Membrane Switches - Polyester Construction, 100â°c To -10â°c Operating Range | Tactile Feedback, 5 Million Contacts, Humidity And Dust Proof

Membrane switches are rapidly overtaking the present type of electronic switches i.e. push button switches, membrane touch switches, tactile membrane switches, micro switch, non tactile membrane switches, silicon rubber keypads etc. Owing to its various characteristics, it is quickly growing in popularity and utility.

It is dust-proof, humidity proof, heat proof and can even function at 100 °C and -10°C). This is due to the fact that the membrane switches are completely sealed and are manufactured using polyester sheets. Polyester sheets have the softening temperature of 125°C and melting temperature of 250°C. Membrane switches have contact life of more than 5 million contacts (for non-tactile) and more than 2 million contacts (for tactile). It also ensures minimum mechanical movement, which means minimises chances of switch failure. It is economical and also has an excellent appearance.

Classification
Tactile Membrane Switches: Tactile have a positive sensation of the key pressing. They give a good physical and audible feedback of the pressing of the key. They have a contact life of more than 2 million contacts. The tactile points generate the tactile effects.

Normally, the switch is a custom, tactile array of open single pole single throw (SPST) switches. The design employs individual tactile point for both tactile feedback and electrical contact. Pressure applied to the top layer partially inverts the tactile point to complete the circuit. Tactile points provide consistent mechanical and electrical operation in applications requiring low current momentary tactile switches.

Non Tactile Membrane Switches: These do not have any sensation of the key pressing. They have a contact life of more than 5 million contacts. These are also known as "Feather touch membrane switches" and "Micromotion membrane switches". Normally, the switches are custom, non-tactile array of open single pole single throw (SPST). The design consists of a top and bottom circuit, an insulation spacer and an optional graphic overlay.