As consumers we have all become comfortable with the touch screen on other hand held gadgets and even our laptop monitors. Where a tactile response of a key is deemed to be required industrial designer often propose complex 3D solutions such as Silicone rubber keypads. So what is the future of membrane keypad technology?
Clearly there are still some major plus points to using a membrane primarily it is has the cheapest cost of entry to producing an integrated custom keypad solution for any electronic product. For many business’s this can be the overriding factor for consideration and in for applications a well-designed membrane keyboard can work very well.
The ability to include string printed graphics from a full pallet of colour can help a product stand out from the crowd. Top layers can be changed easily and at little cost whenever a rebranding is required.
Although key travel varies only slightly it is possible to tune the tactile response for membrane keypads incorporating either poly-domes or metal domes. The use of embossed switch areas and selective gloss coating can add to the visual effect.
Finally Including SMD LED’s within the keyboard sandwich can reduce a products manufacturing costs and produce a better overall finish.
Membrane keypads clearly still have their applications in HMI design with their simple structure and easy integration. Find out more by talking to our membrane design team who will demonstrate many new ideas in the membrane keyboard market.
