Skip to main content

Tactile and Non-Tactile membrane switches

Tactile and Non-Tactile membrane switches


JRPanel     Erin KOU     JAN 14, 2020


The most economical and reliable design is the non-tactile membrane switch. Non- tactile membrane switch is flat and has no tactile feedback.  However, this design relies on other methods of identifying a feedback or that a connection is made. 
These include indicator LEDs (visual), LCD screen (visual), or a sound(audible). In other words, an LED light can blink or a beeping sound can be heard when a button is pressed. This type of non-tactile membrane switch has the longest life cycle and reliability.


The other type of membrane switch is the tactile membrane switch. Tactile membrane switch is very popular because it provides a direct feedback to users that a connection is made. 
One way to design a tactile membrane switch is to dome emboss the keys on the graphic overlay. Although it is a little bit more cost that a non-tactile or flat membrane switch, and requires an embossing tool,  it is still a common way to provide tactile feedback when needed.  
Another design option for a tactile membrane switch is to emboss the upper switch layer or poly-dome. This will also require an embossing tool. One drawback is that this type of tactile membrane switch provides a milder tactile response and less snap action. Also, it is sensitive to temperature and therefore, high temperature conditions may affect its snap feedback.  The best way to get the optimum snap and tactile feedback is to use a metal dome.  
Metal domes can get expensive especially if the membrane switch has a lot of keys. It is also recommended that the graphic overlays where the keys are, should be full embossed to accommodate the metal dome height. Therefore, an emboss tool may still be required. One thing to consider when using metal domes for tactile membrane switch is that it needs a rigid backing, so that when the metal dome is pressed down, it does not get inverted.
  
An inverted metal dome, is one of the major failures of a tactile membrane switch and is mostly due to the metal dome being bent or deformed when assembling to the plastic housing, and/or pressing the keys when there is lack of rigid support. 
---------------
 Topspeed manufacture fab for
Membrane switch, Graphic Overlay & Acrylic Overlay
Online instant quote
www.jrpanel.com



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Brief Introduction to Flat Spiral Coil Inductors

  Hi guys! Today JRPanel would like to share a few points about Flat Spiral Coil  Inductors  with you. Basically, a flat coil inductor is an inductor wound with flat copper wire.  The picture below is the side view, we can see that each circle of copper wire is arranged very compact. Here are some of the application characteristics of flat coils : 1.  High current inductance 2.  Lowest DC resistance           3.  Can ensure smooth drop of current-resistant inductance 4.  Suitable for reflow SMT process 5.  Lead-free, RoHS compliant This pciture shows a flat coil product.  It is generally used in power supplies, personal computers and other handheld  electronic devices . Advantages of  F lat  C oil  I nductors are : 1.  Scientific and reasonable space design. 2.  Tight and flat between turns ensures the effective cross-sectional area of the wire, which greatly reduces the copper loss ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Difference Between PVC, PC and PET in Membrane Switch Applications

  In membrane switch fileds, there are 3 main materials being used in production, PVC, PC and PET. To help you choose the proper material for your product, we would like to introduce you the difference between PVC, PC and PET in membrane switch applications.   1. PVC    PVC  is also called polyvinyl chloride membrane, the full name is Polyvinylchlorid membrane. The top layer of this structure is lacquer, the middle is polyvinyl chloride, and the bottom layer is back-coated adhesive. The price of PVC membrane is low, and it has excellent chemical resistance and insulation function. It is used in sign panels, but not suitable for membrane switches and light touch panels. The global usage of PVC membrane ranks second among various synthetic materials.   2. PC    PC is also called polycarbonate membrane, the thinnest is 0.01mm thick, amorphous, odorless, non-toxic, high transparency and low fogging. Chemical resistance: Dilute acid...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Does JRPanel Assemble Your Membrane Switches

Let's talk about the assembly of membrane switches. 1.  Installing LED and baking   For products that require LEDs, JRPanel engineers will attach the LEDs to the corresponding circuits. The printed circuits are subsequently put into the oven for baking.   2.  Cutting Cable   Engineers will cut out the cables in bulk with a cutting die or laser cutting.   3.  Installing Male Pin   Before installing the Male Pin, the end of the Cable must be cut flat. Next, the Cable is placed under the machine and by pressure, the Male Pin is positioned and fixed at the end of the Cable. This step is to ensure the conductivity of the product.   4.  Silver Paste Die-pressing   Silver paste die-pressing is a heat embossing process on the circuit layer with a die. At JRPanel, the dies used for this process are all aluminum plates. Therefore, compared to metal domes, the die-pressing process results in the long service life of the keys.   5.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more