What is a silicone button?

Silicone buttons are elastic components primarily fabricated from silicone rubber. As a type of silicone product, their core characteristic lies in the utilization of silicone's softness, resilience, and chemical stability through a compression vulcanization molding process. The silicone material is inherently inert, non-toxic, and odorless, with an extensive operational temperature range (-60°C to 200°C). Additionally, its application scope can be extended by incorporating functional materials such as conductive particles and flame retardants.

Application

Silicone buttons are widely used in the following fields due to their physical properties:

Silicone rubber buttons are widely used in electronic devices such as remote controls, game controllers, mobile phone side buttons, computer keyboards, calculators and other small electronic products. Silicone rubber buttons have the characteristics of being resistant to various external forces, providing tactile feedback, and being printable. One of the most common features of silicone rubber keyboards is a carbon contact sheet molded on the back. When the silicone rubber is pressed, the carbon contact sheet completes the circuit on the PCB. This method is economical and reliable because it eliminates the need for mechanical tactile switches.

When electronic devices are operated at low temperatures, buttons still need to work properly. These buttons are usually made of silicone rubber because silicone rubber can withstand extremely low temperatures.

Ultraviolet rays are often used in many medical devices. Since silicone rubber can resist ultraviolet rays, silicone rubber buttons are ideal for these devices.

Being non-toxic,Silicone rubber buttons are non-toxic and do not release harmful toxins into the atmosphere. Children's electronic toys are also equipped with such buttons to prevent children from being exposed to harmful toxins.

One of the main advantages of silicone rubber buttons is their low price. Therefore, companies that produce electronic devices use these buttons to help reduce production costs.

Advantages of silicone rubber buttons

• Durable

Silicone material is wear-resistant and anti-aging, with a service life of up to millions of presses.

Withstands extreme temperatures (-60℃ to 200℃), and is more stable than plastic or metal

• Good user experience

Soft touch: similar to the touch of skin, providing moderate damping and rebound feedback when pressing, reducing finger fatigue.

Silent design: almost silent when pressing, suitable for office or night use.

• Safe and environmentally friendly

Silicone is non-toxic and odorless, has passed ROHS and other safety certifications, and can be directly in contact with the skin.

Recyclable or biodegradable, in line with environmental protection trends.

• Functional diversity

Waterproof and dustproof: The fully sealed structure can resist liquid penetration and is suitable for outdoor or industrial environments.

Flexible customization: It supports silk-screen text, laser engraving patterns, and multi-color mixing, and the text is not easy to fall off.

• Cost advantage

Mature production technology, long mold life, suitable for large-scale mass production.

For more information about silicone buttons, please refer to the article:Rubber Button & Silicone Button: Core Technology Analysis and Application Guide

Higoal is a well-established manufacturer of silicone products, including silicone keypads. Contact us today to obtain a free quote for custom silicone button keypads or keyboards.