Apparatus and method pertaining to a key assembly having a plinth-receiving key mat

A wireless communications apparatus comprising:

• a wireless transceiver;
• a control circuit operably coupled to the wireless transceiver;
• a keyboard operably coupled to the control circuit, the keyboard comprising a plurality of key assemblies wherein at least some of the key assemblies each comprise:
• a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof;
• a contact-responsive switch;
• a key mat comprised of a first material and disposed between the keycap and the contact-responsive switch and having:
• a recessed area formed therein sized and configured to receive the plinth;
• and
• a key feature comprised at least in part of the first material and configured to actuate the contact-responsive switch;
• and
• an elastic layer comprised of a second material that is different from the first material and that is disposed at least in part within the key mat between the recessed area and the key feature such that at least some of the first material and some of the second material is disposed between the recessed area and the key feature.

A method comprising:

• providing a contact-responsive switch;
• disposing a key mat over the contact-responsive switch, the key mat comprised of a first material and having:
• a recessed area formed therein sized and configured to receive a keycap plinth;
• a key feature comprised at least in part of the first material and configured to actuate the contact-responsive switch;
• and
• an elastic layer comprised of a second material that is different from the first material and that is disposed at least in part within the key mat between the recessed area and the key feature such that at least some of the first material and some of the second material is disposed between the recessed area and the key feature;
• disposing a keycap having a plinth extending from an underside surface thereof such that the plinth is disposed within the recessed area of the key mat.