Efficient input in small format
The versatility of membrane keyboards and silicone switch mats
Smart home applications and their control via smartphones offer a variety of functions and enable the control of different devices via a single platform. This versatility is undoubtedly practical and opens up numerous possible applications. Nevertheless, smartphones and smart applications reach their limits in certain situations, such as when the device is lost or there is no internet connection. In such cases, has always been a proven hand transmitter as the ideal input solution.
Hand-held transmitters are usually easy and intuitive to use. They have dedicated buttons for specific functions that are easy to find and press. Thanks to their direct wireless connection to the receiver, they offer an immediate response and allow for almost instantaneous control. In addition, handheld transmitters are custom designed to handle everyday use and harsh environments. Compared to smartphones are Handheld transmitter more robust and shockproof, making them less susceptible to damage from falls or other impacts. In addition, no complex software is programmed.
The areas of application of conventional hand-held transmitters are extremely diverse. They range from car keys and remote controls in building automation to lighting controls and alarm or panic buttons. In recent years, the design of the hand-held transmitter has also gained in importance, since manufacturers are increasingly emphasizing slimmer, lighter and more elegant models place. Heavy and clumsy hand-held transmitters are rarely found on the market these days.
They are particularly suitable as input keyboards membrane keyboards or silicone keymats. Both variants allow adaptation to customer-specific needs and convince with a high variety of designs and equipment. The presence of physical buttons allows users to control the handheld transmitter quickly and precisely. Since each button has a specific function, the risk of operating errors is significantly reduced.
membrane keyboard
The membrane keyboard is very flat and is usually glued to the housing. A membrane keyboard consists of several layers of flexible materials with printed circuits and contacts. The construction of this film composite enables the design of a thin and flexible keyboard, which is ideal for integration into portable small devices. The decorative foil as the top layer of the keyboard consists of polyester or polycarbonate and is printed on the back to ensure the best possible protection against abrasion. Compared to other flexible materials, polyester in particular is impressive with a long life cycle of over 1 million switching cycles, very high abrasion resistance and resistance to chemicals.
The membrane keyboards are generally very robust and resistant to dust, moisture and other environmental influences, which makes them ideal for applications in industrial plants or outdoors, for example. Membrane keyboards can also score points with their closed surface for medical devices that are frequently cleaned and disinfected.
Offer through embossed buttons or through the integration of metal domes membrane keyboards tactile feedback, which facilitates operation without visual feedback. The snap disks, also known as snappers, are available in various sizes, shapes and actuation forces. Additional integrated LEDs or signaling devices provide the user with acoustic or optical feedback.
The variety of designs membrane keyboards enables individually labeled or color-coded keys and thus ensures a high level of user-friendliness. Their attachment to the housing contributes significantly to the design of the device. Combined with their economical manufacture and ease of integration, they make them an attractive option for manufacturers and users alike.
silicone keymat
silicone keymats are the preferred choice for integration into a housing. They are characterized by their high adaptability and flexibility. The haptic perception and the variety of available surface structures deserve special mention. Keycaps made of metal or plastic, different key shapes and individual key colors can be easily combined with silicone keymats. Special coatings enable abrasion-resistant keys.
The safety mat activates a direct switching function on the circuit board underneath. In doing so, the silicone keymat not only the feel, the visual appearance and the tactile impression, but also the electrical behavior via the integrated contact elements. In addition, the safety mat acts as a seal on the circuit board. Button designs with integrated seals ensure dust and moisture-proof integration of the housing up to IP67.
The silicone keymat has a long mechanical service life of up to 10 million switching cycles and is therefore durable and almost maintenance-free. Individual keys or the entire mat are illuminated using LEDs in conjunction with transparent silicone or integrated light guides. A precise 2K injection molding process makes it possible to display status displays in individual keys.
The force-displacement behavior of a silicone keymat is individually adapted to the specific requirements of the respective application. High actuation forces of 200g to 500g and actuation paths of 0,3 to 5,0 mm are also possible, which are typical for industrial applications. The advantages of the silicone keymat come into play in particular with large quantities. The high tool costs make small series quite expensive, but they are also significantly cheaper in medium-sized series compared to individual probes.
Multi-component injection molding
Another option for small hand-held transmitters is complete overmoulding housing with integrated keyboard layout. A flat keyboard layout is injected onto the front panel of the case. After the electronics have been installed, they are welded to the rear shell using an ultrasonic process. The result is an optimal connection between the individual components and a completely closed surface with a degree of protection of up to IP68. Another advantage of multi-component injection molding technology is that only one component is designed. This significantly reduces the investments and the effort for production and quality assurance.
Conclusion
In order to choose the ideal input keyboard, it is crucial to carefully consider the specific needs of the product. The desired design, the required user-friendliness and the tactile experience play a decisive role here. Ultimately, the goal should be to optimal interaction between user and product.
We realize your input solution
Keyboard solutions have always been one of ours Core competencies and we support and advise you in detail with the equipment and the choice of materials. Also the complete one development and construction We can take care of finding the right keyboard for your application. We look forward to your Inquiry!
