Particular embodiments described herein provide for a keycap. The keycap can include a protective layer and an active element, where the height of protective layer and the active element is less than six (6) millimeters in height. The keycap can also include a front plane layer, a back plane layer, where the front plane layer and the back plane layer comprise the active element, and an electrical connection through the keycap to provide electrical communication with the active element.