Choosing a membrane switch – How do you know it’s right?

Well, it cannot be denied that keyboards and switches have a vital role in the functions for modern-day computers and other major electronic devices. Considering the most basic sense, the switches allow the human operators in controlling electronic devices. There are different types of switches; the most common of them are mechanical. We are all familiar with the mechanical keyboards. The membrane switch, on the other hand, makes use of keys that are pressure pads comprising of symbols printed on them. Because of their designs, a membrane switch is much more compact than their mechanical counterparts.

Here are the factors to choose a membrane switch

Pressure: Membrane switches function by registering the pressure of a user’s touch. As a user, when you press a key, the electrical contact will create a direct connection present in the underlying circuit. That is when the key press is registered. Membrane switches work on different degrees of pressure sensitivity. This is why it is important to consider the right pressure to be applied. A lot of users prefer minimal pressure while others prefer stronger pressure.

Tactile Feedback: Another thing to consider while choosing a membrane switch is tactile feedback. A lot of membrane keyboards are designed to offer little to no tactile feedback. This means, there is no indication of when the key has been pressed. Membrane keyboards and switches with tactile feedback can improve the accuracy of the user while promoting a much more positive experience.

 Key Size: Of course the key size plays a vital role. As a user, you need to think about the ways in which a membrane keypad is going to be used and choose keys accordingly. Most of the mobile phones with membrane keypads have smaller keys because it reduces the overall size of the device. On the other hand, if the membrane keypad is going to be used for a larger machine, it will require larger keys.

Key Spacing: The key needs to be placed at a distance so that the user doesn’t press the wrong keys. If the keys are too close to each other, chances are, the user will make more mistakes. Also, it will take a lot of time to type. That being said, the key spacing should not be too far away that the operator is forced to bend himself/herself in unusual directions while typing. There should be a balanced space between the keys.

Water resistance: This is another important feature to keep in mind while choosing a membrane switch. Even when the keypad is installed or used in a covered location, the moisture from the air shall get on the surface and it will even settle down underneath the keys. This will damage the electrical circuits. But the good news is most of the membrane keypads are water-resistant as they are embedded into the circuitry.

These are a few things that you need to consider while choosing a membrane switch for various purposes. To know more about the kinds of membrane keyboards, visit elecflex.com.