US Patent 7022927 Keyboards with elevated keys

Keyboards with elevated key structures are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a key structure includes a key cap, a substrate, a slider, a resilient member, a first rod and second rod. The slider is movable in a first direction with respect to the substrate between a first position and a second position. The first rod connects the substrate and the key cap. The second rod connects the key cap, the substrate and the first rod. The resilient member connects the slider and the first rod. When the key structure is in an original state with the slider situated in a first position, the key cap is situated at a first height. When the slider moves from the first position to the second position, the first rod is impelled by the slider, and the key cap descends toward the substrate to a second height less than first height.