Keyboard device including link mechanism

A keyboard device comprising:

• a base;
• a plurality of keys provided above the base, each extending a predetermined length in a front-rear direction, the keys being arranged in a state juxtaposed with respect to each other in a left-right direction;
• and
• a plurality of link mechanisms each provided on the base, for supporting an associated one of the keys from below, and configured to cause the associated key to operate such that when a front end of the key is depressed, an amount of downward movement of a rear end of the key becomes approximately half of an amount of downward movement of the front end of the key,
• wherein the link mechanisms each include:
• a front-side support portion and a rear-side support portion provided on the base with a predetermined spacing therebetween in the front-rear direction,
• a front-side key link bar extending a predetermined length in a vertical direction and having an upper end thereof connected to a front portion of the key,
• a rear-side key link bar extending a predetermined length in the vertical direction and having an upper end thereof connected to a rear portion of the key,
• a front-side connecting link bar extending a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, having a front end thereof pivotally connected to a lower end of the front-side key link bar, and a predetermined portion toward a longitudinal center thereof pivotally supported by the front-side support portion, and
• a rear-side connecting link bar shorter than the front-side connecting link bar and also extending a predetermined length in the front-rear direction, having a rear end thereof pivotally connected to a lower end of the rear-side key link bar, and a predetermined portion toward a longitudinal center thereof pivotally supported by the rear-side support portion, and
• wherein the front-side connecting link bar and the rear-side connecting link bar are pivotally and slidably connected to each other via a rear end of the front-side connecting link bar and a front end of the rear-side connecting link bar.