From Concept to Creation: Mastering the Design of Silicone Rubber Keypads 

Effective design plays a pivotal role in ensuring the functionality, durability, and user satisfaction of silicone rubber keypads. Thoughtful design considerations, such as ergonomic button placement and intuitive user interfaces, contribute to seamless interaction and enhanced user experience. Additionally, well-executed design choices, such as clear and legible graphics, contribute to ease of use and enhance overall satisfaction. By prioritizing effective design principles, manufacturers can create silicone rubber keypads that excel in functionality, durability, and user satisfaction.

 

Base and Key Design Considerations 

Design guide 1

1. Minimum distance from edge of keypad= 1.0mm

2. Typical membrane dimension= key size + 2.5mm

3. Typical guide hold spacing= 30-50 mm

4. Minimum radius dimension= 2.0 mm

5. Typical corner radius dimension= 1.0 mm

6. Minimum key pitch dimension= 4.0 mm

7. Minimum guide hole dimension= 1.5 mm

8. Minimum distance from hole to membrane switch= 1.0 mm

9. Minimum membrane spacing dimension= 1.0 mm

design guide 2

Design guide 2

1. Minimum clearance between bezel and keys= 0.3mm

2. Minimum key pitch dimension= 4.0mm

3. Typical conductive pill size= dia. 2.0-8.0mm

4. Typical conductive pill thickness= 0.4-0.5mm

5. Typical chamfer dimension= 0.5mm

6. Typical chamfer angle= 45°

7. Typical air channel width= 1.5~2.0mm

8. Typical base thickness= 1.0mm

Force-stroke Curve

The force-stroke curve which governs the tactile feedback experienced by users. Designers must carefully analyze and optimize the force required to actuate the buttons at different stages of the stroke, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. This thoughtful consideration enhances the overall user experience and satisfaction. 

Force-stroke 1

1. Peak point

2. Contact point
 3. Return point
 4. Return-peak point

 

F1= Peak force

F2= Contact force

F3= Return force (≧15g)

F4= Return-peak force


Click ratio= ( F1-F2) ÷ F1 × 100 %

Poor tactile feeling= Click ratio less than 0.50

Good tactile feeling= Click ratio higher than 0.50

Force-stroke 2

Graphic Overlay and Printing Guide


 Clear and legible graphics, along with appropriate printing techniques, contribute to effective button labeling and visual appeal. Furthermore, considering factors like backlighting and indicators can enhance usability and convenience.

Minimum graphics thickness

Printing guide 1 

Features:

Printing area & Graphics area

Printing guide 2

W  : printing area(colors)
 W1 : graphics area

Maximum graphics area (W1)= W-0.4mm

Printing guide 3

Concave shape & Convex shape

Printing guide 4

Tolerance

Tolerance control involves verifying that the measurements and specifications of a product fall within an acceptable range. See more details in "Tolerance Control". 

When it comes to designing silicone rubber keypads, several key considerations must be taken into account to ensure a successful outcome. Such as tolerance control, force-stroke curve, and printing is essential for creating high-quality silicone rubber keypads. By prioritizing these aspects, designers and manufacturers can deliver keypads that not only meet functional requirements but also provide a seamless user experience, durability, and visual attractiveness. 

05/25/2023