Hybrid analog key structure

A method of operating a keyboard, the method comprising:

• receiving a signal from a contact-based mechanical trigger of a hybrid key structure comprising the contact-based key mechanical trigger and a contactless analog key switch, the signal indicating that the contact-based mechanical trigger is activated due to a key stem of the hybrid key structure being depressed over a range of operation by a threshold distance;
• in response to the contact-based mechanical trigger activating, detecting, by the contactless analog key switch at a sample rate, a position of the key stem between the threshold distance and an end of the range of operation;
• and
• in response to the contact-based mechanical trigger deactivating due to the key stem moving below the threshold distance, ceasing detection of the position of the key stem over the range of operation.

A keyboard key structure comprising:

• a key stem;
• a contact-based key switch;
• and
• a contactless analog key switch,
• wherein the key stem is configured to be depressed,
• wherein the contact-based mechanical trigger is configured to activate first as the key stem is depressed, and
• wherein in response to the contact-based key switch activating, and after the key stem is depressed a further distance, the contactless analog key switch is activated and operable to detect, at a sample rate, a position of the key stem over a range of operation.