Rubber keypads have long been used in remote controls, access control, telephony, mobile phones, calculators, etc.
These keypads made from Silicon Rubber are available as standard in a single basic colour, but different colours are easily possible.
The Rubber Keypad can be fitted with a conducting pin on its underside which connects to your PCB. A combination with metal dome increases the "click effect".
Quad Industries works closely with various well-known manufacturers and has already implemented many successful projects involving Rubber Keypads in combination with flexible PCBs, with and without Metal Dome.
1. Pros and cons of a Rubber Keypad
- very good “click-effect”
- higher initial costs for engineering and die forms
- as a result of the above, rubber keypads are mainly used in higher numbers
- “click feel” and “click resistance” freely definable
- extensive design possibilities through the use of multiple colours
3. Keypad lighting
- backlighting by means of SMD - LEDs
- backlighting by means of EL lamp
- direct LED - indication by use of “light pipes”
4. Duracoat Series
The “Duracoat Series” or Simulated Plastic Finish places a layer of Polymer over the rubber keys. This layer adheres to the rubber keys at a temperature of around 200°C.
Advantages :
- protects the imprint
- highly resistant to
- oil and solvents
- ambient temperature: -40 to +90°C
5. Encap Series
The “Encap Series” is a new technique in the rubber keypad industry. It involves applying a liquid polymer or plastic onto the rubber keys using special techniques. As a result, the keypad offers all the benefits of rubber keypads and plastic keytop at the same time.
Advantages:
- protected imprint
- quicker assembly
6. Backlite Series
“Backlite Series” were developed for applications in darker environments. Transparent silicon rubber is used, with a transparent graphic imprint on top, finished with a dark coating. By using background lighting, e.g. EL, an illuminated keypad is obtained.
7. PlaS Series
The “PlaS Series” consists of rubber keypads with a loose plastic housing or a series in which the plastic keytops are fused onto the rubber keypad. This combines the benefits of a rubber keypad with plastic and dramatically reduces assembly time.
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