They are a part of “capacitive sensing technology,” a technology in electrical engineering. Capacitive sensing can detect and measure anything that is conductive or has a dielectric constant different from the air, known as changes in capacitance. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Douglas Corporation
Eden Prairie, MN | 800-806-6113Our membrane switches are known for their high-quality and affordable prices. We work hard to find the precise parts that will work with your every need. It is our goal to create a relationship with you that is beneficial to both parties. We will go above and beyond simply to meet your needs. Find out more about us when you give us a call today!
JN White
Perry, NY | 800-227-5718JN White is an ISO 9001:2015 and ITAR-certified manufacturer of membrane switches, graphic overlays, and custom labels. We nimbly handle projects big and small and have the uncommon ability to translate what our customers need into high-quality, high-precision outcomes.
Techprint Incorporated
Lawrence, MA | 800-225-2538Techprint is a custom designer and manufacturer of specialty graphics and printed electronic products including keyboards, membrane switches, graphic overlays, labels and much more. Total in-house capabilities and superior technical support allow us to provide a full line of high quality products including standard flat switches, hybrid rigid and flexible circuits, tactile switches and nameplates.
Marking Systems Inc.
Garland, TX | 972-475-0770Marking Systems Inc. was founded in 1970 to serve the Computer, Telecommunications, Electronics, Industrial Machine, Medical, Ad Specialty, Sporting goods, Marine, Measurement/Control and many other industries. Our specialty is providing products, including membrane switches of unrivaled quality, to our diverse customer base. Call us or visit our website today for more information.
Pacific West America, Inc.
Calabasas, CA | 866-317-0208Pacific West America, Inc. has spent the past 18 years developing high-quality membrane switches, control panels, and flex-circuits. Our team has the knowledge to make sure your membrane switch has the right appearance, lighting, and texture for your application. For the best quality systems in the industry, contact Pacific West America, Inc. for solutions you can trust. Visit our website to learn more!
King Epoxy Technology Partners (KTP)
Pomona, CA | 909-784-6305King Epoxy Emblem Technology Partners (KTP) is your go-to source for membrane switches. With our 16,900-square-foot facility, we have a broad range of capabilities such as in-house design and engineering support, warehousing, and turnkey assembly. We carefully analyze your design requirements and will assist you in finding a solution that addresses your concerns.
Capacitive Membrane Switches - Douglas CorporationIn the case of capacitive switches, this sensing is based upon the constant monitoring of the electrical capacity of the touch area, which is changed by the touch of a human finger.
Generally under the umbrella of touch switches, capacitive switches are among the simplest kinds of tactile sensors. Some capacitive switches can work without actual touch, simply by detecting an object, such as a finger, in its field.
Capacitive Switch Panels - Douglas CorporationTouch surfaces of capacitive switches can be designed with virtually any material, as long as it is dielectric. This includes glass, plastic, polycarbonate, wood, marble or any rough or smooth surface less than 25 mm thick.
Some capacitive switches are designed to have adjustable surface sensitivity, so that whatever device they are supporting can be operated with or without gloves. This is an especially attractive quality in northern climates or in a setting where an operator needs to wear gloves for protection. Because capacitive switches work through sensing, they do not contain any mechanical components, which eliminates potential mechanical failure.
These switches consist of three main sections: the graphic overlay, the circuit and the backer, or back panel. The overlay displays graphics and can also feature windows, embossings, coatings, adhesives and selective texturing. Overlay materials may be air, formica, standard glass, ceramic glass, PET film, polycarbonate, plexiglass, ABS, wood or gypsum. The circuit is the switch itself, which may be a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).
Capacitive switches are utilized in the aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, telecommunications, data/communications and consumer industries. As interface types, they often work as: buttons, sliders, touch pads, touch screens and proximity settings. Some specific examples of where they may be found include: wireless handsets, PC peripherals, LCD monitors, TVs, laptops, digital cameras, and kiosks.
When considering the design of a capacitive switch, helpful things to consider are: environmental conditions, mechanical requirements, electrical requirements, appearance and certification.