Silicone switch mats for all industries

We realize customer-specific silicone keymats

silicone keymats

Benefit from our many years of experience and expertise.

Silicone keypads have always been one of our core competencies. We offer you comprehensive support and advice on Equipment and material selection. In addition to professional manufacturing We also take care of the complete development and construction tailor-made solutions for your specific applications. Trust in our expertise and let our quality convince you.

Proven classic

The single, classic silicone switch mat is still one of the most common switching elements in the electronics and automotive industries. As a central component, it triggers a direct switching function on the circuit board underneath and determines the feel, the optical and tactile impression and, via the integrated contact elements, the electrical behavior. In addition, the switch mat often takes on a sealing function on the circuit board. Its long mechanical service life with up to 10 million switching cycles makes it a long-lasting solution with a low maintenance risk.

Module?

In addition to the pure safety mats, we also realize the complete assembly with matching Plastic housing and the connection technologyIf you are looking for a standard solution, we can offer you our Product range hygiene keyboards . Recommend

ReferencesDesignServicedesign guide & sample set

Silicone Keypad Design

design of silicone keypads

Silicone safety mats offer an impressive range of design options that can be perfectly tailored to the specific requirements of different applications. They allow keys to be designed in different shapes and sizes, such as round, square, rectangular or custom shapes, and offer different sizes and arrangements for optimal ergonomics and usability.

They also allow a wide range of colors, including translucent and fluorescent options. Multi-colored buttons and backlights can also be integrated. The surface coatings and textures can be smooth or textured to provide enhanced haptic feedback.

Keys with epoxy coating
Silicone safety mats with epoxy coating

Keys with epoxy coating for shiny surfaces

Thanks to the epoxy coating, the keys have a clear and shiny surface, which makes them more visually appealing and improves haptic feedback. The keys are also more resistant to abrasion and chemicals, which ensures a durable and resistant surface.

Plastic caps

Plastic caps for more flexibility

Silicone switch mat with plastic buttons

Keys with Plastic caps offer a wide range of design options in terms of shape, color and texture. These caps allow the design in different colors and with different surface structures. In addition to an optical and tactile enhancement of the silicone keypad, the easy exchangeability and individualization is another advantage.

For illuminated versions, the keys are engraved using a laser. This precise method allows detailed symbols, labels and designs to be placed directly on the key surface. To ensure effective bundling of the light beam, light guides can also be integrated into the keys.

Illuminated silicone safety mats
Silicone keypads with multicolored keyboard lighting

With an extremely precise 2K injection molding process we manufacture silicone keypads with multi-coloured keyboard lighting. This process integrates a light channel into each individual key and completely isolates the light channel from the rest of the transparent key. This ensures precise focusing of the light beam and enables multi-coloured lighting.

Highly transparent silicone

Highly transparent silicone keymats

Ideal for backlit keyboards
Highly transparent silicone keymat

Highly transparent silicone keypads are an interesting option, especially for backlit keyboards. To date, transparent silicone safety mats have tended to be milky, which leads to scattering losses from the light source. Highly transparent safety mats, on the other hand, offer one minimal light scattering, which means that the luminous flux almost completely reaches the surface. This makes them particularly interesting for brightly lit working environments or for use in daylight. In addition, the integration of light channels can be dispensed with, creating a closed surface.

In addition, such a silicone switch mat offers extensive protection of the underlying electronics against dust and moisture. The lighting can also be easily implemented using status LEDs in existing components, so that fewer individual components are required. The material is also particularly suitable for switch mats with key caps made of Plastic or Metal, as well as paint finishes in night design.

Phosphorescent silicone

Phosphorescent silicone

Phosphorescent silicone, self-illuminating safety matPhosphorescent silicone, self-illuminating safety mat

It is also possible to make silicone safety mats from phosphorescent silicone. The silicone is charged by sunlight or artificial light sources and glowing in the darkDepending on the charge, several hours later. Such keyboards are used in the areas of security and building management technology, as well as in consumer products. By applying the appropriate paintwork in the night design, the labeling on the keys, for example, can also glow.

front frame

Silicone keyboard as front frame

Practical solution: silicone keyboards with a front frame module. The plastic front panel with integrated mounting sockets is coated with silicone. This creates an optimal connection between the individual components and one completely closed surface. The keyboard is protected against water and dust ingress and therefore enables quick, easy and thorough cleaning.

The individual keys can be painted, printed or lasered in a further processing step. In addition, special surface coatings with PU or epoxy coating are possible. The advantage of the Multi-component injection molding technology is that only one component needs to be constructed. This significantly reduces investment and the effort required for production and quality assurance.
Sprayed silicone keyboard on front frame

Circuit board
Silicone switch mat on circuit board

Silicone switch mat with circuit board

As a central component, it triggers a direct switching function on the circuit board underneath. In applications with high reliability gold-plated contact surfaces on Circuit board Screen printed carbon is widely used because of its cost effectiveness and strong chemical resistance.

The contact surface the circuit board should be in every direction be at least 0,5 mm larger as the contact surface of the keyboard. For rocker buttons and buttons with metal domes, please submit the circuit board contact circuit to us.

Silicone switch mat on circuit board with TFT display

Design & Development

construction and development

Thanks to our many years of expertise in the field of silicone safety mats, we offer you a comprehensive range full service at. Our engineers actively support you in the design and construction phase and in the selection of suitable materials.

Our product Designer design your silicone switch mat according to your wishes or revise the design or construction of an existing input solution. You have the choice whether you would like to use our development and construction services individually or as part of a more comprehensive support up to series delivery.

Our range of services includes sketching, conception, planning and pre-construction, 3D CAD design, realistic 3D renderings of product views and the creation of manufacturing documents such as technical drawings and parts lists. We can also produce prototypes using 3D printing or silicone casting.

For a first Services we need a technical drawing, a first sketch or a sample as well as a specification sheet, technical specifications and information on extra equipment. Please also tell us the required quantity or the annual requirement. We would also be happy to conclude a non-disclosure agreement / NDA with you.

Contact us under info@nh-technology.de. We look forward to your inquiry!

showroom in Willich

We would also be happy to welcome you to our headquarters in Willich, where you can experience our keyboard solutions live. In our showroom you have the opportunity to see for yourself the quality and functionality of our products, receive individual advice and try out the various models.

Our team of experts is available on site to answer any questions you may have and to work with you to find the perfect solution for your requirements. We look forward to meeting you in person!

Design Guide & Sample Set

Sample set membrane keyboard and silicone switch mat

We offer a exclusive sample set to our customized keyboard solutions. The N&H Sample Set includes a special sample silicone keypad, as well as a Sample membrane keyboard with the different options. In addition, you will receive our design guides for membrane keyboards and silicone keypads as a print catalog. You can download the sample set order here >>

 

Design guide

Our Design Guide contains all information about silicone safety mats and offers valuable information for development and construction.
Design guide silicone safety mats  (.pdf / 2,9MB)

 

Publications about our input keyboards

Multisensory membrane keyboards in medical technology
Capacitive membrane keyboards: Traditional design combined with touch technology
Silicone switch mats vs. membrane keyboards in medical technology – A decision aid for developers
Efficient input in a small format – versatility of membrane keyboards and silicone keypads
The silicone keymat: A classic with future potential
Keyboard solutions for industry
Keyboards in medical technology
Membrane keyboards – the perfect addition to touch
Does the conventional keyboard have a future?
Advantages of membrane keyboards