subject: Benefits Of Rubber Keypads [print this page] These days, we make use of a number of controls whether it is to operate appliances in the home, office, public facilities or commercial centers. However, in modern controls, soft, comfortable rubber keypads have replaced mechanical plastic keypads and switches.
Rubber keypads come in a large variety of colors, shapes and designs. They may be customized for use in various appliances, ranging from small cell phones to huge machines. The rubber keypad is preferred to the old metal keypads because of the ease with which they can be used and the comfort of soft touch they offer.
Rubber keypads have other benefits besides comfort and ease of use.
Traditional keypads were a regular feature of various applications that we use around us. However, these were not really built to withstand harsh conditions. Besides, they were also harsh on the fingers. Rubber keypads were therefore designed as an alternative to traditional keypads.
Many keypads are a part of machines that are susceptible to liquid spills. In metal keypads, liquid would penetrate the internal parts of the machine and cause problems. However, silicone keypads are waterproof and seal out any moisture from the internal parts.
Metal keypads are susceptible to corrosion and oxidation. They may react with other substances which could ultimately destroy the metals parts of switches. But, rubber keypads are resistant to these corrosive effects. Rubber is also less susceptible to wear and tear in spite of daily use. Since these keypads are encased in rubber, the chances of them sticking together are less. Because silicone is more weather resistant, it is also used in military operations, where work is carried out under extremely harsh conditions.
In the corporate setting, rubber keypads are a boon because they do away with the noisy clicking sound that is typical of metal keypads. When compared to the hard surface of metal keypads and the amount of force required to depress keys, silicone keypads are soft and gentle on the fingers.
Another benefit of rubber keypads is that these are highly customizable. So, they may be used for different kinds of applications both in the commercial as well as home settings. That is why rubber keypads have become the norm in computer keypads, cell phones pads, telephone pads, multimedia applications and so on.
As customers become more discerning and demanding, products have to be tailored to suit their comfort more than anything else. Rubber keypads manufactured by reputed membrane switch manufacturers offer the best of both worlds - utility as well as comfort. Why then should anyone make use of metal keys?
