SMALL, LOW-PROFILE KEYBOARD THAT DOES NOT IMPAIR OPERABILITY

This paper introduces a method of miniaturizing a keyboard while maint aining its operability. Two techniques have been developed. The first is a new gear link mechanism for the key switches which results in a k eyboard that is approximately 40% thinner with no decrease in the stro ke distance. The second technique involves reducing the vertical key s pacing while maintaining the horizontal key spacing at 19.05 mm. Subje cts having little experience with conventional keyboards preferred 17. 05 mm and 15.05 mm spacings over a 19.05 mm spacing.