A dome switch is a common keyboard component because of the tactile and audio signals it sends the user of the keyboard; the obvious discernable response is why a dome switch is also considered to be a tactile switch. 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.
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.
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.
Dome Switches - Douglas CorporationWhen a button is pressed that has a dome switch underneath connecting it to the circuit board, the sound and sensation of the pop when the dome is snapped registers at the same time that the circuit board responds accordingly. This means that the communication of commands from user to electronic device is nearly immediate, allowing the user to be more efficient while using the interface utility.
Dome Switches - Douglas CorporationThis style of membrane switch is popular among many industries, since most computer keyboards use dome switch pads and virtually every industry utilizes computers. Although the capacitive touch screen technology adopted by iphones and ipads is also becoming universal, the prevalence and ease of button based systems ensures they aren't going anywhere.
The dome itself may be made of metal or rubber. The metal material is commonly stainless steel, which is often plated in nickel, silver or gold. Because they are usually reliable for over five million cycles and retain the crisp sound and snap well, metal dome switches are often preferred over rubber domes.
The quieter collapsing rubber dome does not provide as much positive response as metal domes and also has a lower life expectancy. However, rubber domes are cheaper, which means that the polyester domes with the inside bubble coated with graphite, are used often enough.
They are utilized in a popular style of dome switch keyboard called the scissor switch, which adds a scissor-like mechanism in between the dome and circuit board that shortens the traveling distance of the dome, extending the life of the keyboard as a whole.
Because of innovations like the scissor switch keyboard, the dome switch approach to membrane switch boards remains popular. Handheld controllers, electronics in automobiles, medical devices and other varieties of consumer electronics all function through the use of the dome switch.