Gone are the days of keypads with mechanical switches. In the past, these mechanical keypads used to dominate the industry. Why? Because they gave an illusion of durability as they felt heavier than membrane switches. But, the modern membrane keypad can be much more long-lasting than a mechanical keypad. Of course, the quality and the durability of the membrane keypads depend a lot on the manufacturers. Purchasers of these keypads need to be aware of the quality of the components. Here are some steps that both manufacturers and users can take to make their membrane keypads more durable and resistant to external factors.
The External Interface of the Keypad
Most people associate the durability of a rubber keypad with its internal structure. But, it’s the overlay or the top interface that plays the most important role in enhancing a keypad’s durability. Just because the graphics on a keypad are flashy, does not mean that they are not durable. The durability of a membrane keypad’s external interface depends on the materials used. Polyester membrane keypads, for instance, are much more durable than polycarbonates. Other amalgamations, including UV-protective materials, are also effective at enhancing the durability of membrane keypads. Manufacturers of these keypads give their customers customization options. You can choose from silicon, polycarbonates, polyester, or other materials depending on your environmental surroundings.
Boosting the Circuitry of the Keypad
The quality of circuits used in a membrane keypad is extremely important to boost durability. A membrane switch that features copper flex circuitry is more likely to last longer than a switch that uses polyimide circuitry. High-temperature resistance is a core quality everyone should be looking for in a keypad. Copper flex circuits provide exactly that. Laminating copper optimizes the conductive traces of the circuit, providing users with much flexible user experience. Other components of the device can be attached to the keypad via soldering.
Making the Keypad Screen-Friendly
One key advantage of using a rubber keypad with membrane switches is the fact that it can integrate lenses and screens. Although these integrations are aimed at taking user-experience to new heights, they do pose a threat to the keypad’s durability. Manufacturers are extremely cautious while making these integrations. They calculate impact strength, the keypad’s resistance towards abrasive chemicals, and other details impacting the manufacturability of the keypad. Users too need to take special precautions while using these complex keypads with touch screens or lenses. Make sure never to apply excessive pressure on these sensitive switches.
The Myth of ‘No Durability’
Membrane switch keypads have long been victims of the myth that they are not durable. Adhesives such as VHB tapes that hold these switches together have improved considerably in quality. Hence, modern keypads are able to seal themselves away from external factors such as moisture or dust buildup. Plus, manufacturers of these sensitive keypads conduct thorough quality checks before sending their products to the market. What can users of these keypads do? Clean, maintain, and use these sensitive keypads with care! For more information visit here: CSI Keyboards, Inc.
The External Interface of the Keypad
Most people associate the durability of a rubber keypad with its internal structure. But, it’s the overlay or the top interface that plays the most important role in enhancing a keypad’s durability. Just because the graphics on a keypad are flashy, does not mean that they are not durable. The durability of a membrane keypad’s external interface depends on the materials used. Polyester membrane keypads, for instance, are much more durable than polycarbonates. Other amalgamations, including UV-protective materials, are also effective at enhancing the durability of membrane keypads. Manufacturers of these keypads give their customers customization options. You can choose from silicon, polycarbonates, polyester, or other materials depending on your environmental surroundings.
Boosting the Circuitry of the Keypad
The quality of circuits used in a membrane keypad is extremely important to boost durability. A membrane switch that features copper flex circuitry is more likely to last longer than a switch that uses polyimide circuitry. High-temperature resistance is a core quality everyone should be looking for in a keypad. Copper flex circuits provide exactly that. Laminating copper optimizes the conductive traces of the circuit, providing users with much flexible user experience. Other components of the device can be attached to the keypad via soldering.
Making the Keypad Screen-Friendly
One key advantage of using a rubber keypad with membrane switches is the fact that it can integrate lenses and screens. Although these integrations are aimed at taking user-experience to new heights, they do pose a threat to the keypad’s durability. Manufacturers are extremely cautious while making these integrations. They calculate impact strength, the keypad’s resistance towards abrasive chemicals, and other details impacting the manufacturability of the keypad. Users too need to take special precautions while using these complex keypads with touch screens or lenses. Make sure never to apply excessive pressure on these sensitive switches.
The Myth of ‘No Durability’
Membrane switch keypads have long been victims of the myth that they are not durable. Adhesives such as VHB tapes that hold these switches together have improved considerably in quality. Hence, modern keypads are able to seal themselves away from external factors such as moisture or dust buildup. Plus, manufacturers of these sensitive keypads conduct thorough quality checks before sending their products to the market. What can users of these keypads do? Clean, maintain, and use these sensitive keypads with care! For more information visit here: CSI Keyboards, Inc.
