Advantages Of Custom Silicone Keypads

When considering options for equipment controls more manufacturers are leaving traditional keypads behind

. The latest technology allows the design if custom silicone keypads for applications from cell phones to large industrial machines, providing features traditional keypads can't match.

Environmental Resistance

Electronics are delicate and need to be protected from environmental hazards. Even a standard office environment has dangers that can threaten delicate components in computers, copiers and other equipment.

No matter how many times they are told to keep food and drinks away from equipment, some workers won't listen. A coffee spill can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Crumbs from food can fall through tiny cracks into the internal electronics creating the possibility of short circuits and overheating. Traditional keypads offer little protection but molded keypads made from silicone rubber form a solid surface that is resistant to solids and liquids alike.

Even with a liquid-resistant seal, some environments expose electronics to chemicals that can damage the keypad itself. Silicone keypads can be made from formulas that resist corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for hazardous environments.

Longer Lasting

Over time, traditional keypads suffer wear and tear in normal use. The tiny switches under each key can wear out through use and the keys themselves can become sticky or unresponsive. Cleaning can help but often the wearing of a single key can require replacing the entire keypad. Because each "key" on a silicone keypad is flexible rubber they last far longer than the mechanical switches used by traditional keys.

The other symptom of wear occurs as the symbols are rubbed off. For a typical numeric keypad this may not seem like a problem since it's easy to remember which key corresponds to each number, but for custom control panels this can prove dangerous as the function of each key is no longer easy to determine. There is also a security issue as an intruder can see which numbers are worn down on a keypad and deduce the entry codes to secure areas.

The surface of custom silicone keypads wears less quickly because it is flexible. Laser marking embeds symbols deeply into each key and are more durable than the painted on markings traditional keypads use.

Soft and Quiet

Many people find custom silicone keypads easier more comfortable than the hard keys on a typical design. The softer surface and the gentler key movement put less stress on workers' fingers, hands and arms and allow them to work longer without a break.

Custom keypads made from silicone rubber are nearly silent in operation in contrast to the clacking sound of traditional keys. In a quiet working environment this hushed operation can be less disturbing to other workers or clients.

With all of these advantages it's no wonder that custom silicone keypads have become so popular.

by: Christine Harrell

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