Technology and equipment options of membrane keypads

Innovative features and high functionality

Our membrane keypads They combine modern technology with high functionality and are individually tailored to your requirements. They offer a wide range of equipment options, including tactile feedback by metal snap-on discs, improved haptics by key embossing and illuminated keys with LED and LGF technology.

In addition, our range includes control elements such as Duraswitch, RFID/NFC technologies, ESD/EMC protection and touch panels. backing plates and capacitive functions ensure maximum precision and stability in our tailor-made keyboards.

Membrane keyboards with embossed keys

Embossed membrane keypads with tactile keys for industrial HMI operator units — Tactile user interface with domed embossing for precise input.

A targeted embossing of the keys Not only does it improve the look, but it also provides tangible feedback. This significantly simplifies operation, reduces input errors, and noticeably optimizes the overall user experience.

We offer a wide range of design options, from classic dome embossing to special terrace and frame embossing and symbol embossing, which can be flexibly combined. This ensures that every membrane keypad is precisely tailored to your functional requirements and your individual design.

metal snap domes

Metal snap discs for membrane keypads with tactile feedback and conductor track contact — Tactile switching elements for reliable contact in HMI keyboards

metal domes ensure a distinctive tactile feel and reliable actuation in membrane keypads. When a key is pressed, the snap dome lowers, establishing reliable contact with the circuit board. Furthermore, the snap domes are available in various sizes and shapes, allowing them to be flexibly adapted to different application requirements.

The trigger force varies between 40 g and 750 g depending on the model. This allows the feedback to be adjusted precisely to the user's preferences. With a service life of up to 10 million actuations, these components are extremely durable.

We also offer Dual touch metal snap discs that can distinguish between two pressure levels. While light pressure activates the first circuit, but without tactile feedback, stronger pressure closes the second circuit while simultaneously providing familiar tactile feedback.
This allows various functions to be controlled intuitively, which significantly increases user-friendliness.

We provide you with samples on request gladly available.

Illumination of membrane keypads

LEDs as status indicator

Membrane keyboards can easily be backlit by using an LED switching membrane or a switching membrane with integrated LEDs. Special adhesives and sealing materials ensure that the LEDs function reliably even in demanding environments with strong vibrations.

LED status indicators in membrane keypads with colored signal lighting for HMI applications — Integrated LEDs for visual feedback of operating states

Vanishing Effect / Dead Front

One highlight of LGF technology is the Disappearance effectThe key labels are invisible when the device is switched off and only appear when illuminated. This opens up new design possibilities and adds aesthetic accents.

Membrane keyboard with dead-front effect and invisible lettering, without backlighting — Disappearance effect for high-quality and minimalist user interfaces

Light Guide Film for backlighting

A particularly innovative and effective solution for backlighting membrane keypads is the Light Guide Film (LGF) technology With this method, we place LEDs along the edges of an extremely thin, light-conducting film with a thickness of just 0,1 to 0,2 mm. This distributes the light evenly across the entire keyboard surface, ensuring that each key is clearly and homogeneously illuminated.

A key advantage of this technology is that each key can be backlit in different colors – without the use of a high-frequency AC voltage source. At the same time, we retain the flat design of the membrane keypad, thus optimally combining design freedom and functionality.

Product film on LGF technology

Light Guide Film membrane keypad with homogeneous LED backlighting for HMI control units — Uniform backlighting thanks to integrated light guide film

Rotary encoders in membrane keypads

Rotary encoders – also known as rotary encoders – stand for precise control and maximum reliability.
They precisely convert rotary movements into digital signals, ensuring fast, intuitive operation.
Thanks to their robust construction, they are the ideal complement to membrane keypads, for example for navigating through menus or controlling functions such as volume or brightness.

Membrane keyboard with integrated rotary encoder for precise control in HMI operator units — Rotary encoder for intuitive navigation and parameter control

RFID/NFC technology

RFID NFC membrane keypad with integrated antenna for contactless identification in HMI systems — Contactless identification via integrated RFID and NFC antennas

For access control systems and user identification systems, we equip Membrane keyboards with RFID and NFC technology We integrate the chips directly within the film, thus reliably protecting them from environmental influences such as moisture, dirt, or mechanical stress. This seamless integration ensures that both the functionality and robustness of the keyboards are permanently maintained.

Capacitive membrane keypads

Membrane keyboards with capacitive sensors detect touches and convert them directly into electrical signals. A touch changes the electrical capacitance at the contact point, allowing the sensors to detect this change and convert it into a precise input signal. This technology enables smooth and intuitive operation without the need for force.

Since capacitive membrane keypads do not require any mechanical parts, they are not only particularly durable but also easy to clean. They also offer high resistance to dust and moisture, making them ideal for demanding applications in industry, medical technology, and building control.

Capacitive keyboards

Capacitive membrane keypad with touch sensors for contactless operation in HMI applications — Touch-based input without mechanical keys

Viewing window for displays

Colored glazes allow Window in almost any desired color. The surfaces can be high-gloss or textured (matt). Our viewing windows also offer anti-reflective, scratch-resistant and UV-resistant properties.
On request we will gladly send you our Sample map .

Viewing windows for displays in membrane keypads with colored and anti-reflective surfaces — Individual display windows with color and surface options

Keyboard & touch panel

Membrane keyboard with integrated touch panel and display window for HMI control units — Integration of touch function and display in one control unit

The combination of keyboard and display technologies optimally utilizes the strengths of both systems, creating a particularly efficient user interface. An additional keypad next to the touch display allows quick and easy access to frequently used commands or predefined parameters.

Thanks to the membrane keypad's haptic feedback, user errors are significantly reduced while simultaneously increasing operating safety. Integrated metal snap-on discs provide both tactile feedback and an audible click when keys are pressed, further enhancing user-friendliness.

For the Integration of touch screens could be shown various techniques available:

One method is to punch out the area for the display, while another is to embed a viewing window into the membrane keypad. The specification of these windows can be customized for gloss, matt finish, anti-reflective coating, scratch resistance, UV resistance and color.

The film and display are combined using a highly transparent adhesive layer with over 99% light transmission. This bonding creates a uniform surface that is chemical-resistant and sealed against liquids and dust. This makes it ideal for use in food processing, laboratories and the medical field.

Shielding and seals for membrane keypads

ESD EMC shielding in membrane keypads with conductive layers and sealing elements — Shielding and sealing for reliable electronics in HMI systems

ESD protection for membrane keypads

ESD-shielded keyboards effectively protect against electrostatic discharges. These are caused by static charges in the environment or on the keyboard itself. Such discharges can damage or destroy sensitive electronic components. Various technologies are used to ensure effective ESD shielding:

Silver/carbon printing:
A uniform layer of silver or carbon covers the entire keyboard surface. This conductive coating safely dissipates static charges and protects the electronics from damage.
Aluminium foil:
An additional layer of aluminum foil serves as a barrier against electrostatic discharges.
ITO foil (indium tin oxide):
This transparent conductive film offers excellent ESD shielding and can be used in the window area of the keyboard. ITO film combines high transparency with effective conductivity, ideal for applications where visibility and protection are important.

EMC protection for membrane keypads

Membrane keyboards are often used in environments where many electronic devices are running simultaneously. Electromagnetic interference originates from sources such as wireless communication systems, electrical devices, or other electronic systems. EMC shielding ensures that Membrane keyboards function reliably and without problems.
There are several effective methods and materials to protect against electromagnetic interference:

Aluminium or copper coated polyester film:
A common method is to use polyester film coated with aluminum or copper. This is laminated into the keyboard under the front film and provides a reliable barrier against electromagnetic interference.
Conductive silver technology:
A polyester film coated over the entire surface or as a grid structure using a screen printing process can also be integrated. This conductive coating enables direct contact with the circuit board or mechanics.
Segmented EMC shielding:
Segmented shielding is often used for membrane keypads with displays. This method shields the keyboard and conductor tracks separately. This ensures optimal protection for all components.

Seals for IP67 / IP68

Membrane keyboards offer robust protection against dust and water due to their construction. For requirements that require protection classes higher than IP65, seals in the membrane keypad This can further increase water resistance and dust protection. Membrane keyboards with protection classes IP67 and IP68 are particularly suitable for hygienic environments. In these environments, regular and thorough cleaning is necessary.

Aluminum mounting plates – Ideal solution for front mounting

For reinforcement, the membrane keypad can be tailor-made carrier plates Integrated press-in bolts simplify the subsequent assembly. The integration of a complete module, included Display and Circuit board, is possible. Depending on the installation situation, this can also be achieved with an integrated seal to further increase protection and functionality.

Membrane keyboard on aluminum carrier plate with integrated electronics for HMI operator unit — Pre-assembled module for easy integration

Aluminum backing plate for membrane keypad with CNC machining and mounting holes — Precisely manufactured plate for mechanical integration

sample set for customized keyboard solutions

Sample set of silicone switching mat and membrane keypad for the development and design of HMI operator units

With our N&H sample set you will get a comprehensive insight into the Variety and quality of our keyboard solutions. The set includes one Pattern Silicone Keypad and Sample membrane keypad, showing different material options, designs and switching principles.

The sample set is rounded off by our Design Guides – Your compact reference works with valuable information on construction, design, and function. This allows you to quickly identify the right solution for your application and make informed decisions.

Order sample set

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 keypad. This ensures that all crucial factors are considered early on and your project can be implemented efficiently.

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FAQ

You can find all questions about membrane keypads here.
also in our FAQ.

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On our website snt-folientastatur.de you will find our membrane keypad blog with current news and developments.

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