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
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 | 800-853-5617At ECI, our silicone keyboards can be manufactured using both compression and injection molding capabilities. We can make the keypads and the individual keys itself in virtually any color, shape, or size. Contact us today with your specifications, and we will design a rubber keyboard tailor-made to your needs. Because the keypads are molded, their designs can vary from super simple to ultra-exotic. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities.
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.
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.
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!
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.
