US Patent 11914795 Information handling system optical switch keyboard power management

An information handling system keyboard, or other type of input device, detects end user input presses with plural optical switches coupled to an aluminum plate. A magnetic field proximity sensor interfaced with the aluminum plate radiates a magnetic field through the aluminum plate to detect end user proximity based upon disruptions to the magnetic field. The optical switches power down their emitters when user absence is sensed and power up the emitters when the user presence is sensed. In alternative embodiments, the aluminum plate mounting of optical switches as described above may detect press inputs at mouse buttons or joystick triggers.