Membrane Keypads
Membrane keypads offer a cost-effective solution for creating high impact, custom human interface switch panels. Low-cost tooling and simple design requirements make them ideal for low to medium volume electronic products.
About Membrane Keypads
A membrane keypad consists of a printed overlay or fascia, typically made from polyester, and flexible circuit layers sandwiched together with spacer layers to make a complete switch assembly. The front overlay is custom designed and printed to a customers layout and can include a range of finish options. Numerous key structures are available to satisfy technical parameters such as tactile response, robustness and operational life.
The latest manufacturing techniques have increased the reliability of operation and membrane keypads are routinely used in rail, military, automotive, aerospace, security, control panels, and medical applications,
Compared with other interface solutions such as rubber keypads or capacitive touch technology, membrane keypads have the advantage of significantly lower cost tooling and simpler mechanical and electrical integration. For further details, visit our Membrane Keyboard Design & Construction page.
Benefits of a Membrane Keypads
- Compared with other interface technologies the compact construction provides a low-profile, making them a popular choice for engineers designing smaller, more remote applications.
- Membrane keypads have a high IP rating, suitable for environments exposed to dirt, dust and liquids.
- The surface is sealed and flat; therefore cleaning is easily performed. Medical applications often use membrane switching technology due to this, with the option to add an antimicrobial coating to the surface material for an additional layer of protection.
- Tactile feedback enables the user to feel a physical sensation in response to a user action, improving the sense of touch or perception of touch when the user operates the switch.
- Option to add backlighting to enhance interface visually and improve functionality. There are numerous options available, for further information visit our Backlighting a Membrane Keyboard page.
Membrane Keypad Options
- Colours – we can meet practically any colour requirement, screen or digital printing options available.
- Embossing – braille, dome, pillow, or rim embossing.
- Embedded components such as RFI/EDS/EMC shielding.
- Key illumination – varies backlighting options are available, including LED, Light Guide Film, EL Lighting and Fibre Optic.
- Tactile feedback – to incorporate tactile feedback, we add metal or poly domes.
- Windows can have a variety of hard coats or textures added, as well as different colours.
For example of our Light Guide Film backlighting capabilities see video below.
Membrane Keypad Design and Manufacture and Supply
At Diamond HMI we have significant design and manufacturing experience within the Membrane Keypad market. We work to support designers globally and provide cost-effective manufacturing facilities at our partner factories in the Far East.
To ensure that all elements of a project are delivered on time and to budget, we have Quality and Logistics staff based in China and Taiwan and work closely with them to ensure we meet customer expectations. If you manufacture your electronic product in the Far East, we can manage local logistics offering direct shipment to your chosen subcontract partner.
At Diamond HMI, we are committed to ensuring our customers design the best interface solution for their electronic product. Order our Membrane Key Selection Tool to get a more hands-on feel of the options available for incorporation within a design. Alternatively, for a full breakdown of all design features, download our Membrane Keyboard Design Guide. 