Key switch assembly

Claim 1

A key switch actuator for use in a keyboard assembly including a substrate panel defining conductive paths and having deflectable contact means associated therewith and a cover panel spaced apart above said substrate panel defining aperture means therein, said key switch actuator comprising: (a) a body having a predetermined height and adapted to be interposed between said cover panel and said conductive substrate panel to maintain the spacing therebetween; (b) position location means associated with said body for engagement with one of said panels to position said key switch actuator relative thereto; (c) cantilever actuator arm means having top and bottom surfaces, attachment means associated with said actuator arm means for attachment of a key cap having a transverse width, said actuator arm means having a distal end and being secured at a proximal end to said body at a hinge section integrally connecting said actuator arm means to said body immediately adjacent said body forming a single key switch actuator said actuator arm means adapted to pivot downward upon application of manual forces to said actuator arm means, said actuator arm means supporting the key cap substantially across its width to resist twisting upon manual depression of said actuator arm means through said key cap; and (d) striker means projecting from the bottom surface of said actuator arm means at a location between the hinge section and the location of said key cap attachment means and positioned to engage said contact means when said actuator arm means is actuated downwardly a predetermined distance to provide leveraged actuation and providing the user tactile feedback and for establishing a path of electrical conductivity across said contact means in an actuated position.