Have you heard of dome arrays? They’ve become an increasingly popular switching solution. Dome arrays consist of a metal dome on a semi-elastic film that’s applied to a circuit — typically a printed circuit board (PCB). Like all switching solutions, they are used to control a circuit. Dome arrays can open and close circuits. If you’re still on the fence, you should read the five following benefits of dome arrays.
#1) Tactile Feedback
Dome arrays support tactile feedback. Also known as haptics feedback, tactile feedback is a sensation in response to user input. It can include physical sensations, such as vibration, and audible sensations, such as a ringing or buzzing sound. While other types of switching solutions may or may not support tactile feedback, you can rest assured knowing that dome arrays support tactile feedback.
#2) Long-Lasting
To say dome arrays last a long time would be an understatement. They are one of the longest-lasting switching solutions on the market. Dome arrays, in fact, can last for over 1 million actuations on average. You don’t have to worry about dome arrays failing prematurely. Even when used on a daily basis, they’ll last a very long time without failing.
#3) Reliable
Not only are they long-lasting, but dome arrays are reliable as well. It’s frustrating when you press a key or button on a switching solution, only for it to not register your command. Fortunately, dome arrays are reliable, so problems such as this typically won’t occur. When you press a key or button, the dome array will respond. It will even create tactile feedback — typically in the form of vibrations — that allows you to know your input was successfully registered.
#4) Customization
Can’t seem to find dome arrays in a particular shape and size? Different switching applications will require different dome arrays. The good news is that dome arrays are fully customizable. You can order them in specific shapes and sizes to accommodate your switching application. They are typically made with automated manufacturing processes, resulting in a lower per-unit cost than other switching solutions.
#5) Light Guide Foil
You can choose light guide foil as a customization option for dome arrays. Dome arrays can be included as a assembly with key may and light guide foil. Light guide foil, of course, is a thin layer of light-propagating foil material. It’s not a backlighting layer. Rather, light guide foil is designed to distribute the light from an external source, such as a backlighting layer.
