Logitech International S.A.
Integrated key plate for an input device

Abstract:

An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.