A common type of electrical switch known as a “Dome Switch” is one that covers the underlying circuit with a dome made of rubber, silicone, or metal. Due to the clear tactile feedback it provides the user, metal dome switches are frequently chosen to match their rubber/silicone counterparts. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
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.
ECI Technologies
Watertown, CT | 800-853-5617ECI Technologies is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative membrane switches, graphic overlays and electronic interfaces. We can produce tactile and non-tactile switches and keypads, as well as add features such as backlighting and environmental protection. We also offer quick-turn prototype design and production. Since 1991, we have been serving industries such as industrial, medical, military, and avionics.
ALMAX
Kirkland, WA | 888-211-6325With over 30 years of experience, ALMAX is a leading manufacturer of membrane switch assemblies, printed/flexible electronics, and interactive technologies. Our engineering and manufacturing capabilities are implemented and trusted around the globe, and we're proud to offer our clients a complete range of services that meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Niceone-Tech Co.
Redding, CT |As a leader in the membrane switches industry, Niceone-tech Co., Ltd. is dedicated to manufacturing high-quality products. We offer a wide selection of products with customization options to meet our customers' needs. As industry experts, we pride ourselves on our high-quality and innovative products.
Design-Mark Industries
New Bedford, MA | 800-451-3275Design-Mark Industries is a membrane switch manufacturer offering custom membrane keyboards, tactile switches, membrane keypads and screen-printed graphic overlays. An ISO 9001-certified company, we meet the specifications for die cutting, shielding and insulators.
Printec
Fullerton, CA | 888-658-3799Since 1992, PRINTEC has earned a Global reputation for its excellence in designing and manufacturing Human Interface Devices. We are fully-owned and self-contained facility, which allows us to direct and control the progress of any project, production, and design. We're a leading manufacturer and designer of custom-built and standard electronic interfaces. We manufacture Membrane switches, Flexible Printed Circuits, Silicon Rubber Keypads, Touch Screens and more.
It provides a satisfying tactile digital sensation in response to pushing a metal dome switch. This feedback is crucial for lowering typing errors since it lets the user know whether or not their keypress was correctly registered.
Design of Dome Switches
The quieter collapsing rubber dome has a shorter lifespan than the metal domes and does not elicit the same tactile reaction. Polyester domes with a graphite-coated interior bubble are frequently utilized, but rubber domes are more affordable. When a user presses a dome switch that connects to their device's circuit board, the circuit board reacts in the same instant that the user registered the sound and sensation of the dome snapping. This snapping indicates that commands given by a user to an electronic device are transmitted almost instantly, enabling the user to use the interface utility more effectively. The circular form and the legged design are just two of the dome switches numerous design options. The circular design is restricted to usage in circuit boards with at least two layers and has a round, egg-like form. Dome switches are useful in applications where other switches are not because of their small, compact size and design.
Contrarily, the legged design has four distinct legs and is intended for use with either a single or double PCB. The oblong and triangle shapes are two other typical dome switch styles. The actual dome might be constructed of rubber or metal. Stainless steel is the most prevalent type of metal used, frequently plated with nickel, silver, or gold. Rubber dome switches are frequently rejected in favor of metal dome switches due to their reliability for more than five million cycles, ability to maintain a sharp sound, and snappy action.
Function and Advantages of Dome Switches
- Due to the tactile and auditory sensory information it provides to the keyboard user, dome switches are a common part of a keyboard’s functionality. This readily discernible response is why dome switches are regarded as tactile switches.
- Dome switch keyboards' primary benefit is the haptic snap or feedback they provide when activated. The user may tell when they have successfully activated or pressed the switch by feeling and hearing feedback from the dome after pressing the key.
- The durability and dependability of dome switches are additional key advantages. Nowadays, standard dome switch keypads have cycle counts of one million, up to five million. They remain the most dependable switch type in the membrane switch market.
- The lifespan of a dome switch is its main advantage. However, dome switches are subject to deterioration and failure, just like all switches, but deterioration is not a process that happens quickly. Instead, no discernible degradation happens for years; thus, this is an area where dome switches excel. Metal dome switches frequently survive more than 5 million cycles during their lifetime, indicating that the switch can be pressed or activated more than 5 million times before deterioration begins. Metal dome switches occasionally last even longer, especially when utilized in sanitary settings.
Types of Rubber Dome Switches
Round Metal Dome
Metal domes that are round or circular are best for situations that call for a low-profile switch with a soft tactile sensation. These are appropriate for applications that call for a double-sided circuit board with a membrane overlay due to their spherical design.
Four-Legged Dome Switch
Numerous surfaces, such as single, or double-sided circuit boards, flex circuits, or membrane switch panels, are compatible with four-legged domes. Considering their size, they are able to achieve strong actuation forces via tactile feedback. Four-legged domes are simple to modify to your individual requirements.
Triangle Metal Domes
Despite their relatively tiny size, triangle metal domes, often referred to as three-legged domes, are capable of producing strong actuation forces. Triangle domes are perfect for applications where there is little or no accessible space on the circuit board.
Scissor-Switch
The scissor-switch is an upgraded dome switch. With this upgrade, when the key is pressed, a scissor-like joint underneath aids in pressing the key into place. Scissor–switch keyboards require less space between keys because the scissor-switch swiftly and effectively depresses a rubber dome. The keyboard is kept clear of dirt and debris by performing this function.
