Amidst the waves of technology that continually wash over the modern world, keyboards still stand the test of time. They do not, however, remain unchanged. The standard keyboard now stands alongside several types, such as multifunctional, handheld and flexible keyboards, made from different materials. 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.
Silicone Control Keypad - Douglas CorporationOne of these keyboard types is the silicone keyboard. Along with the silicone keyboard stands the silicone keypad, which uses similar technology. Keyboards and keypads made from silicone are common for a number of reasons. Firstly, silicone is considered to be an abundant resource, and as a result, products made with it can be cheaply produced. Secondly, a silicone keyboard can be quite durable, in some ways even more durable than a standard keyboard. Additionally, the silicone keyboard skin can protect the keyboard from many different substances.
Silicone Medical Device Keypad - Douglas CorporationOne type of keyboard that is almost universally made from silicone is the flexible keyboard. Its silicone makeup allows it such flexibility that it can be rolled up or folded, though it must be on a hard surface to work. The silicone is also liquid and dust proof.
Silicone keypads use the compression molding properties of silicone rubber to create angled webbing around a switch center, which, when pushed down, uniformly deforms to produce a tactile response. When the pressure is released, the switch returns to its neutral position with positive feedback.
Silicone keypads are not generally used with computers per se, but rather have applications in TV remote controls, video and HIFI units, mobile handsets, low current switching in automobiles, electronic games and toys, and industrial control equipment. Such equipment is used in the marine, medical, and military industries, and is sealed to comply with specific industry standards for protection against elements like dust and liquids.
A silicone keyboard or keypad can be customized to create several different surface effects. For example, a keyboard or keypad can take one, multiple or flowing colors through the addition of pigment into the natural silicone. Individual keys can also be illuminated by SMT LEDs that are placed on circuit boards after laser etching.