Small form-factor keypad for mobile computing devices

A keypad for a mobile computing device, the keypad comprising:

• a plurality of key structures distributed to extend in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction on a face of the mobile computing device,
• wherein for at least a majority of the plurality of key structures, (i) key structures that are adjacent to one another in the horizontal direction nearly abut one another, wherein each adjacent pair of nearly abutting key structures is (a) sufficiently separated to enable each key structure of the pair to move independently of the other key structure in the pair, and (b) sufficiently proximate to provide each key structure in the pair to appear to be in contact with the other key structure of the pair, so that no structure or spacing is visibly present to separate the adjacent pair of nearly abutting key structures when the keypad is in use;
• (ii) key structures that are most proximate to one another in the vertical direction are spaced apart;
• wherein a horizontal spacing between most proximate key structures in the horizontal direction is less than 0.1 millimeters and (iii) individual key structures in the majority have a footprint that is oblong.

A keypad for a mobile computing device, the keypad comprising:

• a plurality of key structures, wherein individual key structures in the plurality of key structures are moveable inward, from an original position into an engaged position;
• wherein a majority of the plurality of key structures has a footprint that is oblong in shape to define a length and a width of that key structure, and wherein the footprint of each of the majority of key structures is symmetrical about at least its length;
• and
• wherein each of the plurality of key structures includes an outer surface having an outward curvature.

A method for manufacturing a keypad for use with a mobile computing device, the method comprising:

• forming a first structure comprising a first plurality of key structures interconnected by a first strip of film, wherein the first structure includes at least a first key structure, a void for a second key structure, and a third key structure, wherein the void for the second key structure is positioned adjacent to the first key structure and the second key structure;
• forming a second structure comprising a second plurality of key structures interconnected by a second strip of film, wherein the second structure includes at least the second key structure;
• connecting the first structure to a first side of a midframe, wherein the midframe includes at least a first opening, so that the first key structure and the third key structure are provided on or within the first opening;
• and
• connecting the second structure to a second side of the midframe, so that the second key structure occupies the void between the first key structure and the second key structure on or within the first opening of the midframe.