a retractable snap dome in a keyboard , serving as a force resistor for a key in a conventional manner , includes an additional collapsed state wherein the key can be retracted by an electromechanical polymer actuator to a persistent down position . in one embodiment , the emp actuator is a bimorph emp actuator that can be actuated to bring the key from down position to up position , ready for conventional keyboard operation , and vice versa . such operations allow the keyboard to have a desirable decreased thickness relative to conventional keyboards . thus , a keyboard of the present invention finds application in ultra - slim electronic devices . when provided in a notebook computer wherein the keyboard is folded against a video or graphic display , the keyboard keys may be placed in the retracted down position , thereby preventing the keys from pressing against the video or graphical display with a force that may damage the display .