Custom Membrane Switches
Membrane switches are often custom made for many different electrical products and industries. The shape, size, number of switches, color, graphics, text and illumination all change based on the membrane switches' function and purpose. Customizability is necessary because of the vast differences between products and their needs. For example, hospital beds and cell phones both use membrane switches, but need different setups, text, ect. Even the same product varies quite a bit. TV remotes change based on their manufacturing company, television and cable provider. Therefore, membrane switch manufacturers are able to meet specific and exact design requirements for many products, including microwaves, ovens, phones, security systems, remote controls, medical equipment and automotive components.
Graphic overlays are very commonly custom made. They can be different colors or have any kind of text, including numbering, instructions, warnings and brand names. Companies will also have their logo printed on graphic overlays. These promotional, informational and decorational graphics are silk screen or digitally printed, laser etched, or embossed into the outer plastic layer. Other specifications membrane switches may choose include ESD shielding, LED illumination and fiber optic illumination. Tactile feedback, which lets the operator know that their key stroke has been registered, can be due to plastic or metal domes under each of the switch buttons, or rubber keypads, which are placed on top of the graphic overlay and may be non-conductive or conductive.