WHAT IS A MEMBRANE SWITCH?

A membrane switch is an electronic devices that turns a circuit on and off. Membrane switches, or keypads, are constructed of flexible circuit layer, called membranes, over a printed circuit. Because of their flexibility, membrane switches are found in various industries including medical, industrial controls, consumer electronics, and more.

Membrane switches are considered “momentary action” switches. Simply, this means that the circuits are always open, but by pressing a button on the outer layer of the membrane switch, the printed circuitry is then momentarily closed until the pressure is released.

A membrane switch has a similar function to a mechanical switch. A mechanical switch turns a circuit on or off with a traditional toggle that is normally constructed from metal or plastic parts. Membrane switches are more cost-effective and take up less design space than mechanical switches or buttons because of their low profile. A membrane switch can also fulfill numerous functions of a touch screen, but with fewer circuits and voltage requirements. Membrane switches are the ideal solution because they are convenient, inexpensive, and portable.

MEMBRANE SWITCH VS. MEMBRANE KEYPAD

Membrane switches are keypads, keyboards, rubber keypads, or display controls outside of touch screens or mechanical switches.

There is no difference between a membrane switch and a membrane keypad other than the moniker.

TYPES OF MEMBRANE SWITCHES:

Tactile vs. Non-Tactile Membrane Switch

Tactile membrane switch are designed to provide physical, tactile feedback. The response is typically a “snap” or “click” when the switch is pressed. This is usually a function of a dome switch that is selected for the application. The size, force, and snap required to activate the switch can be customized to your specifications.

A non-tactile membrane switch has no tactile response that indicates the button has been pressed. Instead, the response is typically indicated through lights, sound, or reading on the instrument display. With a non-tactile membrane switch, the bottom side of the overlay is connected to a conductive pad, or an upper circuit layer is printed with conductive traces. When the overlay is pressed down the conductive traces connect to the lower circuit layer, which sends a signal to a printed circuit board.

Non-tactile membrane switches are more resilient than tactile membrane switches and they are completely sheltered from the outside environment. This allows them to be rated for three times as many activations as a tactile membrane switch.

MEMBRANE SWITCH COMPONENTS

This is the visual graphic overlay. Made of polyester or polycarbonate, this overlay typically will have letters, symbols, and icons printed on it to indicate how and where to press. Embossed mental domes may be designed under the icons for that classic “button” look.

SILICONE RUBBER KEYPADS

Silicone rubber keypads can be integrated with membrane switches, flexible circuits, or printed circuit boards, and have exceptional resistance to extreme temperatures and aging. Silicone keypads are manufactured from Higoal silicone rubber product. Delivering a user interface with robust environmental protection and excellent tactile response, silicone rubber buttons can be considered for several applications.

WHERE TO START

With all the different customization options and use cases, it might seem overwhelming.

Contact Higoal team today and take the pressure off yourself.

For more information about membrane switches, you can refer to another article.What is membrane switch keyboard