Mechanical keypads are gradually fading in favor of silicone rubber keypads. In both consumer and commercial applications, silicone rubber keypads are on the rise. They are used extensively in electronic devices as a switching solution. Being that mechanical keypads provide the same circuit controlling features, though, you might be wondering what makes silicone rubber keypads such a popular solution.
Long-Lasting
You don’t have to worry about silicone rubber keypads failing prematurely. Regardless of the application, they’ll last longer than most other types of keypads, specifically mechanical keypads. Mechanical keypads contain moving parts. Each time you press a key, the parts within it will move. Over time, the constant movement of these parts can cause mechanical keypads to fail.
Silicone rubber keypads still have some moving parts, but they have an elastic webbing material that’s able to last longer and withstand more use than the parts of a mechanical keypad. The end result is a longer lifespan. Most silicone rubber keypads will last longer than mechanical keypads.
Tactile Feedback
Another reason silicone rubber keypads are on the rise is tactile feedback. They will produce tactile feedback naturally in response to key presses. All silicone rubber keypads have an elastic webbing material, which is made of silicone rubber. This webbing material will deform when pressed, and it will bounce or spring back up when released. This action is responsible for creating tactile feedback.
Water Resistance
Silicone rubber keypads are highly resistant to water as well as other liquids. The silicone rubber webbing material used in their construction as a protective shell over the underlying circuits. Circuits are an important part of a keypad. All keypads have at least one circuit for each button. Circuits, of course, are susceptible to damage when exposed to water or liquids.
The good news is that silicone rubber keypads are protected from water and liquid damage. Water and liquids can’t penetrate through their protective silicone rubber shell. As a result, their circuits will remain dry.
Low Cost
Many businesses choose silicone rubber keypads because of their cost-savings benefits. All keypads cost money to manufacture, and silicone rubber keypads are no exception. When compared to mechanical and other types of keypads, though, silicone rubber keypads typically cost less to produce. And with a lower cost of production, they have a lower price tag.
