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
ALUDEC USA
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.

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.

Rapid Keypads
Cape Coral, FL | 239-558-8810Custom capacitive touch keypad and graphic overlay design service specializing in rapid prototypes. Superior to membrane switch, our sub surface touch and proximity sensor technology can communicate via USB, Serial, SPI, I2C and other custom communication protocols. With our rapid prototype service you can have a custom touch keypad, electronics and graphic overlay in 5 days or less!

TouchSensor Technologies, LLC
Wheaton, IL | 630-221-9000Specializing in the research, development and manufacturing of innovative human/machine interface solutions, TouchSensor Technologies is one of the industry’s leading membrane switch manufacturers. With advanced technology, TouchSensor has developed more efficient membrane switches than ever before, leaping past membrane companies stuck in the past and becoming the future of membrane switches.

When 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.
This 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.