Individual membrane keyboards and decorative foils

Your manufacturer for robust and durable keyboards

Manufacturer of membrane keyboards

We have been your expert in the development and production of modern membrane keyboards and decorative films for over 25 years. Our products are used in demanding industries such as industrial automation, medical technology and the automotive industry - wherever precision, reliability and durability are crucial.

Individual advice for tailor-made membrane keyboard solutions

Every application is unique. That's why we offer you personal advice and tailor-made solutions. Our team of experts will accompany you from the initial idea to series production. This way we ensure that your membrane keyboard is perfectly tailored to your requirements.

Efficient production – high quality and precision

With modern production processes and high quality standards, we guarantee reliable and cost-efficient production. We also implement special requirements precisely. Thanks to our well-thought-out production, we offer you an optimal price-performance ratio - without compromising on quality.

Membrane keyboard with matching housing – your complete solution

In addition to the production of membrane keyboards we also offer tailor-made Housing, Displays and precise cable assembly This will give you a complete HMI solution – from a single source and in proven quality.

ReferencesProductionServiceAbout membrane keyboardsDesign Guide & Sample Set

Versatile applications in all industries

Our membrane keyboards are ideal for robust and easy-to-clean user interfaces. They are impressively resistant to dirt, water and mechanical stress. This means they can be used in numerous areas.

Since we manufacture our membrane keyboards in-house, we can respond flexibly to your individual wishes and requirements. This means you receive tailor-made products that are perfectly tailored to your specific applications.

Here are some references that we have already successfully developed for customers from various industries:

In-house production of membrane keyboards

Quality from our own production – membrane keyboards for the highest demands

Our subsidiary SNT Technology manufactures the membrane keyboards in our own production facility. This enables us to ensure that the highest quality standards are consistently maintained. Thanks to the latest technologies and efficient processes, we manufacture long-lasting membrane keyboards. These are ideal for industry, the automotive sector and the healthcare sector.

Precision and purity for demanding applications

Our experienced team of engineers and designers implements your individual requirements precisely and reliably. In addition, Class 1000 clean rooms ensure maximum cleanliness during production.

Watch our video on YouTube to learn more about how our membrane keyboards are made. Membrane keyboard production on youtube >>

Flexible production for fast results

Using the latest laser cutting technology and digital printers, we implement your requirements quickly and precisely. Regardless of whether you need prototypes, small series or solutions for short-term requirements. Our processes are flexible and optimally tailored to your needs. This means we can offer you not only high-quality products, but also fast delivery times.

Development & Design of Membrane Keyboards

construction of a membrane keyboard

As an experienced manufacturer of membrane keyboards, we accompany you in every phase - from the initial idea to series production. Our team provides you with comprehensive support so that your membrane keyboard is perfectly tailored to your requirements.

We help you select the best materials and technologies that are ideally suited to your application. Based on our many years of experience, we recommend targeted improvements to optimize the functionality of your membrane keyboard. We also develop strategies to reduce your costs without compromising on quality and performance.

How we start your membrane keyboard project

In order to make you an initial offer, we need the following information:

  • A technical drawing, sketch or sample of your product
  • Technical Specifications
  • information about desired extras
  • required quantity (number of pieces per lot / annual requirement)

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

Please feel free to use our form for membrane keyboards to submit your requirements quickly and easily:

Inquiry form for membrane keyboards download

showroom in Willich

Visit us at our headquarters in Willich

We warmly invite you to visit us at our company headquarters in Willich. In our showroom you can experience our membrane keyboards live. Convince yourself of their high quality and impressive functions. You have the opportunity to try out different models and receive individual advice from our team.

Our team is always available on site to answer all your questions in detail. We will also work with you to find the ideal solution that fits your requirements exactly. We look forward to getting to know you personally and showing you our membrane keyboards in detail.

Membrane keyboard sample NH showroom

Membrane keyboards – versatile and robust input devices

Membrane keyboards are reliable and durable input devices that impress with their electrical and mechanical properties. They are also characterized by their long service life, even with intensive use or under demanding conditions.

Particularly durable and hygienic

Thanks to the use of durable materials such as Polycarbonate or Polyester Membrane keyboards are particularly resistant to moisture, dust and chemicals. This makes them ideal for applications in industry and medical technology. Regardless of whether in harsh environments or sensitive areas - membrane keyboards offer reliable performance. Membrane keyboards meet the highest requirements for quality and robustness.

In our blog you will find exciting insights into the development, technologies and possible applications of modern membrane keyboards. These range from traditional designs to innovative capacitive solutions.

membrane keyboard blog

Technology and equipment

Membrane keyboard with light guide film

State-of-the-art technology and maximum functionality

Our membrane keyboards combine innovative technology with maximum functionality and are individually tailored to your requirements. Whether you metal domes for precise tactile feedback, embossed keys for improved haptics or a LED and LGF lighting for optimal visibility – we develop flexible and tailor-made solutions that fit your needs exactly.

More on this topic:

Technology & Equipment

Design of membrane keyboards

Design of membrane keyboards

Key and surface finishing for membrane keyboards

The finishing of membrane keyboards offers many possibilities to improve both the functionality and the design of these input devices. Various processes allow the implementation of individual solutions that are precisely tailored to your requirements.

The decorative film can be replaced with a robust silicone layer to increase resistance. High-quality, three-dimensional keys can be designed by applying epoxy resin. This ensures an attractive appearance and improved feel.

More on this topic:

membrane keyboard design

Structure of a membrane keyboard

The structure of a membrane keyboard consists of several films that together ensure its functionality and durability. The most important components include the decorative film, holding film, switching film, spacer film and the adhesive film (carrier layer). Each of these layers plays a crucial role in ensuring that the membrane keyboard functions optimally.

Example: Structure of our N&H sample keyboard

Structure of a membrane keyboard
Structure of a membrane keyboard

Decorative film

The Decorative film forms the top layer of the membrane keyboard and is crucial for functionality and durability. It is printed on the back to ensure high abrasion resistance. This means that the label remains permanently legible, even with intensive use.

The surface can be embossed for better operation. This makes the buttons stand out tactilely. In addition to classic polyester films, alternative materials such as silicone mats can also be used. These offer additional robustness and a pleasant feel.

holding foil

The holding foil fixes the metal snap-on disks and ensures that they stay securely in place. This ensures that the keyboard functions reliably and prevents unwanted movement of the switching elements. This means that operation remains precise and durable, even with frequent use.

Switching foil: The heart of the membrane keyboard

The switching foil is central to the function of a membrane keyboard and is responsible for signal transmission. It typically consists of two layers:

  • Upper switching foil: This contains the contact surfaces.
  • Lower switching foil: The conductor tracks, switching points and the connection lug are integrated here.

In certain applications, the contact surfaces are printed directly onto the decorative film. This eliminates the need for the upper switching film, which enables a more compact design.

choice of materials for special requirements

For applications with special requirements, such as high temperatures or specific electrical properties, the use of polyimide (Kapton) is suitable. This material offers increased resistance and flexibility, making it ideal for demanding environments.

spacer film

The spacer foil separates the upper from the lower switching foil. This ensures reliable electrical insulation. There are targeted recesses at the contact points. These enable a precise connection.
In versions with metal snap-on disks, the spacer foil also acts as a spacer. It ensures that the snap-on disks have enough space for actuation so that the keyboard works quickly and precisely.

Design Guide Membrane Keyboards

Before you start planning and designing your keyboard, download our Design Guide. This guide provides comprehensive information and helpful tips on all important aspects.

Find out more about the optimal choice of material, the design of the keys and the technical options. Adapt your membrane keyboards perfectly to your requirements. Our design guide will help you develop functional and long-lasting solutions.

Checklist for the development of membrane keyboards

The comprehensive checklist at the end of the design guide supports you in the development, design, and production of membrane keyboards. It helps you consider all important aspects early on. These include material selection, mechanical integration, prototyping, and series production.

Download Design Guide

Sample set of silicone switch mat and membrane keyboard

sample set for customized keyboard solutions

We offer you an exclusive sample set for our customized keyboard solutions. The N&H sample set contains a special samplesilicone keymat. It also includes a sample membrane keyboard that shows different designs and functions.

In addition, you will receive our design guides for membrane keyboards and silicone keypads as a practical printed catalog. This set allows you to experience our materials and technologies live. This way you can find the best solution for your requirements.

You can download the sample set order here >>

FAQ / Blog Membrane keyboards

You can also find all questions about membrane keyboards in ours FAQ >>

On our Website snt-folientastatur.de you will find our Blog >> with current news and developments

Specialist articles about our keyboard solutions

More technical articles on keyboards

  • Multisensory membrane keyboards in medical technology
    The key to safe and efficient device operation in medical technology In medical technology, the selection of individual components is crucial for the safety and efficiency of medical devices. A key component is ...
  • Capacitive membrane keyboards
    Traditional design combined with touch technology Specialist article Published in Operation & Visualization 03/2024 Article as .pdf >> Introduction The development of input devices has made significant progress in the last few decades. …
  • Silicone switch mats vs. membrane keyboards
    A decision-making aid for developers Published in Meditronic 05/2023 Article as .pdf >> In medical technology, keyboards and user interfaces are an indispensable aspect of device design. These components must not only ...
  • Versatility of membrane keyboards and silicone keymats
    Efficient input in a small format The versatility of membrane keyboards and silicone keymats Smart home applications and their control via smartphones offer a variety of functions and enable the control of different devices via ...
  • Silicone switch mat – a classic with future potential
    Article about the future potential of silicone switch mats Published in PC & Industrie 6/2023 Article as .pdf >> Tip: Our design guide to silicone switch mats >> The ongoing trend in HMI solutions towards ...
  • Industrial keyboards
    Industrial keyboards: Robust, reliable and easy to use Published in PC & Industry 09/2021: Article as .pdf >> The crane is controlled with dirty work gloves, the keyboard is in ...
  • Keyboards in medical technology
    Hygiene, functional safety and usability - keyboards in medical technology Published in meditronic-journal 3/2021: Article as .pdf >> The demands on devices in medical technology have always been extremely high. Not …
  • Membrane keyboards – the perfect addition to touch
    Specialist article on membrane keyboards Also published in PC & Industry: Operation + Visualization 06/2021: Article as .pdf >> The motto of making a human-machine interface understandable and intuitive often requires a ...
  • Advantages of membrane keyboards
    Specialist article also in the Electronics Industry 08/2020: Article as .pdf >> Membrane keyboards are still justified In the food, laboratory and medical sectors, the membrane keyboard plays a role due to the closed surface, resistance to ...
  • Does the conventional keyboard have a future?
    Article about the future of classic keyboards, membrane keyboards and silicone keymats - Published in PC & Industry 10/2020 Article as .pdf >> One might think that the conventional keyboard as ...