Positive Tactile Feel

Some designers are looking for a more positive tactile feel than traditional carbon pill keypads. Keyflex silicone keypads can achieve this by using a tact switch mounted on the PCB and the stem of the tact switch is seated behind the silicone key. One other method we use that doesn’t involve the extra costs associated with tact switches, their mounting costs or mechanical failure is the use of tactile snap metal dome switches on an adhesive layer which gives a broader design scope for key design as the force and feedback is not solely produced in the diaphragm of the keypad. The PCB cost is reduced and installation can be a simple peel-and-stick process (not necessarily required)

Laser Etched keypads

The laser etching process begins by taking a translucent coloured silicone material, which is then printed with the desired keytop design. This printed design serves as the base for the laser etching process.

The next step involves applying a thin layer of silicone paint over the printed keytop design. The paint acts as a protective layer for the underlying translucent ink and helps to provide a uniform surface for the laser to etch onto. After the paint has been applied, it is allowed to cure, which typically takes several hours.

Once the paint has cured, the laser etching process begins. A high-powered laser is directed onto the surface of the keypad, precisely etching away the silicone paint to reveal the underlying translucent ink. The laser is controlled by computer software, which allows for precise control of the etching process. This ensures that the etched characters are of the highest quality and that the etching is consistent across all parts of the keypad.

The laser etching process creates highly detailed, precise characters that are easy to read and legible. Furthermore, the process is highly repeatable, which means that multiple keypads can be produced with the same design, ensuring consistency between each one.

Finally, when the keypad is backlit, only the etched characters transmit light, making the keypad ideal for applications where excess light spillage would create problems for the user. This is because the laser etched characters allow light to pass through only in the areas where the silicone paint has been etched away, effectively blocking light in all other areas. This allows for highly customizable backlighting that can be tailored to the specific needs of the application.

M​ulti-coloured keypads

Multi-coloured keypads can allow many different key colours within the one keypad. We work to standard colour matching systems such as Pantone and RAL. In addition, we can match client supplied colour swatches in many cases. By applying the colour to the key, rather than printing the colour on the top of the key, the cost of the keypad is reduced and the risk of ink wear is minimised

Wear-resistant coated keypads

Wear-resistant coated keypads are achieved by applying a coating to the keypad after the post curing process. This means any printing or spraying are also protected by the coating. To avoid potential ink wear we recommend using a wear resistant coating in applications where the keypads will be subjected to high usage or will be used in a harsh environment.

Epoxy Coating Silicone Keypads

Epoxy coating can be left clear to display the printed ink on the keytop or can also be sprayed and laser etched. The epoxy coating can have either a gloss or a matt finish.

Plastic feel keypads/plastic keycaps

Plastic feel keypads/plastic keycaps in some applications our clients have chosen the cost savings and the ease of assembly offered by silicone keypads, but have requested a plastic keycap feel. This can be achieved by using plastic keycaps, or by applying an epoxy coating to the keytop. In addition, thermoformed keypads can be produced where the key height is low and the key travel short.

Thermoformed Keypads

Thermoformed keypads are produced using polycarbonate or polyester, which is printed on the rear surface and then thermoformed to fit over the keypad or plastic insert. The ability to create small, closely pitched keys makes them ideal for small hand held appliances where a keypad’s size is critical.