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Silicone Rubber Keypads
Custom Keypad Interfaces for Electronic Devices
Silicone Rubber Keypads offer more control of tactile key response and greater 3D design possibilities than other custom keypad technologies. Diamond HMI has extensive experience in the design, manufacture and supply of Silicone rubber keypads as a stand-alone product or as part of an integrated user interface solution.
About Silicone Rubber Keypads?
Silicone rubber Keypads or Elastomeric Keypads/Keymats as they are also known, are one of the most common choices of keypad interface for use in Electronic products. They allow product designers to add shape, colour and a 3D form to any product design. With feature such as wide operating temperature range, long life, robust sealing capabilities, along with the ability to tune tactile response to match the end user’s expectations, Silicone Rubber Keypads offer a cost effective interface solutions.
How do Silicone Rubber Keypads work?
Silicone Rubber Keypads are created using a high tempreture compression moulding process which allows the formation of an angled webbing around each switch. The webbing uniformly deforms when actuated to produce a tactile response. The web returns to a neutral position once pressure is removed, giving positive tactile feedback. The electronic switch is created using a carbon or gold pill placed on the underside of the switch which contacts onto a PCB when the web has been deformed.
Design Features of Silicone Rubber keypads
- Carbon or Gold conductive contacts for reliable operation with PCBs
- Colour matching to RAL or Pantone colour codes.
- Keys/keypads with multiple colours or translucent materials.
- Surface printed or laser etched key legends.
- Operational temp -50 to + 220°C
- Use of Branded silicone to UL 94 HB, V1, and V0 standards.
- Utilisation of FDA-approved or USP Class IV compliant silicone.
- Use of Anti-bacterial additives for medical applications
Why use Diamond HMI?
Diamond HMI’s experienced keypad design team are available to support customers in the UK and Europe who are looking to create Rubber keypad designs for their electronic product or looking to re engineer a current keypad design. We have experience in taking designs from an initial concept through prototyping and on to volume production.
During the design process, we can advise on the overall construction of a final product when using a Silicone Rubber Keypad, how to secure the keypad to ensure reliable operation and selection of a suitable tactile response for each switch. We can also demonstrate how to illuminate keys and key legends plus add unique finishes to the keypad to enhance a product’s overall appearance.
On completion of a rubber keypad design, we can offer keypad life testing to simulate a product’s environment, as well as worldwide logistics support for offshore manufacture.
