Rubber Keypad/Elastomer Keypad

What is a Rubber Keypad?

Rubber Keypads are manufactured from nontoxic elastic silicone rubber compounds that are processed from either compression or injection molding. These keypads can then be integrated with switch components, such as printed circuit boards or membrane switches to create a very versatile human toRubber keypads and elastomer keypads machine interface device. A good example is a modern day television remote control device.

Ultimately, the rubber keypad is a reliable, durable, and economical keypad solution. Sensigraphics is a leading keypad manufacturer/supplier ready to provide custom keypads for many applications and all size production runs.

Tactile Feel

When designing a silicone rubber keypad, one of the top considerations is the keypad’s tactile response and feel. This is the tangible and physical response that you feel when depressing a button or key on a rubber keypad. A large advatage of rubber keypads is that this tactile feel can be customized to meet the design requirements of your project.

This complex process is accomplished by manipulating the keypad’s actuation force, key travel, contact force and return force to achieve the appropriate tactile feel (Snap Ratio).

Common Features/Benefits of Keypads

Rubber keypads share these common features and benefits:

  • Excellent tactile feel interface
  • Inexpensive keypad solution – most applications are less expensive than a mechanical switch
  • Relatively inexpensive tooling
  • Stability over a wide temperature range
  • Shock and vibration absorbent
  • Lightweight
  • Extremely durable and reliable
  • Long operational life
  • Water resistant
  • Design flexibility – keys can be molded to almost any customer specification and shape

Additional options available for rubber keypad designs:

  • Elastomer keypads and silicone rubber keypads in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.Conductive or non-conductive
  • Multiple color options
  • Phosphorescent “glow-in-the-dark” material additives
  • Silkscreen printed keys
  • Laser etched keys
  • Hard coating
  • Epoxy coating
  • Environmental shielding options
  • Printed or laser etched legends
  • Printed circuit board assembly

Applications:

Below are just a few examples of rubber keypad applications:

  • Business/office equipment
  • Cellular phones
  • Computer technologies
  • Consumer electronics
  • Electronic test equipment
  • Handheld terminals
  • Medical equipment
  • Security systems

Sensigraphics Design and Manufacturing Process

At Sensigraphics, we utilize state of the art equipment, lean manufacturing techniques,  and quality management to provide our clients with an exceptionally streamlined  and efficient development process. Benefits include reduced lead times, higher quality control, and highly competitive costs. Click here to learn more.

Use Sensigraphics Secondary Assembly and Value-Added Services for Rubber Keypads

Customers who use our value-added services can:

  • Get products to market faster
  • Streamline the assembly process
  • Boost bottom-line profitability

Learn more about Sensigraphics’ Secondary Assembly and Value-Added services.

How to Work with Sensigraphics for Rubber Keypads Applications

Rubber backlit keyboard At Sensigraphics, we work with customers at various stages of their product development process, from prototype to production. We offer design and engineering support for early-stage product development or can simply provide a quote for the desired quantities of fully-engineered and ready-to-manufacture rubber keypads.

We recognize that your project is unique and with over 30 years of experience, our team of engineers and designers is dedicated to bringing expertise, innovation and quality to your finished product.

Contact Sensigraphics for Custom Rubber Keypads

Please complete the contact form for further assistance with custom rubber keypads from our team at Sensigraphics.