. Likewise, retaining features of the keycap may secure the keycap to the hinge mechanism. The retaining features may be formed as a variety of coupling mechanisms, including, but not limited to, snap-fits, slide-fits, ball-and-socket fits, magnetic fit, or any combination of fits. The retaining features may aid in the removal of the keycap from the keyboard assembly without damaging the keycap, the hinge mechanism, and/or other components of the key for the keyboard assembly. 
     In addition, the key for the keyboard assembly may also have a switch housing that houses or otherwise encompasses a dome switch and a light source (e.g., light emitting diode). The switch housing may be formed using a double-shot molding process such that a body of the switch housing is formed from a first material, and a top panel may be formed from a second material. The resulting switch housing may be a single integral piece formed by the body and the top panel. The top panel may be overmolded or otherwise formed over a switch opening in the body. Further, the top panel may extend over at least a portion of an upper surface of the body. The two distinct materials used to form the switch housing may have different, distinct structural and optical properties and/or characteristics. The switch housing may thus strengthen and/or protect certain elements of the keyboard assembly (including the aforementioned switch and light source). In some embodiments, the top panel may act as a light guide and thus may and disperse light from the light source toward the keycap to illuminate the keyboard assembly. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  shows an electronic device  100  including a low-travel keyboard assembly  200  that may incorporate a releasably keycap and a dome switch housing, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2-10 . In a non-limiting example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , electronic device  100  may be a laptop computer. However, it is understood that electronic device  100  may be configured as any suitable electronic device that may utilize low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Other embodiments can implement electronic device  100  differently, such as, for example, a desktop computer, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, a gaming device, a display, a digital music player, a wearable computing device or display, a health monitoring device, and so on. 
     Electronic device  100  may include a top case  102 . Top case  102  may take the form of an exterior, protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various internal components (for example, low-travel keyboard assembly  200 ) of electronic device  100 . Top case  102  may be formed as a single, integral component or may have a group of distinct components that may be configured to be coupled to one another, as discussed herein. Additionally, top case  102  may be formed from any suitable material that provides a protective casing or shell for electronic device  100  and the various components included in electronic device  100 . In non-limiting examples, top case  102  may be made from metal, a ceramic, a rigid plastic or another polymer, a fiber-matrix composite, and so on. 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be included within electronic device  100  to allow a user to interact with electronic device  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , low-travel keyboard assembly  200  is positioned within and/or may be received by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a set of keycaps  300  positioned within and partially protruding through and/or surrounded by top case  102  of electronic device  100 . As discussed herein, keycaps  300  are depressed and displaced to interact and/or collapse a dome switch of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , which in turn forms an electrical signal or input to electronic device  100 . 
     As discussed herein, keycap  300  and a hinge mechanism of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  each have a group of retaining features for securing keycap  300  within keyboard assembly  200 . The retaining features are formed as a variety of coupling mechanisms, including but not limited to, snap-fits, slide-fits, ball-and-socket fits, magnetic fit, or any combination of fits. The utilization of the retaining features in keycap  300  and the hinge mechanism of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  allows a first end of keycap  300  to be uncoupled from low-travel keyboard assembly  200  by applying a force at the first end. Once the first end is uncoupled from the hinge mechanism, the second end can be uncoupled by applying minimal force and/or simply moving keycap  300  in a direction to uncouple the second end. Coupling the keycap  300  to hinge mechanism can he achieved by completing the process in reverse order. The uncoupling/coupling process of keycap  300  reduces the forces applied to keycap  300 , which in turn lowers the stress experienced by keycap  300  and/or hinge mechanism of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As a result, the retaining features aid in the removal of keycap  300  from low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and/or electronic device  100  without damaging or providing excess stress or wear on keycap  300 , the hinge mechanism, and/or other components of keyboard assembly  200 . 
     In addition, and as discussed herein, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  also includes a switch housing for housing a dome switch and a light source of the keyboard assembly  200 . The switch housing can be formed using a double-shot molding process such that a body of the switch housing is formed from a first material, and a top panel operating as a light guide, integrally formed with the body portion, may be formed from a second material. The top panel may be formed over a switch opening of the switch housing and at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion of the switch housing. The top panel is also positioned below keycap  300 , and is substantially contacted by keycap  300  when keycap  300  is depressed. The two distinct materials used to form the switch housing may include distinct structural and optical properties and/or characteristics to strengthen/protect the keyboard assembly and disperse light from the light source toward the keycap to illuminate the keyboard assembly. In non-limiting examples, the body portion of the switch housing can be formed from a rigid material that provides structure support to low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , while the top panel portion is formed from a substantially compliant material. The compliant material allows the top panel of the switch housing to absorb at least a portion of the force applied by keycap  300  when keycap is depressed and/or preventing damage to distinct portions of keyboard assembly  200  (e.g., the dome switch, the body portion of the switch housing and so on) when keycap  300  is depressed. Additionally, the compliant material allows the top panel to deform or flex to contact the dome switch to form an electrical signal within electronic device  100 , while also providing an intermediate layer between keycap  300  and the dome switch of keyboard assembly  200 . Acting as an intermediate layer, the top panel of the switch housing increases the operational life of the dome switch and/or prevents damage to the dome switch by keycap  300 . 
     In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 1 , where electronic device  100  is a laptop computer, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within and/or may be received by electronic device  100 , as discussed herein. In an additional embodiment, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be a distinct, standalone component and may be in electronic communication (for example, wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.) with electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a detailed exploded view of a portion of top case  102  of electronic device  100  and a single key structure  202  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 .  FIG. 3  shows a cross-section view of electronic device  100  and low-travel key structure  202 , taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of such components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , top case  102  of electronic device  100  may include one or more keyholes  104  formed therethrough. Top case  102  may also include supports, such as ribs, positioned between the keycaps  300 , and may substantially surround and/or may be positioned within the space between the keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be formed from a number of layers or components positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another. The components positioned in layers may be positioned adjacent to and/or coupled to one another and may be sandwiched between top case  102  and a bottom case (not shown) of electronic device  100 . 
     The keycaps  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may be positioned within and extend through and/or partially above key holes  104  of top case  102 . Each of the keycaps  300  may include a glyph  302  positioned on a top or exposed surface of the keycap  300 . Each glyph  302  of keycap  300  may be substantially transparent to allow a light to be emitted through and/or illuminate keycap  300 . In a non-limiting example, keycap  300  may be substantially opaque, except for glyph  302 , which may be transparent to allow light to be emitted through keycap  300 . Additionally, the perimeter of keycap  300  (see,  FIG. 2 ) may be substantially illuminated by light emitted between the space between keycap  300  and skeletal ribs  106  of top case  102 . 
     The keycaps  300  may be positioned above corresponding switch housings  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and may interact with a corresponding switch housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , and discussed in detail herein, keycap  300  may include at least one first retaining member  304  positioned on a first side  308  of keycap  300  and at least one second retaining member  306  positioned on a second side  310  of keycap  300 , opposite the first side. The retaining members  304 ,  306  may be formed on an underside  312  of keycap  300  adjacent switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein, the retaining members  304 ,  306  may be utilized to couple keycap  300  within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and, specifically, to connect keycap  300  to a hinge mechanism  322  coupled to a PCB  500 . Additionally, and as discussed herein, retaining members  304 ,  306  aid in the removal of keycap  300  from keyboard assembly  200  without damaging keycap  300 , hinge mechanism  322 , and/or other components of keyboard assembly  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , each switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include a dome switch opening  402  formed completely through switch housing  400 , and a light source recess  404  formed within each switch housing  400 . As discussed herein, dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house a dome switch  406  (see,  FIG. 9 ) for low-travel keyboard assembly  200  which forms an electrical signal to interact with electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). Light source recess  404  formed in switch housing  400  may receive a light source assembly  900  (see,  FIG. 9 ), which may emit light through switch housing  400  for illuminating keycap  300  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein in detail with respect to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , switch housing  400  can be formed using a double-shot molding process such that a body of the switch housing is formed from a first material, and a top panel integrally formed with the body portion, may be overmolded or otherwise formed from a second material. Additionally discussed herein, each of the first and second material provides benefits (e.g., rigid support, protective intermediate layer, light guide properties, and so on) to keyboard assembly  200 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may also include a printed circuit board (PCB)  500  positioned below the group of switch housings  400 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , PCB  500  may include a number of recesses  502  formed within PCB  500 , where each recess  502  of PCB  500  may receive a corresponding switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Each switch housing  400  may be positioned completely within and coupled to the surface of recess  502  of PCB  500 . The PCB  500  may act as a substrate supporting the switch housing(s)  400 . Further, one or more hinge mechanisms (described below) may be connected to the PCB. In some embodiments, a substrate other than the PCB  500  may be used. For example, a dedicated support structure or layer may be used and the PCB positioned below or above such a layer. 
     PCB  500  may also include an aperture  504  formed completely through PCB  500  in recess  502 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , aperture  504  of PCB  500  may be substantially aligned with dome switch opening  402  of switch housing  400  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . As discussed herein, the apertures  504  of PCB  500  may be utilized to receive a portion of dome switch  406  positioned within switch housing  400  when dome switch  406  is collapsed or compressed by keycap  300 . 
     Low-travel keyboard assembly  200 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , may include a keyboard shield  600  positioned below PCB  500 . Keyboard shield  600  may be formed from a conductive adhesive sheet  602  adhered to PCB  500  opposite switch housing  400 . Conductive adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  may include a venting system  604  which vents air expelled from switch housing  400  when dome switch is collapsed by keycap  300 , as discussed herein. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , venting system  604  may include a group of channels  606  formed within and/or partially through conductive adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  which may be in fluid communication and/or may be substantially aligned with dome switch opening  402  formed in switch housing  400  and aperture  504  formed through PCB  500 . Conductive adhesive sheet  602  of keyboard shield  600  may be utilized to transmit signals to and/or from PCB  500  of keyboard assembly  200  during user interaction. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the retaining members  304 ,  306  of keycap  300  may include distinct retaining features  318 ,  320 . That is, first retaining members  304  may include a first retaining feature  318  and second retaining members  306  may include second retaining feature  320 , distinct from the first retaining feature  318 . The distinct retaining features  318 ,  320  may be utilized to couple keycap  300  within low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and, specifically, to couple keycap  300  to a hinge mechanism  322  coupled to PCB  500 . 
     The distinct retaining features  318 ,  320  of keycap  300  may take the form of snap-fits, ball-and-socket fits, magnetic fits or slide retention fits. As shown in  FIG. 3 , first retaining feature  318  of first retaining member  304  may be a snap-fit for retaining a first retaining feature of the hinge mechanism  322 , such as a first retention pin  324   a  of a first arm  325   a , within first retaining member  304 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 3 , second retaining feature  320  of second retaining member  306  may be a slide-retention fit for retaining a second retaining feature of the hinge mechanism  322 , such as a second retention pin  324   b  of second arm  325   b , within second retaining member  306 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , and briefly discussed herein, hinge mechanism  322  may include a number of retention pins  324   a ,  324   b , which may be positioned within and/or coupled to the distinct retaining features  318 ,  320  of the retaining members  304 ,  306  of keycap  300 . Hinge mechanism  322 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , may take the form of any suitable hinge mechanism  322  capable of moving keycap  300  from an rest or undepressed state to a depressed state, including but not limited to: a butterfly or V-shaped hinge mechanism, a scissor hinge mechanism, a telescoping hinge mechanism or a sliding hinge mechanism. In many embodiments, the hinge mechanism  322  cooperates with the arms  325   a ,  325   b  to form a butterfly support for the keycap. The hinge mechanism  322  may be an elastomer coupling the arms together, as one example; such an elastomer may partially or fully encapsulate one or both of the arms. As another alternative, the hinge mechanism  322  may be co-molded with the arms  325   a ,  325   b  to form a living hinge therebetween. In still other embodiments using a butterfly or V-shaped structure, the hinge mechanism  322  may be a mechanical interlock between the arms. The mechanical interlock may be formed at the ends of each arm  325   a ,  325   b  and permit the arms to be retained together but move downward when a force is exerted on an associated keycap  300 . Other structures are suitable and contemplated for the hinge mechanism  322 . 
     Additionally, hinge mechanism  322  may be coupled to and/or positioned within recess  502  of PCB  500  and is depicted as a butterfly hinge in the current embodiment. Generally and in the present embodiment, the “butterfly” structure resembles a V-shaped structure in which the two arms of the V are joined by a hinge. The hinge is positioned approximately underneath a center of the keycap and affixed to a substrate, while the ends of the arms that are not joined by the hinge are received by the keycap or other structures joining them to the keycap. Accordingly, when the key is being pressed, the arms may move downward towards the hinge and substrate to permit the key to collapse. In some embodiments the arms may be parallel or near-parallel to the substrate when the key is fully depressed, while in others they may still extend from the hinge at an angle to the substrate even when the key is in its maximum travel position. This is a general overview of the butterfly structure; more specifics are given herein and other embodiments may vary any or all of the foregoing. 
     The two arms  325   a ,  325   b  extend upwardly from the body of hinge mechanism  322 . Each arm  325   a ,  325   b  is connected to the keycap  300  and to the body of the hinge mechanism  322 . As the keycap  300  is pressed downward, the arms  325   a ,  325   b  connected to the butterfly hinge may collapse to permit downward motion of the keycap  300 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the arms  325   a ,  325   b  may be fixed with respect to the hinge mechanism and may move with respect to the keycap  300 . In certain embodiments, one or more of the arms  325   a ,  325   b  may be fixed with respect to the keycap  300  and slide within or adjacent the hinge mechanism  322 . In still other embodiments, one arm  325   a  may be fixed with respect to the keycap  300  and one arm  325   b  may slide with respect to the keycap  300 . Here, for example, the retaining feature or retention pin  324   a  of the first arm  325   a  may be snap-fitted into retaining feature  318 , and so may be fixed with respect to the keycap  300 . A second arm  325   b  may be slidably received in a grooved retaining feature  320  and so may move with respect to the keycap  300  when the keycap  300  is depressed. 
     In another non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4 , a base  326   a ,  326   b  of the first and/or second arms  325   a ,  325   b  may be snap-fitted or slide-fitted within hinge mechanism  342 . In certain embodiments, a snap-fit may couple the base  326   a ,  326   b  of an arm  325   a ,  325   b  to various layers of the keyboard assembly  200  (e.g., PCB  500 ). In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4 , base  326   a ,  326   b  of arms  325   a ,  325   b  of hinge mechanism  342 , configured as a distinct butterfly hinge, may have snap-fits or slide-fits for coupling arms  325   a ,  325   b  to PCB  500 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first arm  325   a  including retention pin  324   a  may be snap-fitted into both the keycap  300  and the PCB  500 . In such embodiments, the second arm  325   b  including retention pin  324   b  may be snap-fitted or slide-fitted into the keycap  300  and/or the PCB  500 ; snap-fitting the second arm  325   b  may cause the slide-fitted portion of the second arm  325   b  to travel further laterally than if the base  326   b  of the second arm  325   b  were also slide-fitted. The use of a snap-fit to secure the butterfly hinge (e.g., hinge mechanism  322 ) to the PCB  500  may reduce failure of the hinge mechanism  322  by stabilizing the arm or arms  325   a ,  325   b , as well as reducing the likelihood that one or both arms  325   a ,  325   b  slip free of a retaining feature (such as a snap-fit retaining feature  318  or slide-fit retaining feature  320 ) due to over-travel of retention pins  324   a ,  324   b  of hinge mechanism  322  or the like. In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 4 , hinge mechanism  342  may also include a slide-opening  344  formed through arm  325   a  configured to receive a coupling screw, rivet or pin  346  (hereafter, “coupling pin  346 ”) that couples arm  325   a  of hinge mechanism  342  to arm  325   b . Additionally, coupling pin  346  may be configured to slide and/or move within slide-opening  344  to aid in and/or allow keycap  300  to be depressed, as discussed herein. 
     In another non-limiting embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , hinge mechanism  348  may include retaining features similar to those of keycap  300  discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , first arm  325   a  may have a first retaining feature  350  formed as a snap-fit, similar to the first retaining  318  feature of keycap  300  as shown in  FIG. 3 , and discussed herein. Additionally, second arm  325   b  may have a second retaining feature  352  formed as a slide-retention fit, similar to the second retaining feature  320  of keycap  300  as shown in  FIG. 3 , and discussed herein. Distinct from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , keycap  300  may include distinct retaining features, such as retention pins  354   a ,  354   b . The retention pins  354   a ,  354   b  of keycap  300  may function substantially similar to the retention pins formed on the hinge mechanism  348  as shown and discussed with respect to  FIG. 3 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 5 , retention pin  354   a  positioned adjacent first side  308  of keycap  300  may be coupled to and/or positioned within first retaining feature  350  of hinge mechanism  348 . Retention pin  354   b  positioned adjacent second side  310  of keycap  300  may be coupled to and/or positioned within second retaining feature  352  of hinge mechanism  348 . As discussed herein, retention pins  354   a ,  354   b  may be coupled to the first and second retaining features  350 ,  352  to couple keycap  300  to hinge mechanism  348 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , a side view of keycap  300  and a portion of hinge mechanism  322  of  FIG. 3  is shown, according to embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 6 , and discussed herein in  FIG. 3 , first retaining feature  318  of first retaining member  304  may be a snap fit. More specifically, first retaining feature  318  of first retaining member  304  may be an opening  327  for receiving retention pin  324   a  of first arm  325   a  of hinge mechanism  322 . The opening  327  of first retaining feature  318  may be a first portion  328  having a width smaller than a width of retention pin  324   a . The width of first portion  328  may be smaller than the width of retention pin  324   a  to secure retention pin  324   a  within first retaining member  304  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Opening  327  of first retaining feature  318  may also include a second portion  330  in communication with first portion  328 , where second portion  330  has a width equal to, or larger than, the width of retention pin  324   a . When keycap  300  is coupled to hinge mechanism  322 , retention pin  324   a  may be positioned within second portion  330  of opening  327  of first retaining feature  318  and may be maintained within second portion  330  as a result of the width of first portion  328  being smaller than the width of retention pin  324   a.    
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 6 , and discussed herein in  FIG. 3 , second retaining feature  320  of second retaining member  306  may be a slide retention fit. More specifically, second retaining feature  320  of second retaining member  306  may include a ledge portion  332 , a protrusion wall  334  positioned adjacent ledge portion  332 , and an aperture  336  positioned between ledge portion  332  and protrusion wall  334 . Aperture  336  of second retaining feature  320  may receive retention pin  324   b  of second arm  325   b  of hinge mechanism  322  and may allow retention pin  324   b  to be positioned on a contact surface  338  of ledge portion  332  to couple second side  310  of keycap  300  to second arm  325   b  of hinge mechanism  322 . That is, when keycap  300  is coupled to hinge mechanism  322 , retention pin  324   b  may be positioned and/or rest on contact surface  338  of ledge portion  332  and may remain in contact with ledge portion  332  when keycap  300  is moved from a rest/default (e.g. undepressed) state to a depressed state, as discussed herein. Similar structures may be used to affix the arms of the hinge mechanism  322  to the housing, base plate, stiffening structure, or the like. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an example process for removing keycap  300  from low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Specifically,  FIG. 7  is a flowchart depicting one example process  700  for uncoupling keycap  300  from hinge mechanism  322  of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     In operation  702 , a force may be applied in a first direction on a first side of the keycap. The first side of the keycap may include a first retaining feature releasably coupled to a retention pin of a hinge mechanism of the keyboard assembly. The first direction in which the force is applied may be a direct opposite to the hinge mechanism coupled to the first retaining feature of the keycap. In response to applying the force in the first direction, the first retaining feature may be uncoupled from the retention pin of the hinge mechanism. In addition to applying the force on the first end, the keycap may pivot and/or rotate about a second end of the keycap. More specifically, the keycap may pivot and/or rotate about a second retaining feature positioned on the second end of the keycap where the second retaining feature remains releasably coupled to a distinct retention pin of the hinge mechanism. 
     In operation  704 , a force may be applied in a second direction on the second side of the keycap. More specifically, a force may be applied to the second side of the keycap including the second retaining feature in a second direction where the second direction is distinct from the first direction in operation  702 . The second direction in which the force is applied may be substantially parallel to the pivoted or rotated keycap. The force applied in the second direction may stop the pivoting or rotating of the keycap about the second retaining feature and may reposition the retention pin of the hinge mechanism within the second retaining feature of the keycap. 
     In operation  706 , a force may be applied to the second side of the keycap in the first direction. That is, a force may be applied to the second side of the keycap including the second retaining feature in a first direction similar to the first direction in operation  702 . Also similar to operation  702 , the first direction in which the force is applied may be directly opposite to the hinge mechanism coupled to the second retaining feature of the keycap. In response to applying the force in the first direction on the second side of the keycap, the second retaining feature may be uncoupled from the retention pin of the hinge mechanism, and, ultimately, the keycap may be completely uncoupled from the hinge mechanism. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 8A-8E , keycap  300  is depicted undergoing various operations of process  700  of  FIG. 7 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials, and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  depict a force (F) being applied in a first direction (D 1 ) on first side  308  of keycap  300 . More specifically, a force (F) is applied above first retaining feature  318  of keycap  300  to uncouple first retaining member  304  from retention pin  324   a  of first arm  325   a  of hinge mechanism  322 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the force (F) may be applied in a first direction (D 1 ) opposite hinge mechanism  322 . As a result of applying the force (F) in the first direction (D 1 ), retention pin  324   a  of first arm  325   a  may be removed from first retaining feature  318 . More specifically, by applying the force (F) on first side  308  of keycap  300 , retention pin  324   a  may be removed from second portion  330  of opening  327  and may slide through first portion  328  (see,  FIG. 8A ), until retention pin  324   a  is eventually removed from first portion  328  of opening  327  of first retaining feature  318  of keycap  300  ( FIG. 8B ). As discussed herein, the width of first portion  328  of opening  327  of first retaining feature  318  may be smaller than the width of retention pin  324   a  for maintaining retention pin within second portion  330 . However, first retaining member  304  including first retaining feature  318  may be formed from a partially flexible material that may deform to allow retention pin  324   a  to slide through second portion  330  of first retaining feature  318  when the force (F) is applied in the first direction (D 1 ). 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , keycap  300  may rotate about second retaining feature  320  positioned on second side  310  of keycap  300  as a result of applying the force (F) in the first direction (D 1 ). That is, as a result of maintaining the releasable coupling between second retaining feature  320  of keycap  300  and retention pin  324   b  of arm  325   b , during the application of the force (F) in the first direction (D 1 ) on first side  308 , keycap  300  may pivot or rotate about second retaining feature  320  of second retaining member  306 . As such, in addition to being releasably coupled to retention pin  324   b , second retaining member  306  including second retaining feature  320  may also be pivotably coupled to retention pin  324   b  of hinge mechanism  322 . Retention pin  324   b  may also remain in contact with contact surface  338  of ledge portion  332  of second retaining member  306 . The applying of the force (F) in the first direction (D 1 ) to first side  308  of keycap  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , may correspond to operation  702  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8C  depicts a force (F) being applied to keycap  300  in a second direction (D 2 ). Specifically, after first retaining feature  318  is uncoupled from retention pin  324   a , the force (F) may be applied to first side  308  of keycap  300  in a second direction (D 2 ), distinct from the first direction (D 1 ), as shown and discussed in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . The second direction (D 2 ) of the applied force may be substantially parallel to the pivoted or rotated keycap  300  to reposition retention pin  324   b  within second retaining feature  320 . As shown in  FIG. 8C , the application of the force (F) in the second direction (D 2 ) may reposition retention pin  324   b  within second retaining feature  320 , such that retention pin  324   b  is no longer in contact with ledge portion  332  of second retaining feature  320 , but is in contact with protrusion wall  334 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8C , by applying the force (F) in a second direction (D 2 ) to reposition retention pin  324   b  to contact protrusion wall  334  of second retaining feature  320 , retention pin  324   b  may be substantially aligned with aperture  336  of second retaining feature  320 . The applying of the force (F) in the second direction (D 2 ) to first side  308  of keycap  300 , as shown in  FIG. 8C , may correspond to operation  704  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8D  depicts a force (F) being applied to keycap  300  in the first direction (D 1 ) on second side  310 . That is, after retention pin  324   b  is repositioned within second retaining feature  320  to be aligned with aperture  336 , the force (F) may be applied to second side  310  of keycap  300  in the first direction (D 1 ), similar to the first direction (D 1 ) shown and discussed in  FIGS. 8A  and  8 B. As shown in  FIG. 8D , the application of the force (F) in the first direction (D 1 ) may allow retention pin  324   b  to be removed from second retaining feature  320  of keycap  300  via aperture  336 . As a result, keycap  300  may be completely uncoupled from hinge mechanism  322  (see,  FIG. 8E ). Applying the force (F) on keycap  300  (as shown in  FIG. 8D ) may correspond to operation  706  of  FIG. 7 . 
     It is understood that coupling keycap  300  to hinge mechanism  322  may be achieved by performing the process discussed in  FIG. 7 , and shown in  FIGS. 8A-8E , in reverse. That is, second retaining feature  320  may be first coupled to retention pin  324   b  of hinge mechanism  322  and first retaining feature  318  may be subsequently coupled to a distinct retention pin  324 . Additionally, and alternatively, first retaining feature  318  on first side  308  of keycap  300  may be coupled to retention pin  324   a  before second retaining feature  320  may be coupled to retention pin  324   b . That is, first retaining feature  318  may be pivotably and releasably coupled to retention pin  324   a  of hinge mechanism  322 , and keycap  300  may be subsequently translated (e.g., depressed) by applying a downward force on keycap  300  until the distinct retention pin  324   b  positioned adjacent second retaining feature  320  is aligned with and substantially moves into second retaining feature  320  via aperture  336 . Once retention pin  324   b  is positioned within second retaining feature  320  of keycap  300 , the force may be released and keycap  300  may return to its rest state with retention pin  324   b  now positioned within second retaining feature  320  on second side  310  of keycap  300 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a front cross-sectional view of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 . Conductive adhesive sheet  602  of shield  600  is shown to be separated from PCB  500  of keyboard assembly  200  as a result of the line CS-CS forming cross-section of  FIG. 9  being taken through a channel  606  (see,  FIG. 2 ) of shield  600 . It is understood that similarly named components or similarly numbered components may function in a substantially similar fashion, may include similar materials and/or may include similar interactions with other components. Redundant explanation of these components has been omitted for clarity. 
     As discussed herein, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  may include switch housing  400  positioned between keycap  300  and PCB  500 . That is, switch housing  400  may be positioned within recess  502  of PCB  500  and may be coupled to PCB  500  adjacent keycap  300 . Additionally, as discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 2 , switch housing  400  may define dome switch opening  402  formed through switch housing  400  and light source recess  404  formed through a portion of switch housing  400 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , dome switch opening  402  may receive and/or house dome switch  406 , which may be collapsed/compressed by keycap  300  to form an electrical connection to interact with electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 9 , light source recess  404  of switch housing  400  may receive a light source assembly  900 , which may emit a light through switch housing  400  to keycap  300  to provide a light around the perimeter of keycap  300  and transparent glyph (see,  FIG. 2 ) formed through keycap  300 . 
     Switch housing  400  may be defined by a body portion  410  and a top panel  412  formed integrally and molded to body portion  410 . Body portion  410  of switch housing  400  may define dome switch opening  402  and light source recess  404  formed adjacent dome switch opening  402 . Body portion  410  may be directly coupled to PCB  500  within recess  502 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . Body portion  410  and top panel  412  of switch housing  400  may be formed from distinct materials. That is, body portion  410  may be formed from a first material having substantially rigid properties for supporting keycap  300  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and/or protecting the various components (e.g., dome switch  406 , light source assembly  900 ) included within switch housing  400 . The first material forming body portion  410  of switch housing  400  may be transparent, semi-transparent, and/or translucent to permit light emitted by the light source assembly  900  to pass through body portion  410  toward keycap  300 . Additionally, the first material of body portion  410  may reflect the light emitted by the light source assembly  900  to be redirected toward keycap  300 . 
     Top panel  412  of switch housing  400  may be formed integrally with body portion  410 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 9 , top panel  412  may be molded to, and formed integrally with, body portion  410  and may cover switch opening  402  formed in body portion  410 . In a non-limiting example, top panel  412  may be formed integrally with body portion  410  using a double-shot housing formation process; the top panel  412  may be overmolded on the body portion  410 . Top panel  412  may be formed from a second material, distinct from the first material forming body portion  410 , and may be substantially flexible or deformable. As discussed herein, top panel  412  may substantially flex and protect dome switch  406  when keycap  300  is collapsed/compressed. In addition to being flexible, the second material forming top panel  412  may be substantially transparent to allow light to pass therethrough in order to illuminate keycap  300  and/or substantially reflective to redirect light toward keycap  300 . Thus, it should be appreciated that top panel  412  may serve as a light guide for the key assembly. Although the element is referred to as a “top panel,” it should be appreciated that the panel may take any suitable shape or dimension. Thus, although the top panel is substantially planar in many embodiments, it may be bowed, curved, stepped, angled or the like in others. 
     Top panel  412  may be formed over switch opening  402  to redirect light toward keycap  300  and to substantially protect dome switch  406  from undesired wear from keycap  300  during operation of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . When a force is applied to keycap  300  to translate keycap  300 , keycap  300  may contact top panel  412  of switch housing  400 , which may subsequently deform and collapse dome switch  406  to form an electrical connection. By providing a barrier between keycap  300  and dome switch  406 , top panel  412  may reduce the wear on dome switch  406  over the operational life of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Top panel  412  may also define a first contact protrusion  418  positioned on a surface  420  of top panel  412 . First contact protrusion  418  may be positioned directly adjacent a second contact protrusion  340  formed on underside  312  of keycap  300 . The first contact protrusion  418  of top panel  412  and the second contact protrusion  340  of keycap  300  may contact one another when keycap  300  is depressed and may more evenly distribute the force applied to top panel  412  and subsequently dome switch  406  when keycap  300  is depressed. By distributing the force through top panel  412  via the respective contact protrusions  340 ,  418 , the wear on dome switch  406  may be further reduced over the operational life of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , top panel  412  may also define a set of edge protrusions  422  positioned on surface  420 . Edge protrusions  422  may be formed as part of top panel  412  and, as such, may be formed from the substantially deformable second material discussed herein. As shown in  FIG. 9 , edge protrusions  422  may extend toward keycap  300  and may deform when keycap  300  is depressed, to form an electrical connection. That is, as keycap  300  moves toward top panel  412  to collapse dome switch  406 , underside  312  of keycap  300  may substantially contact and deform edge protrusions  422  of top panel  412 . Like first contact protrusion  418  of top panel  412 , edge protrusions  422  may also distribute the force applied by keycap  300  to top panel  412  to reduce wear of the components low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Additionally, edge protrusions  422  may be used to soften the key&#39;s feel as the user interacts with keycap  300 , as well as prevent a user from pressing keycap  300  too far into low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and potentially damaging electronic device  100  (see,  FIG. 1 ). The edge protrusions  422  may also deform to permit top panel  412  to move downwardly in response to motion of the keycap  300 . That is, the edge protrusions may stretch, extend or otherwise deform, thereby allowing the top panel  412  to travel. 
     The switch housing may be sized and shaped to encompass or otherwise contain the dome switch  406 . Particularly, the body  410  may have a height that equals or exceeds a height of the dome switch  406 , or any other switch within the housing. Further, the top panel  412  may abut a top of the dome switch  406  in some embodiments, while in others (and as illustrated in  FIG. 9 ) the two may be spaced apart. Regardless, because the switch housing is at least as high as the dome switch in certain embodiments, it may protect the dome switch from foreign matter and certain impacts. Further, the top panel  418  may translate downwardly to impact and collapse the dome switch  406 , for example, when the keycap  300  is pressed. The switch body  410 , however, may not move during a keycap press. Thus, part of the switch housing may translate in order to collapse the dome switch  406  and part may not. Further, due to the relative heights of the body  410  and dome switch  406 , the top panel  412  may deform into the switch housing in order to contact and collapse the dome switch. Thus, force exerted on the keycap may deform the top panel and collapse (or partially collapse) the dome switch while the body is unaffected by the force. 
       FIG. 10  shows a front cross-sectional view of low-travel keyboard assembly  200  taken along line CS-CS in  FIG. 2 , according to another non-limiting example. As shown in  FIG. 10 , switch housing  400  may also include gaskets  424  formed within select portions of switch housing  400 . In the non-limiting example shown in  FIG. 10 , gaskets  424  may be formed in select portions of body portion  410  of switch housing  400  to substantially seal (e.g., waterproof) switch housing  400  and/or to aid in coupling switch housing  400  to PCB  500 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , gaskets  424  may be formed around the entire sidewalls of switch opening  402  of body portion  410 . Gaskets  424  may be formed between PCB  500  and top panel  412 , such that switch opening  402  and, consequently, dome switch  406  may be substantially sealed within body portion  410  and/or sealed from outside contaminants (e.g., water) that may negatively impact the electrical connection of low-travel keyboard assembly  200 . Additionally, gaskets  424  may be formed between body portion  410  of switch housing  400  and PCB  500  to aid in coupling switch housing  400  to PCB  500  and/or to seal all coupled edges between switch housing  400  and PCB  500  from outside contaminants. 
     Additionally shown in  FIG. 10 , top panel  412  may extend over the portion of body portion  410  including light source recess  404 . More specifically, top panel  412  may be partially or fully positioned over light source recess  404 , including light source assembly  900 . Light emitted from light source assembly  900  may not pass through the portion of switch housing  400  positioned directly above light source recess  404  and/or light source assembly  900 . As such, by extending top panel  412  over light source recess  404  formed in body portion  410 , top panel  412  may aid in providing light from light source assembly  900  to keycap  300 , as similarly discussed herein with respect to  FIG. 9 . The light source may be a light-emitting diode, an organic light-emitting diode, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, a quantum dot, or any other suitable light source. 
     Although discussed herein as a keyboard assembly, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments may be used in a variety of input devices used in various electronic devices. That is, low-travel keyboard assembly  200  and the components of the assembly discussed herein may be utilized or implemented in a variety of input devices for an electronic device including, but not limited to: buttons, switches, toggles, wheels, and touch screens. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20150928
Publication Date: 20181113
Grant Date: 20181113
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: ZERCOE, BRADFORD J.
LEONG, Craig C.
BROCK, JOHN M.
HENDREN, KEITH J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2207/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/79", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/046", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01L33/50", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/803", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/052", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H10H20/851", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/046", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/052", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/803", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/79", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/023", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H3/125", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2239/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/86", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2207/04", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/79", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/052", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/056", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2203/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/803", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/80", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2229/046", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2227/026", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2211/028", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/062", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2213/01", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2215/038", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2219/036", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/70", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/83", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/024", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2205/016", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/076", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54291684