The Rubber Keypad Design Methods Explained

The rubber keypad is an essential component in the manufacturing of modern devices. Modern devices use rubber keypads as an alternative to plastic. Plastic keyboards are harder to replace moreover they cost more than the rubber versions. The rubber keyboards are not only easy to use but highly effective while multi-tasking.

The rubber keypads divide into various parts; all these parts play an important part in their functioning. Shifting from one key to another without losing time improves writing efficiency. Once you get adjusted to using the rubber keyboard, shifting to anything else will seem difficult.

Furthermore, silicone is the most preferred material for rubber pads these days. Silicone is a durable and user-friendly material. Keyboard experts often apply a lot of pressure while they use it therefore the silicon keys have extra strength. The flexible keys make typing and hand circulation easy. Gamers prefer this type of rubber pad since it stops finger cramping.

Choosing Silicone as Primary Material for Manufacturing Rubber Keypad

Silicone is preferred as the sole material in rubber keypad manufacturing since it holds extensive qualities. The original shape and texture of silicon do not match silicone rubber since this is a synthetic material.

Synthetic silicone has a complex chemical formula moreover this material has a high conductivity. The conductivity of the material holds immense importance while manufacturing the keypads. The keypads have larger electronic layers at the bottom. A rubber keyboard is made from many layers that stack to form a working device.

Silicone possesses individual physical-mechanical and electrical properties that make it superior to other materials. This material has a 70kg/cm tensile strength and 10kg/cm tear strength. The durable material is not easy to cut through.

Purchasing a rubber board Is a good investment since they cost less and provide longer functioning. The choice of material determines the stroke and speed within the board. Silicone rubber brings the perfect balance for efficiency while manufacturing.

Moreover, modern keyboards have integrated a led light system within. The led lights shine when you press a key. The led lights may glow under the keyboard while you type, these lights signify that the keypad is working. Light-emitting diode lights occupy a small space in the keypad, you can adjust these lights in an existing model or even buy a keypad with the integrated system.

This smart addition adds color to the keypad. The keypads can have both conductible and non-conductible preferences set by the user. Shift yourself from the ideal keypad shape and design your keypad with minimal keys.

Rubber Silicone keypads are available in all shapes and sizes, ranging from circular designs to mathematical keys. Tech experts can simplify their equations with the help of keys instead of downloading expensive software. The availability of compact keys solves many problems.

The Ideal Rubber Keypad Layout Dimensions

The rubber keypad must possess some synchronization, no matter what the shape looks like. Each key has a connection with the other and the keypad works through the dependence of parts. You probably heard that one wrong key can slowly take over the whole keyboard, this happens because every key is interconnected.

All the keys should have a minimum distance of 10mm from the edge of the keypad. Manually picking the keypad without any edges can harm the keys that come in contact with your hand. Although the rubber keys can withstand hard pressure that does not mean you try that limit every time. Handle the keypad with caution and do not use the keys to lift the keypad upwards. The extended space will leave a huge area for you to maneuver.

Furthermore, the key dimension and size matter a lot when you wish to create a compact keyboard. A smaller keyboard will naturally have smaller keys however the recommended size remains 2.5mm. Anything larger than 2.55mm will overcrowd the keyboard whereas anything smaller will become too hard to locate.

You will find yourself pressing multiple keys at one furthermore smaller keys become harder to locate. The bezel distance is present between the keys. This area represents the base of the keypad. The minimum distance between the keys should have a 0.3mm measurement.

The tactile feel of the keyboard determines whether it can handle pressure or not. A solid tactile feel means that the keys have been placed in the best way. Consider the tactile feel as the last test when making the keyboard or keypad. You can always go back and fix the mistakes that you made in order to achieve the best tactile range

Making the Keypad Graphics look Unique

What is the point of making a rubber keypad of your choice when you can’t have a bit of fun? Gamers usually customize the keypad graphics to their preference. Sticker graphics usually fade over time and the residue makes the key surface rough.

Printing and laser-etching is the only way you can make the graphics stay for a longer time. The graphics will not fade even after you use the keypad extensively, they are not painted but rather infused with the keys. Gaming experts can use their customized keys as a plus point while combat sessions.

Moreover, laser-etching is a lesser-used method for creating graphics on top of the keypad. The etching process slowly carves the alphabets or numerals in the keyboard. Laser etching was recently introduced and largely applied in the keypad manufacturing industry.

The results for laser etching have promising value since many users complain that the printed graphics fade over a prescribed time. Now you can check the quality of graphics with the abrasion technique.

The abrasion technique is ideal for the prototype keypad since it involves using testing paper tape. The testing paper tape is laid across on the graphics but the test begins when pressure falls on top. The pressure should not damage the keys itself but the testing paper will show the remnants of the printed key tops if they do not withstand it.

The pressure used will create an abrasion between the keypad and remove any residue. Advanced printing technology will ensure that the graphics pass the abrasion test, the abrasion test is the best way to concur whether the graphics have perfect stamping or not. 200g to 500g of the load is enough pressure that satisfies both testing and key strength.

Take Away

In conclusion, the rubber keypad designs vary according to the preference of the user. Basic technologies and devices are slowly going out of fashion, advanced techniques have made it easier to customize products. Build your own keypad design while using rubber silicone.

The production of rubber silicone is environmentally friendly and very cost-effective. Silicone rubber has taken over for the keypad manufacturing industry furthermore this material prevents excessive heat transfer to the skin. The graphics on rubber appear much more vivid than other plastics.

The rubber keyboard should serve its purpose and help in making the typing experience easier. A mismatched silicone keypad will do the opposite of relieving the consumer. Precision and accuracy are the greatest factors while creating the rubber keyboard.

Begin your silicon keypad rubber manufacturing journey by creating the design and choosing the material. Some manufacturers use CAD models while creating tough designs. The inclusion of such methods shows that we are progressing with the monumental speed in product design and manufacturing.

For further information regarding the construction of rubber keypads, contact us now.