Silicone switch mats for all industries

Custom-made silicone keyboards for all industries

Silicone switch mats for HMI operator panels with customer-specific button layout and symbol labeling

As a specialist in silicone keypads, we develop and manufacture customized keypad solutions that are precisely tailored to your application – from prototypes to series production. Our silicone keypads impress with reliable switching functionality, a long service life, and versatile design options.

We provide comprehensive advice on materials, equipment, and manufacturing technology, and, upon request, we can handle the entire design of your input unit—including housing integration, fiber optic solutions, and connectivity. Benefit from our many years of experience and a well-thought-out engineering approach.

Complete assembly from a single source?
In addition to the pure safety mats, we also realize the complete assembly with matching Plastic housing and the connection technology.

References of completed silicone switching mats

The classic silicone shift mat is still one of the most commonly used switching elements in electronics, automotive and medical technology. It not only performs tactile operating functions, but also sealing, protection and design tasks. With up to 10 million switching cycles With its diverse customization options, it offers a durable, low-maintenance and economical input solution.

Typical applications include industrial controls, electronic measuring instruments, operator panels, remote controls, and custom HMI systems. Here is a small selection of our references:

Silicone switching mat for HMI control unit with individually labeled function keys

Silicone control mat for crane control with color-coded function keys and individual symbol labeling

Project reference

Hand switch with silicone switching mat and plastic housing as an integrated HMI assembly

In this project reference, we demonstrate how a custom plastic enclosure, combined with a multifunctional silicone switch mat This forms a high-performance HMI solution. The silicone switch mat not only performs the button function but also serves as a circumferential seal and mechanical connecting element. This functional integration results in a robust, easy-to-assemble, and economical assembly that is ideally suited for industrial applications and offers clear cost advantages over standard housings for medium-sized production runs and above.

Silicone switch mat as keyboard and seal

Silicone Keypad Design

Design variations of silicone switch mats with different button shapes, colors and HMI controls

Silicone switch mats offer many design possibilities and can be easily adapted to the specific requirements of various applications. They enable Keys in different shapes and sizes, such as round, square, or rectangular. Custom shapes can also be easily implemented. Thanks to the flexible design, the buttons can be optimally arranged to ensure good ergonomics and ease of use.

In addition, can Silicone shift mats in many colors manufactured, including translucent or fluorescent options. Multicolored buttons and Backlights These are also possible to better adapt the design to your requirements.
The Surfaces of silicone switching mats They can be smooth or textured. These options allow for optimized haptic feedback, making operation even more intuitive.

Silicone switch mats with epoxy coating and glossy, abrasion-resistant key surface

Keys with epoxy coating

Thanks to the epoxy coating, the keys have a clear and shiny surfaceThis makes them more visually appealing and improves tactile feedback. At the same time, the coating reliably protects the keys from external influences such as scratches or dirt.
The keys are also more resistant to abrasion and chemicals, which ensures a durable and resistant surface.

keys with plastic caps

Keycaps with plastic caps offer a wide range of design options, as they can be customized in terms of shape, color, and texture. This allows silicone keypads to be visually and tactilely enhanced, improving usability. Furthermore, the caps are easily replaceable, which makes a simple customization enables and offers you additional flexibility.
In illuminated versions, the keys are precisely engraved using a laser. This method makes it possible to apply detailed symbols, labels and designs directly to the key surface.

Silicone switch mat with plastic caps and replaceable button elements for HMI applications

metal keys on silicone switch mats

Metal buttons on silicone keypads enable robust and durable operating solutions for demanding applications. The combination of elastic silicone and solid metal caps ensures precise tactile feedback and high mechanical resilience.

The metal caps are precisely integrated into the silicone mat and permanently bonded to the elastomer. The silicone defines the force-displacement behavior, the restoring force, and simultaneously provides the sealing function. The metal surface ensures abrasion resistance, stability, and a high-quality appearance.

Shape, size, surface and lettering can be customized – for example by laser engraving or color design.

Silicone switching mat with metal caps for medical control units and HMI applications

Silicone switch mats with integrated light channel for optimal visibility

Illuminated keys with light channel

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

Silicone switching mats with integrated light window for LED backlighting and visual feedback

Silicone keypads with integrated light window

For applications requiring visual feedback, this keypad features integrated LED backlighting – without the need for additional light guides. By deliberately reducing the silicone wall thickness, translucent zones are created that make the LED light visible. The implementation is entirely in a single material – without a two-component process.

Multi-component silicone switching mat (R+R Moulding)

Multi-component silicone switching mat with transparent light windows in 2K silicone injection molding

Multi-component silicone formwork mats (R+R Moulding)

In multi-component silicone injection molding (R+R Moulding), two different silicone materials – for example, black and transparent silicone – are permanently and materially bonded together in a common injection molding process.

This method is particularly suitable for Silicone switch mats with integrated backlighting, because opaque and translucent areas can be precisely combined in one component.

This process creates highly integrated silicone switching mats with precise light guidance, high sealing properties, and a durable bond between the different material layers. This enables the realization of complex HMI user interfaces with reduced assembly effort, high functional reliability, and a high-quality appearance.

Highly transparent silicone keymats

Highly transparent silicone keypads are an ideal choice, especially for backlit keyboards. Compared to conventional, rather milky silicone keypads, which often lead to scattering losses of the light source, highly transparent versions offer minimal light scatteringThis means that almost all of the luminous flux reaches the surface. This property makes them particularly interesting for brightly lit work environments or applications in daylight.
The material of the highly transparent silicone keypads is also ideal for applications with plastic or metal keycaps.

Highly transparent silicone switching mat for uniform light transmission and minimal scattering losses.

Silicone switch mat with injection-molded button layout on plastic front frame for climate control panel

Silicone switch mat with injection-molded key layout on plastic front frame for automotive control unit

Silicone keyboard as an assembly with front frame

Silicone keyboards with front frame offer a robust and economical solution for demanding HMI applications. The plastic front frame is used in this process. Multi-component injection molding It is directly encapsulated in silicone, creating a sealed and durable user interface. This reduces assembly effort, saves on components, and ensures a high-quality appearance as well as consistently reliable function. At the same time, it reliably protects the underlying electronics from dust, moisture, and dirt and is easy to clean.

Alternatively, silicone shift mats can also be used without a plastic frame as Front cover This variant involves the silicone switching mat simultaneously fulfilling the functions of the user interface, seal, and device front, and is mounted directly onto the device or housing carrier. This results in particularly compact, robust, and easy-to-install HMI solutions with reduced component count.

Silicone switching mat mounted on a circuit board as a compact HMI assembly

Silicone switching mat on circuit board

We manufacture silicone switching mats directly with the matching circuit board as an assembly. This significantly simplifies integration into your systems, saving you time and the effort of additional components. Thanks to our precision manufacturing, you receive not only a durable but also a reliable solution that is perfectly tailored to your requirements.

Development & Design of Silicone Switch Mats

Consultation at N&H Technology about customer-specific silicone switching mats and HMI operating units.

Our service in the area of silicone switch mats

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 in the Product development and design Our services encompass all steps from sketching and concept development through planning and pre-design to 3D CAD construction. We create realistic 3D renderings for clear product visualization and deliver complete manufacturing documentation, including technical drawings and parts lists.

In addition, we offer the Prototype production using 3D printing or silicone casting – ideal for functional testing, design validation and series production preparation.

This is how we start your project

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

Technical drawing, sketch or an existing sample
If you do not yet have a technical drawing, we will be happy to create one for you.
Short product description with area of application
The more details you give us, the more precisely we can tailor the offer to your requirements.
Optional additional information
If available, please send us a specification sheet, technical specifications or special equipment details.
Planned quantity or estimated annual requirement
This helps us to optimally align production to your requirements.

To protect your data and ideas, we can conclude a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) in advance. If you do not have your own NDA, we will be happy to provide you with our template.

NDA template

We look forward to your inquiry.

+49 (0)2154-81250

info@nh-technology.de

Personal Meeting

A personal conversation is particularly important to us when it comes to getting to know each other for the first time and discussing complex or new projects. We want to ensure that we fully understand your requirements and needs and can provide you with the best possible solution.

Of course we are also available to you via email Online meeting available. We use various platforms and tools to ensure seamless and effective communication.

In our Showroom Porto Cervo you have the opportunity to see for yourself the quality and functionality of our products, to receive individual advice and to try out the different models. Our team of experts is available on site to answer all your questions and to work with you to find the perfect solution for your requirements.

Contact Simply contact us to Appointment to arrange a meeting and get to know each other. We look forward to it!

Design Guide Silicone Molding Mats

Silicone shift mat design guide available for download as a PDF.

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.

sample set for customized keyboard solutions

Sample set of membrane keypads and silicone switch mats from N&H Technology

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

Frequently asked questions about silicone shift mats

Developing a silicone switch mat involves far more than simply choosing its shape and color. Switching force, feel, contact characteristics, illumination, sealing, and manufacturability all significantly influence the functionality and cost-effectiveness of the final solution. Our FAQs answer frequently asked questions from developers, designers, and technical buyers regarding the design and manufacturing of custom silicone switch mats.

How does a typical silicone switch mat project proceed from inquiry to series production?

A typical development project begins with an analysis of the technical requirements, such as switching force, feel, lighting, protection rating, and environmental conditions. The silicone switching mat is then designed to match the housing, circuit board, and application.

N&H Technology accompanies the entire project process – from technical consulting, design, material selection, and prototype production to toolmaking, series production, and quality assurance. Customers benefit from a single point of contact and don't have to deal with coordinating different suppliers or manufacturing processes.

A typical development project is divided into several phases:

Requirements analysis: Definition of switching force, key layout, lighting, protection class and environmental conditions.

Construction and design phase: Design of the silicone switching mat based on CAD data, housing and circuit board.

Sample and prototype productionTesting of haptics, function, fit, and usability. Before series production, initial samples or prototypes are often created to validate switching behavior, lighting, and fit.

Toolmaking and releaseAfter sample approval, tool manufacturing takes place, followed by series production. Depending on requirements, additional manufacturing steps such as laser engraving, screen printing, PU coating, or the integration of fiber optics can be carried out.

Mass production and quality assuranceProduction including optical, mechanical and electrical testing.

The earlier the silicone switching mat is integrated into product development, the easier it is to optimize switching behavior, sealing, lighting and manufacturing costs.

What information is needed for the development of a custom silicone switching mat?

For a sound interpretation, the following are typically required:

CAD data or technical drawings
PCB layout
desired switching force
Hubweg
Protection class
Temperature range
Lighting requirements
Colors and labels
planned annual production numbers

Not all information needs to be fully available at the start of the project. Many parameters, such as actuation force, key geometry, lighting, or material selection, can be defined and optimized collaboratively during the development process.

N&H Technology supports you in the early concept phase of designing your silicone switch mat. Drawing on our experience from numerous projects, we advise on design, feel, material selection, manufacturability, and cost optimization, and work with you to develop a technically and economically suitable solution.

How long does it take to develop and produce a custom silicone switching mat?

Project duration depends on complexity, tooling scope, and approval processes. Initial functional prototypes can often be provided within a few weeks. From technical specification to series production, typically 8 to 16 weeks should be expected, depending on the project scope.

What are the most common errors in the development of silicone shift mats?

The most common mistakes include:

Insufficient consideration of manufacturing tolerances between the housing, circuit board and silicone switching mat. This can lead to altered switching forces, inconsistent button behavior or functional problems.

Unsuitable switching forces and dome geometrieswhich can lead to either overly stiff or poorly defined operation. Especially for applications involving gloves or frequent use, the haptic feedback should be optimized early on.

Lack of coordination between case, circuit board and keyboard, which causes keys to become misaligned, not to hit the contacts in the center, or the desired sealing effect to not be achieved.

Inadequate lighting planningThis can be caused, for example, by poorly positioned LEDs, missing light guides, or unsuitable materials. This can lead to differences in brightness and unwanted light leakage.

Sealing and protection class requirements considered too late, which necessitates additional seals, design changes, or tooling adjustments.

The manufacturer was involved in the development process too late. Many constructive and economic optimization opportunities can be identified in an early project phase, thus avoiding later adjustments.

By coordinating the housing, electronics, and silicone mat early in the process, these risks can be significantly reduced and development times shortened. N&H Technology supports customers as early as the concept phase with design recommendations, construction guidelines, and the technical design of the entire input solution.

From what quantity does a custom silicone switch mat become worthwhile?

There is no fixed quantity, as profitability depends on factors such as component size, complexity, tooling costs, assembly effort and product lifespan.

In many projects, a custom silicone switch mat proves cost-effective even for small to medium production runs, especially when multiple functions are combined in a single component. For example, button function, sealing, housing connection, and design features can all be integrated into one part. This reduces assembly effort, the number of parts, and procurement costs.

In addition to the pure unit costs, aspects such as ease of use, protection class, service life and optimal integration into the overall system also play an important role.

N&H Technology provides support as early as the concept phase, assisting with the technical and economic evaluation of various solutions. Together, we examine whether a custom-designed silicone switching mat offers technical or economic advantages over standard components.

How is the switching force of a silicone switching mat calculated?

The actuation force of a silicone switch mat is determined by the geometry of the switch dome, the material hardness (Shore A), the wall thickness, and the key travel. Even small changes to the dome geometry can significantly affect the required actuation force and the tactile feel.

What switching force is recommended for industrial silicone switching mats?

For industrial operating devices, switching forces between 150 g and 350 g are commonly used. Applications involving glove operation, high vibrations, or safety-relevant functions often require higher switching forces.

How does Shore hardness affect the tactile feel of a silicone switch mat?

Shore hardness significantly influences the feel and rebound behavior of the keys. Softer silicones allow for lower actuation forces, while harder materials offer greater mechanical stability and more pronounced feedback.

Carbon pill or metal contact – which contact method is better?

Carbon contacts are the most commonly used solution and are suitable for most switching applications. The typical contact resistance of carbon pills is often between 50 and 200 ohms. The actual values depend on the material, contact area, and circuit board design. Metallized or gold contacts are used when particularly low contact resistances or high electrical requirements are needed.

What tolerances must be taken into account for silicone switch mats?

In addition to the manufacturing tolerances of the silicone switching mat, tolerances of the housing, circuit board, and assembly also influence the subsequent switching behavior. Early tolerance analysis significantly reduces development risks.

Can a silicone switching mat simultaneously serve as a seal and a connecting element between housing halves?

Yes. In many applications, the silicone switching mat not only performs the switching function but also provides sealing, holding, and connection properties. With appropriate geometries, it can be clamped between two housing halves, thereby handling both the positioning and sealing of the device. This reduces the number of components, assembly effort, and manufacturing costs.

More information can be found in our project reference: Silicone switch mat as keyboard and seal