Silicone Rubber Keypads require a tool to be manufactured to produce the final keypad design, however once this has been completed the keypad cost is very low and provides for a huge amount of options in applications from military to medical; instrumentation to marine. Additional options include:
Mylar/Rubber Domes
Where a positive tactile response is critical an additional mylar layer with snap domes can be included with the keypad, this allows for both the positive "feel" and reduces key travel. The mylar layer can be bonded to a PCB providing additional protection from contaminants.
Laser Etching
By highly accurate removal of a single layer of paint from the rubber keypad it is possible to allow for back lighting of specific key features; this process is also very useful if multiple languages are required, as there is no artwork charge to change letters/idents on each key.
Plastic Key Tops
Increased resistance to wear, reverse printed polycarbonate keytops can be fitted over the standard rubber key matrix, these can be laser etched for further aesthetic enhancement of the keypad design.
Epoxy Cured Key Tops
Cost effective solution to printed keypad wear. A clear epoxy coating is applied to each key, protecting the legend from repeated use
Click here for a typical performance figures for Rubber Keypads