Dongguan Niceone Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
What is a Membrane Switch?

Membrane switches are everywhere, but not everyone is familiar with them. So, What is a Membrane Switch? A membrane switch is a momentary electrical switch that is used to turn a circuit on and off. It consists of several layers of flexible materials with printed circuits. These switches are widely used in various applications such as industrial controls, medical devices, and consumer electronics. Importance of Membrane Switches can be gauged from the fact that they provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for enabling user-interface with electronic devices.

Products
Custom Membrane Switches Panel List
Custom Membrane Keypad
Custom Membrane Keypad
1. EMI/RFI; 2. IP65; 3. Good price; 4. Rim Embossed; 5. Male connector; 6. Velvet material
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Membrane Switch and Touch Panel
Membrane Switch and Touch Panel
1. Digital printing; 2. IP54; 3. Female Connector; 4. Embossed; 5. Matt material
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Metal Dome Switch
Metal Dome Switch
1. Good tactile feedback; 2. High life style; 3. ZIF connector; 4. EL as backlit
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Tactile & Non-Tactile Membrane Switches
Tactile & Non-Tactile Membrane Switches
1. Good tactile feedback; 2. High life style; 3. ZIF connector; 4. Screen printing; 5. Gloss window
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PCB Membrane Switch
PCB Membrane Switch
1. Low Resistance; 2. High Conductivity; 3. Plating options can be tin-lead, nickel, or gold
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FPC Membrane Switch
FPC Membrane Switch
1. Low Resistance; 2. High Conductivity; 3. Plating options can be tin-lead, nickel, or gold; 4. Zif connector; 5. LGF structure
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Waterproof Membrane Switch
Waterproof Membrane Switch
1. IP67; 2. Tactile metal dome; 3. Pillow Embossed Graphic Overlay; 4. Embedded LED; 5. Gloss windows
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Silver Flex Membrane Switches
Silver Flex Membrane Switches
1. Lower price; 2. Tactile metal dome; 3. Pillow Embossed Graphic Overlay; 4. Embedded LED; 5. 125″ FR4 Support Panel
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Digital Printing Membrane Switch
Digital Printing Membrane Switch
1. Gradient colors. 2. The key life can reach 1,000,000 times. 3. Moisture-proof, water-proof, chemical-proof, and can withstand extreme weather.
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Three Common Structures of Membrane Switches

membrane-switch-structure.jpg


Overlay
Adhesive
Metal Dome
Circuit
Backplane Selection

Types of Panel Materials:


The two most commonly used materials for membrane switch panels are polyester and polycarbonate. Both of these materials have their own set of characteristics that make them suitable for specific applications.

3M Adhesives: 3M offers a wide range of adhesives that are commonly used in membrane switches. These include pressure-sensitive adhesives, thermosetting adhesives, and UV curable adhesives.Such as 3M467 and 3M468.

Black Adhesives: It is often used in backlight membrane switch products and can effectively block light leakage and prevent cross-lighting. This type of adhesive tape such as 3M9448AB, 3M5925VHB or VHB black adhesive tape, etc.

Acrylic Adhesives: Acrylic adhesives are another type of thermosetting adhesive that offers good adhesion, chemical resistance, and temperature resistance.Such as 3M7945,3M7959,3M7957etc.


Four-legged Metal Domes: These domes have four legs that provide stability and a centered force. They offer a good tactile response and are commonly used in applications that require a strong tactile feedback.


Triangle Metal Domes: These domes have three legs and offer a softer tactile response. They are commonly used in applications that require a lighter actuation force.


Oblong Metal Domes: These domes have an oblong shape and offer a longer travel compared to other domes. They are commonly used in applications that require a longer travel.


Round Metal Domes: These are the most common type of metal domes. They offer a good tactile response and are used in a variety of applications.


Silver Flex Membrane Switches: These are the most common type of membrane switch circuits. They are made of polyester film printed with conductive silver ink. Silver flex membrane switches are flexible, cost-effective, and suitable for most applications.


Copper Flex Membrane Switches: These circuits are made of copper flex circuits laminated to a polyester film. Copper flex membrane switches offer higher conductivity and are more durable compared to silver flex membrane switches. However, they are also more expensive.


PCB-Based Membrane Switches: These circuits are made of a rigid printed circuit board (PCB) with a polyester film overlay. PCB-based membrane switches offer the highest level of durability and are suitable for applications that require a rigid circuit. However, they are also the most expensive option.


Aluminum: This is a lightweight and durable material that is commonly used for backplates. It is resistant to corrosion and can be easily machined and customized.


Stainless Steel: This is a strong and durable material that is resistant to corrosion and abrasion. It is heavier than aluminum and is commonly used in applications that require a higher level of durability.


Plastic: This is a lightweight and cost-effective material that is commonly used for backplates. It is less durable than metal, but is suitable for applications that do not require a high level of durability.


What Makes Membrane Switch Popular?
Membrane Switch are popular for various reasons:
Ease of Use

Membrane Switch are incredibly user-friendly. They can be designed to incorporate graphic overlays, making them intuitive to use even for first-time users.

Reliability

These switches are known for their reliability. They can withstand a high number of cycles without showing signs of wear and tear.

Durability

Membrane Switch are resistant to harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, moisture, and chemicals.

Versatility

They can be customized to fit a wide range of applications, making them suitable for various industries.

niceone tech membrane switch 1
niceone tech membrane switch 2
niceone tech membrane switch 3
What Is a Custom Membrane Switch Buttons Used For?
What Is a Custom Membrane Switch Buttons Used For?

Membrane switches are used in a wide range of electronic devices and applications. Here are some common uses of membrane switches:

  • Consumer Electronics

  • Industrial Control Panels

  • Medical Equipment

  • Automotive

  • Aerospace and Aviation

  • ATM and Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

  • Military and Defense

  • Appliance Control Panels

  • Security Systems

Why Use the Membrane Keypad Made by Niceone-Tech?

Niceone-tech can customize products that are perfect and best suited to customer requirements according to customer needs. In order to let you know how the best and most suitable membrane switch is produced, we must talk about its structure:


By Niceone Tech

Overlay-Polyester
Overlay Adhesive
Top Circuit Layer (Dome Retainer)
Circuit Spacer (Switch Spacer)
Lower Circuit Layer
Rear Adhesive
Rigid Support Layer
Overlay-Polyester


Overlay-Polyester is usually the first choice for membrane switch panel materials, because its life will be a little longer than Polycarbonate. If it is simply a panel instead of a membrane switch, Lexan and Polyester are also good choices. Overlay is the most intuitive form of human-machine interface. Niceone-tech will screen print or digital print on the back of the material, and they can also be used in combination. Special requirements such as mirror silver effect are also feasible.

Overlay Adhesive


As the first layer of adhesive paper under the panel, Acrylic adhesive is usually used, generally the thickness is between 0.125-0.225mm. If it is LGF membrane switch (to LGF membrane switch) structure, the thickness sometimes reaches 0.64mm.

Top Circuit Layer (Dome Retainer)


This layer usually has three functions: 1. As the Dome Retainer, it ensures that the Snap dome of the circuit layer will not form shrapnel movement due to triggering and closing, resulting in circuit failure and circuit wear. 2. Use 0.1-0.125mm Polyester printing conductive ink, carbon oil and UV ink as the upper line. This layer structure can also be convex to make tactile feedback better. 3. Can be used as ESD shielding layer.

Circuit Spacer (Switch Spacer)


Both upper and lower lines are printed with conductive ink, usually thicker tape is used to separate the upper and lower lines to avoid direct conduction of the membrane switch. If the upper circuit is only used as a fixed layer, then the general thickness of Overlay adhesive + Top Circuit Layer + Lower Circuit Layer should be greater than 0.4mm, otherwise the panel will squeeze the shrapnel to make the feel worse. Unless the panel is convex, the four-layer structure is less than 0.4mm.

Lower Circuit Layer


The thickness of this layer circuit is usually 0.1-0.188mm. It can be printed with ink, carbon oil and UV ink. LEDs can also be installed. Some membrane switch panels will choose copper flex or Printing circuit Board as the circuit. Compared with Polyester, their performance will be more stable. More often applied to the medical and military industries. If it is copper flex or Printing circuit Board as a line, Niceone-tech can even install a variety of components on the line.

Rear Adhesive


There are many choices, but the most commonly used are 3M200MP series or 3M300LSE. According to the different products of membrane switch lamination, Niceone-tech will recommend 3M300LSE if it needs higher viscosity.

Rigid Support Layer


This layer structure is generally used as the last layer of the membrane switch, which can make the structure of the membrane switch component more complete. Usually the choice of materials are AL, FR4, PC or steel. If AL is selected, nuts or feet may sometimes be added to the back of the product.

Electrical Performance of Custom Membrane Switches Panel

Working Voltage

≤50V(DC)

Working Current

≤100mA

Contact Resistance

0.5~10Ω

Insulation Resistance

≥100MΩ(100V/DC)

Basic Withstand voltage

2kV(DC)

Loop resistance

≤50Ω, ≤150Ω, ≤350Ω

Button Lifetime

>0.5-1.0 million times

Button Stroke

0.1-1.5mm

Button Feed BackTime

≤6ms

Tail Folding

No limit

Working Temperature

-20℃~+70℃

Stock Environment

-40℃~+85℃, Sealed


What Special Features Can Niceone-Tech Custom Membrane Switch Buttons Provide?
Backlighting Membrane Switch with Side-LEDs

Many working environments and machines will be used in low light or dark conditions. At this time, the customer asked us if we could solve this problem. At this time we will recommend the use of membrane switches with internal lighting. Choose EL film as the light guide plate, Fiber Optics, and the newer Light guide film (LGF) structure. Niceone-tech recommends LGF, which uses side LEDs and light guide panels to make the product have lower loss and longer life relative to EL membrane switch. Also available in different colors.

The thickness of the LGF membrane switch provided by Niceone-tech can even be 0.8mm. The brightness of buttons and logos is not only uniform and long-lasting but more importantly, we can also make them illuminate each button individually. Sometimes you can also use two-color or RGB three-color lights to enter

One step makes the product more beautiful.

*If the customer wants the product to be more novel and beautiful, then we can sometimes use Epoxy in combination with the keys. Makes it an Epoxy LGF membrane switch

If you are interested in Backlit Membrane Switch, please feel free to contact Niceone-tech, we will send samples as soon as possible.

There are three other types of illuminating membrane switches below.

Fiber Optics

Fiber optic membrane switches are also a good choice for backlighting. The optical fiber material is very thin and can be used as a fixed layer of the membrane switch. At the same time, tactile feedback is better without adding a touch point. Life expectancy is up to 50,000 to 100,000 hours. The main light source is from LEDs

Through the optical fiber transmission in the membrane switch needs to light up. And can be larger than the surface-mounted LED backlight area. Click Fiber Optics membrane switch for more information.

Electroluminescent (EL)

EL backlight is driven by high frequency and low power. EL is very thin, it is a substitute for traditional lighting technology, and is widely used in various electronic accessories. The life of EL backlight products mainly depends on the driving voltage, frequency, temperature and humidity. But most EL membrane switches can reach a life of 4000 hours or more. The brightness of the EL membrane backlit switch will attenuate linearly from the initial power-on. This is also an unavoidable disadvantage relative to other backlight membrane switch panels.

The EL backlit membrane switch provided by Niceone-tech will not cause heat, electricity and EMI problems. Mainly EL is more often a "cold" lighting medium.


LEDs

A common Light Emitting Diodes membrane switch (LED membrane switch) with relatively low cost. Since this technology membrane switch cannot meet the lighting of a large area, it is mostly used for indication purposes. It is a relatively old technology. But the service life is long and deep customers love it.

Common design:

*Graphic overlays digitally and/or screen printed on the backside. The effect can be customized according to your requirements including glass, metal, wood, and stone. If the panel is in a more severe environment, we can even use hardened glass and stainless steel as the panel material. It is very important to choose Overlay printing according to requirements.

*The window needs raw materials to be transparent, frosted, transparent or colored. The window of the membrane switch is different, and the choice of materials is also very different. When the window is large, and it is required to clearly see the bottom LCD or touch screen. EBG series is a good choice, the material is scratch resistant. If it is just a panel, then PC or Lexan overlay is also feasible

*Selective textures and UV hard-coat surface finishes

*Tactile or non tactile, snap dome or non snap dome.

*Pillow rim-embossed membrane switch panels

*Optically clear adhesive(OCA),Liquid Optically Clear Adhesive,Air Gap

*EMI/RFI shielding

*Rigid support backers such as aluminum and FR4 with PEM mounting fasteners

*Standard connectors such as CJT, Nicomatic and molex, etc.


Niceone-tech's custom-designed membrane switches and membrane switch keypads. Membrane switches are used in many industries. Niceone-tech summarizes several best membrane switch industries:

  • Medical Equipment and laboratories are the major markets. Niceone-tech provides customized membrane switches with complex requirements for many European and American manufacturers. In the medical environment, based on the standard membrane keypad, the materials sometimes have antibacterial effects and easy cleaning characteristics. At the same time Niceone-tech applies backlit and glue technology to the membrane switch. It can even be produced using digital printing.

  • Industrial Controls Because industrial equipment is more demanding moisture resistance and UV resistance, so the product's waterproof requirements and UV resistance performance requirements are relatively high. The choice of materials can refer to the membrane switch design guide, I believe that the materials compiled by Niceone-tech can help you.

  • Health & Fitness Equipment Because it is often corroded by sweat, salt and moisture, the material must be resistant to corrosion. Membrane switches are often used in treadmills. Using membrane switches to optimize performance and control is very important for fitness personnel.


What industry are you in?

Contact Niceone-tech today, or visit our Product Gallery for high-performance inventory and customized membrane switches for your unique applications. If you have any questions, please contact info@niceone-tech.com.

Membrane Switches FAQs
​What are membrane switches made of?

Membrane switches are made of several layers of materials, including a graphic overlay, top circuit layer, spacer layer, bottom circuit layer, and rear adhesive layer.

​How do membrane switches work?

When you press a key on the membrane switch, it flexes and makes contact with the bottom circuit layer, completing the circuit and sending a signal to the device.

What are the advantages of membrane switches?

Membrane switches are durable, resistant to contaminants, and easy to clean.

What are the disadvantages of membrane switches?

Membrane switches have some limitations in terms of design and are sensitive to extreme temperatures and UV radiation.

Where are membrane switches used?

Membrane switches are used in various applications, including consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and medical devices.


What Can Niceone-Tech Do?

Niceone-tech customized membrane switches for different customers are widely used in various industries, empowering exceptional product design for other man-machine interface solutions.

Membrane switch constantly updates and upgrade their technology, and their durability is gradually improved. Because of its superior performance and affordable price. As a reliable human-machine interface, it is increasingly favoured by home, office and industrial applications.

Niceone-tech strictly customizes products in accordance with ISO9001-2015 and invests a lot of money every year to develop the technology of the membrane switch to improve the added value of products such as performance, life and function. Our membrane switches are exported in large quantities to European and American countries with stable quality and affordable prices. Niceone-tech understands the standards of European and American countries, so the products are always able to meet and exceed customer expectations.

What Can Niceone-Tech Do?
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Custom membrane switches and panels at Niceone Tech for fluent human machine interface.
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