# US 2019/0172664 A1 · Keyboard structure > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2019/0172664 A1 - Document ID: US20190172664A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/189,748 - Filed: 2018-11-13 - Published: 2019-06-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-01 - Assignees: Primax Electronics Ltd. - Applicants: Primax Electronics Ltd. - Inventors: Bo-An Chen; Yu-Ming Lin - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20190172664A1 ## CPC - H01H 13/83: characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements - H01H 13/84: characterised by ergonomic functions, e.g. for miniature keyboards; characterised by operational sensory functions, e.g. sound feedback (legends H01H13/83) - H01H 13/88: Processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards - H01H 3/125: {using a scissor mechanism as stabiliser} - H01H 2209/082: transparent - H01H 2219/028: Printed information - H01H 2219/03: in transparent keyboard - H01H 2221/0702: Transparent key containing three dimensional (3D) element - H01H 2229/044: Injection moulding - H01H 2229/046: Multi-colour or double shot injection moulding - H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00) ## Abstract The present invention provides a keyboard structure, including: a keycap, having an upper surface and a lower surface; a support plate; and a support component, configured to connect to the keycap and the support plate, where the upper surface includes a non-transparent three-dimensional character layer and a transparent protective layer coating the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A keyboard structure, comprising: a keycap, having an upper surface and a lower surface; a support plate; and a support component, configured to connect to the keycap and the support plate, wherein the upper surface comprises a non-transparent three-dimensional character layer and a transparent protective layer coating the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The keyboard structure according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the transparent protective layer is equal to the thickness of the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer, so that the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer and the transparent protective layer form a coplane. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The keyboard structure according to claim 1, wherein the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer comprises a first three-dimensional character layer and a second three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The keyboard structure according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the first three-dimensional character layer is equal to the thickness of the second three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The keyboard structure according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the first three-dimensional character layer is greater than the thickness of the second three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The keyboard structure according to claim 3, wherein the thickness of the first three-dimensional character layer is less than the thickness of the second three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The keyboard structure according to claim 1, wherein the material of the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer is rubber or silica gel. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The keyboard structure according to claim 1, wherein the material of the transparent protective layer is a UV curing adhesive, acryl, or transparent silica gel. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The keyboard structure according to claim 1, wherein an elastic component is disposed between the keycap and the support plate, and the support component encircles the elastic component. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The keyboard structure according to claim 9, wherein a thin film layer is disposed on the support plate, the thin film layer comprises at least one switch, and the at least one switch corresponds to the elastic component. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The keyboard structure according to claim 9, wherein the material of the elastic component is rubber, silica gel, or a metal elastic piece. ### Claim 12 A method for forming a keycap three-dimensional character, comprising the following steps: (a) providing a keycap; (b) forming a non-transparent three-dimensional character layer on an upper surface of the keycap; and (c) forming on the upper surface of the keycap a transparent protective layer coating the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The method for forming a keycap three-dimensional character according to claim 12, wherein in step (b), the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer comprises a first three-dimensional character layer and a second three-dimensional character layer. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The method for forming a keycap three-dimensional character according to claim 12, wherein in step (b), the material of the non-transparent three-dimensional character layer is rubber or silica gel. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The method for forming a keycap three-dimensional character according to claim 12, wherein in step (c), the material of the transparent protective layer is a UV curing adhesive, acryl, or transparent silica gel.