Key structure for computer keyboards

A key unit for mounting to a base frame of a computer keyboard, the key unit comprising:

• a key (11), a hollow housing (10) securely mounted on a base frame (80) of a computer keyboard, said hollow housing comprising a top wall with an opening (12), a first pair of opposed side walls, and a second pair of opposed side walls, a vertical track (18) being formed on an inner surface of each of said first pair of opposed side walls, and a resounding plate (16) being mounted on an inner surface of one of said second pair of opposed side walls;
• an actuating member (30) in said housing (10), said actuating member comprising an upper column (32) which passes through said opening (12) and is adapted to engage with the key (11 ), an extension (34) projecting outward from each of two opposed sides of said column (32) for engaging with associated said vertical track (18) in said housing (10);
• and
• a spring means (50) comprising an axle (58) which is pivotally mounted between said first pair of opposed side walls and first and second arcuate members (502 and 504) projecting outward from said axle (58) and extending away from each other, said first arcuate member (502) including a distal activating end (56) for impinging on a corresponding contact (82) on the base frame (80) of the keyboard, said second arcuate member (504) being elastic and including a bent section (52 and a distal actuated end (54);
• whereby when pressing on the key (11 ) mounted on said actuating member, said actuating member moves downward to exert a downward force on the distal actuated end of the spring means and causes said first and second arcuate members (502 and 504) to pivot about said axle (58) such that impingement of said bent section on said resounding member is simultaneous to the impingement of said distal activating end on said contact.