Design options of membrane keyboards
Membrane keyboards can be designed flexibly to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. The design has a significant impact on user-friendliness and enables intuitive operation. A well-thought-out interface facilitates quick and precise input. This is particularly advantageous in industrial controls, medical devices and safety-critical applications.
In addition to functionality, visual design plays a central role. Colors, shapes and textures contribute to the brand identity and enhance the haptic perception of the product. An attractive design not only improves the user experience, but also the value and recognition of the device.
Individual customization options allow membrane keyboards to be tailored precisely to the respective application areas. They therefore offer a perfect combination of ergonomics, aesthetics and durability.
Printing of membrane keyboards
The Printing of membrane keyboards is done on the back. This ensures that the print is particularly durable and the print is protected from abrasion and wear. The most common methods are:

Digital printing – precise and flexible design for membrane keyboards
Digital printing is ideal for the production of membrane keyboards with Color gradients, photorealistic graphics and complex designsIn contrast to screen printing, this process offers greater detail and color variety, making it particularly attractive for high-quality, customized printing.
Since digital printing does not require screen printing templates, prototypes, individual pieces and small series can be produced quickly and cost-effectively. This flexibility makes digital printing the preferred choice for customized membrane keyboards. Design and function can be adapted precisely to the requirements of the respective project.

Screen printing – cost-effective and durable labeling for membrane keyboards
Screen printing offers an economical and precise solution for labeling membrane keyboards. This process applies the ink directly to the membrane using a fine-mesh screen. This produces clear and durable printing results.
This method enables permanent, abrasion-resistant labeling It supports a wide range of color and design options. It is particularly suitable for durable, visually appealing membrane keyboards that must withstand high mechanical and environmental stresses. Its high durability ensures that the labeling remains legible even under intensive use.
Further design options for membrane keyboards
Silicone keys – Non-slip, precise and adaptable
Membrane keyboards with silicone keys offer a non-slip surface and a high-quality tactile feel. The silicone cover can either be laminated onto the circuit package as an actuation layer or designed as a full-fledged actuation surface with integrated carbon contacts.
This silicone design enables particularly low actuation forcesThe precise haptic feel is retained. Alternatively, the decorative film can be combined with individual silicone keys to meet specific operating requirements. This creates robust, ergonomic, and durable keyboard solutions, ideal for industrial and medical applications.

Epoxy Design – High-quality appearance and long-lasting protection for membrane keyboards
The Epoxy finishing enables the design of three-dimensional keys characterized by a sophisticated appearance and a particularly pleasant feel. This technology creates a glossy, raised surface that is not only visually appealing but also improves usability.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the epoxy coating offers reliable protection against abrasion, scratches, and mechanical stress. This significantly extends the lifespan of the keys, even with intensive use. Epoxy keys can also be combined with various backlight technologies.
Thanks to these properties, the epoxy finish is ideal for high-quality membrane keyboards in industrial controls, medical technology, automotive applications and consumer products where both durability and an attractive appearance are required.

Diverse surface structures for individual membrane keyboards
Special decorative films offer a wide selection of surface textures that meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. From high-gloss to soft satin finishes, designs can be realized that optimize the appearance and feel of the keyboard.
Precise embossing of the decorative foil enables metallic or carbon optics, giving membrane keyboards a high-quality and modern appearance. These textures enhance the design and user experience with a pleasant feel and increased resistance to scratches and wear. They offer an ideal combination of durability, functionality, and visual enhancement.

Membrane keyboards with insert pockets – flexible labeling solution
Insert pockets allow for easy and flexible customization of key labels. This solution is particularly suitable for applications where device functions change or multilingual labeling is required.
By integrating insert pockets, paper or foil inserts can be quickly replaced without the need for a new keyboard. This reduces maintenance costs and adjustment effort while maintaining usability.

Design Guide Membrane Keyboards

Download Design Guide
Before you begin planning and designing your keyboard, we recommend downloading our Design Guide. This comprehensive guide not only provides valuable information but also helpful tips on all important aspects of keyboard development. For example, you'll learn more about the optimal choice of materials, ergonomic key design, and the diverse technical possibilities.
In addition, the practical checklist at the end of the guide will assist you in the development, design, and production of your membrane keyboard. This ensures that all crucial factors are considered early on and your project can be implemented efficiently.
White paper
Current blog articles on membrane keyboards
- The sound of membrane keyboards
- Sizes and formats of membrane keyboards
- Membrane keyboards on printed circuit board
- Abrasion test for membrane keyboards
- Lifespan test for membrane keyboards
- Is it allowed to bend membrane keyboards?
- Membrane keyboards for standard housings
- Illumination of membrane keyboards with LED and LGF
- Display window in membrane keyboards
- Selection of material for decorative films
- Capacitive membrane keyboards
- Embossed keys for membrane keyboards
- Integration of RFID technology in membrane keyboards
- Connection options for membrane keyboards
- Waterproof membrane keyboards
- Actuation force for membrane keyboards: embossing & snap domes
- Metal snap disks for membrane keyboards
- Circuit layout of a membrane keyboard (common bus vs. matrix)
- Membrane keyboard or silicone keypad – decision aid
- Membrane keyboards A–Z
