Custom OEM Remote Control - Keypad type and material

Custom OEM Remote Control Features and Options- main features page

Keypad Type and Material

There are a number of different materials used for a remote control keypad also known as a remote control switch. The keypad is the part of the remote the user will touch with their finger or other item and press in order to control a device. Some materials used are silicone rubber, hard plastic and membrane switches made from PET or PC. Most remotes are designed for one specific keypad type, though combination keypads are sometimes available. Customization of keypads is generally only available with higher volume order (500 to 1000+ depending on the model of remote control).

Silicone Rubber
The most common remote control keypad material is silicone rubber. Different types of silicone can be used for different button feel (texture and pressure). Most silicone rubber keypads provide a softer button press for the user. The silicone rubber keypads can also include silk screen printing. Silicone keypads can be colored to fit your design requirements. Multiple colors can be used on a single remote. Glow in the Dark silicone keypad material is also available. Silicone rubber keypads have small carbon contacts on the underside of each key. When a key is pressed, it collapses and the carbon makes contact with the traces on the PCB forming an electrical connection.
Hard Plastic
Some models of remote controls we offer have a hard plastic keypad. Typically these are single molded keys that fit into the top housing of the remote. The hard plastic keys are more durable that silicone rubber but are more costly to manufacture and assemble.
Membrane Switch - Domed Tactile Feedback Switch
Membrane keys are different from standard buttons in that the entire keypad is one sheet of keys that rests on top of the face of the remote. The keys are raised areas on the keypad area. Generally the keys click when pressed providing tactile feedback. There are several methods used to create the tactile feedback including the use of metal domes placed inside the dome area. Domed membrane switches are low profile. Adhesive is used to ensure the membrane keypad adheres to the face of the remote control. Membrane keys are typically made from PET, a Polyethylene material or PC, Polycarbonate. They are less permeable to environmental conditions since there are no areas for liquids to enter from the face of the unit. Artwork on the keys can cover the entire face of the membrane keypad. Membrane keys are overlays with a contact material on the inside of the dome such as carbon ink or silver paste, which makes contact with the PCB when the dome is pressed down. This type of membrane keypad only allows for button count to be reduced. Buttons cannot be added or moved. The surface texture of the membrane keypad can be gloss or matte-velvet.

Please contact us to inquire about pricing and availability for our remote control products or call our sales and applications engineering staff at (415) 472-1177 x201.