Input device with overlapping key structure

An input device having an overlapping key structure, the input device comprising:

• a key support frame;
• a plurality of keys, each key of the plurality of keys comprising a pair of parallel spring arms extending away from an edge of a key cap portion of the key and spaced apart from the key support frame, at least a portion of each of the pair of spring arms being parallel to a portion of the key support frame;
• and
• hinge structures comprising reduced portions disposed at extended ends of each of the spring arms, the hinge structures configured to fixedly connect each of the plurality of keys to the key support frame such that flexibility of the hinge structures enables movement of each of the plurality of keys in a direction substantially perpendicular to the key support frame.

A key for a keyboard input device having interleaved keys, the key comprising:

• a key cap portion;
• a pair of parallel spring arms extending away from an edge of the key cap portion of the key;
• and
• hinge portions comprising reduced portions disposed at extended ends of each of the spring arms, the hinge portions configured to fixedly connect the key to a support frame such that flexibility of the hinge portions enables movement of the key in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support frame.

A method of fabricating a keyboard input device, the method comprising:

• integrally forming an assembly including a key support frame, a plurality of keys, and a plurality of hinge structures, wherein:
• each key of the plurality of keys is formed with a pair of parallel spring arms extending away from an edge of a key cap portion of the key and spaced apart from the key support frame, at least a portion of each of the pair of spring arms being parallel to a portion of the key support frame, and
• each pair of spring arms is formed with hinge structures comprising reduced portions disposed at extended ends of each of the spring arms, the hinge structures configured to fixedly connect each of the plurality of keys to the key support frame;
• and
• attaching a key cap to each of the plurality of keys.