Dome switch with integral actuator

A dome-actuator structure

• for use in a dome switch, said dome-actuator structure comprising:
• a dome;
• and
• an actuator feature attached to and positioned over said dome such that depressing of said actuator operates to depress said dome,
• wherein said dome and said actuator are metal, and wherein said dome and said actuator are integrally formed from a metal sheet.

A method for forming a dome switch, said method comprising:

• obtaining a metal sheet;
• forming a dome-actuator structure in the metal sheet;
• separating the dome-actuator structure from the metal sheet;
• and
• manipulating the dome-actuator structure such that the actuator feature is positioned over the dome.

A method for forming a dome switch, said method comprising:

• obtaining a metal sheet;
• forming a dome at a first region of the metal sheet;
• forming an actuator feature at a second region of the metal sheet;
• separating the dome and the actuator feature from the metal sheet;
• and
• positioning the actuator feature over the dome.

A method for operating a dome switch, said method comprising:

• receiving a user press of a user input assembly including a dome and an actuator feature;
• and
• depressing the dome via the actuator feature in response to the user press so as to make an electrical connection to induce a switching actions
• wherein the dome and the actuator of the user input assembly have a one-piece construction.