Operation Types
Rubber keypads can offer excellent tactile effect when designed well.
The keypad is the interface between user and product, so it is important to use the correct switching option for each product.
This is sometimes determined by design restrictions of the product, environment the product will be used in or perhaps the type of user the product is aimed at. There are several options available.
Carbon Pills
Rubber Keypads can be designed to have specific operating forces and button travel. Often the keypad force is between 100 and 300g with the travel between 0.8 and 2.0mm. With this type of keypad operation, it is common for the keypad to be moulded with conductive carbon pills to create the switch between the keypad and PCB.
Metal Dome Layer
Rubber keypads can be designed and supplied with a tactile metal dome switch layer assembled. This generally means a short button travel but does offer a h2 positive “click” feel and sound as the keypad actuates the metal dome switch. As the keypad has minimal button movement the number of operations the keypad would achieve is considerably higher than keypads that use a carbon pill contact. The metal dome layers are supplied already assembled to the keypad and have an adhesive peel off layer for easy customer assembly.
Polydome Switch Layer
Rubber keypads can be designed and supplied with a polydome switch layer assembled. This generally means a short button travel and quieter operation than a metal dome switch. It does however still offer a good click feel and excellent number of operations. Manufactured using silver conductive ink to create the switch the polydome layers are supplied assembled to the keypad and have an adhesive peel off layer for easy customer assembly.
Flexible Printed Circuit
We can supply keypads assembled to a flexible printed circuit or FPC, these assemblies can incorporate metal dome switches, LED’s for backlighting and are supplied with cable and connector. Often these are a solution for assemblies with limited space available and can reduce end user assembly times.
If you are new to working with Rubbertech 2000 and would like to increase your confidence in us as a prospective supplier, we positively encourage inward visits. You are welcome to visit our factory, chat with the team, have a guided tour and see various rubber items being produced.
To arrange an inward visit, or to open communications with us, chat to us on our website, call (+44) 01594 826 019, use our contact page, or email sales@rubbertech2000.co.uk.