What is a membrane switch keyboard?

What is a membrane switch keyboard? A membrane switch keyboard, as the name implies, is a keyboard that uses membrane switch technology. It is mainly composed of two parts: a membrane switch and a keyboard structure. A membrane switch is usually composed of a panel, an upper circuit, an isolation layer, and a lower circuit. The panel is generally made of materials such as polyester film, which has good wear resistance and insulation. Various patterns and texts can be printed on it to play a role in identification and decoration.

What is a membrane switch keyboard?

A membrane switch keyboard is an operating system that integrates key functions, indicating components, and instrument panels. It is usually composed of four parts: a panel, an upper circuit, an isolation layer, and a lower circuit.

When an external force presses the device, the insulating film bends due to the flexibility of the film, so that the conductive layers at both ends contact each other, thereby playing a role in conduction or disconnection.

Membrane switches are widely used in the control systems of electronic products because of their simple structure, stable performance, easy use, and low cost. It is a new type of human-computer dialogue interface that can replace the keys of conventional discrete components and perform the tasks of the operating system more reliably.

What does a membrane switch do?

Membrane switches are widely used. In electronic devices, it is the operating interface of consumer electronic products such as mobile phones and tablets and computer peripherals, providing simple, beautiful, reliable key operation and good touch.

In the field of industrial control, it is used for automation equipment, CNC machine tool control panels and human-computer interaction terminals, integrating operation instructions, adapting to complex environments, and ensuring precise control and stable operation.

In the field of medical equipment, it helps to control the functions of diagnostic and treatment equipment, meet hygiene requirements, and ensure safe and effective treatment.

In the field of home appliances, it replaces traditional mechanical buttons, upgrades the appearance and operation of traditional home appliances, and is also an important interface for combining local control and remote control of smart home appliances.

In the interior of the car, it is used for the center console audio, navigation, air conditioning control, and the seats around the driver’s seat, rearview mirrors, and window adjustment. It has a compact and beautiful design, good tactile feedback, is durable and adapts to the driving environment.

What are the three types of switch keyboards?

There are three main types of switch keyboards: membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards, and electrostatic capacitance keyboards.

1. Membrane keyboard

The membrane keyboard uses a membrane as a conductive material, has a light structure, low manufacturing and replacement costs, and a relatively affordable market price. The membrane keyboard has a stable touch, moderate key force, and low noise. However, the membrane keyboard has a weak key feedback, and low-priced products may have key conflicts.

2. Mechanical keyboard

The mechanical keyboard is driven by a separate mechanical switch shaft, and the feel can be customized, with high customization properties and playability. The feel of the mechanical keyboard varies depending on the shaft, and is suitable for different usage scenarios. Mechanical keyboards support customization and have a long service life, but the price is relatively high.

3. Capacitive keyboard

The capacitive keyboard works by detecting the change in capacitance when the key is pressed, and has high sensitivity and reaction speed. The capacitive keyboard has a special feel and a long life, but the price is high, and the feel may not be as obvious as that of the mechanical keyboard.

What is the advantage of membrane switch?

The membrane switch has the following advantages:

• 1. Lightweight: The weight of the membrane switch is usually between a few grams and tens of grams, which is very easy to carry and disassemble.

• 2. Low price: The price of some membrane switches is very low, and the price advantage is obvious compared to other multi-functional electronic products.

• 3. Good sealing: The overall structure of the membrane switch is sealed, and it has good waterproof, dustproof, oil-proof, and harmful gas erosion resistance characteristics, and is suitable for use in various harsh environments.

• 4. Strong durability: The service life of the membrane switch can generally reach more than one million times. Due to its simple structure and overall sealing treatment, it is not easy to damage.

• 5. Small size: The design of the membrane switch makes it very small, light and reliable.

• 6. Rich colors: The membrane switch has a beautiful appearance and rich colors, and can be customized according to the design.

• 7. Easy installation: The membrane switch is easy to install, just stick it on the surface of the whole machine, which reduces the supporting cost of electromechanical products.

• 8. Waterproof and dustproof: The membrane switch has good waterproof, dustproof, oil-proof and other characteristics, and is suitable for various harsh environments.

• 9. Low cost: The manufacturing cost of the membrane switch is relatively low, suitable for large-scale production and application.

What are the disadvantages of a membrane keyboard?

• Short life: Due to its fragile internal structure, membrane switches have a short lifespan. Especially when used in high-frequency human-machine interface devices, they are frequently subjected to mechanical pressure, which shortens their lifespan.

• Poor anti-interference performance: The circuit board of a membrane switch can only provide simple and traditional interference suppression measures. When subjected to external electromagnetic interference, it is easy to cause problems such as misoperation.

• Insufficient sensitivity: Compared with mechanical switches, membrane switches are not sensitive enough during use, and sometimes a larger key force may be required to trigger the operation.

What is the difference between a membrane keyboard and a switch?

Membrane keyboards are a collection of multiple membrane switches. There are many differences between the two:

• Functional characteristics: Membrane keyboards are used to input numbers and commands to computers and other devices, and can realize complex text editing and software operations; membrane switches have a single function and mainly control specific functions of the device, such as starting or stopping a certain link in industrial equipment.

• Structural form: The membrane keyboard has a complex structure, composed of multiple layers of membranes and needs to be precisely aligned and fixed, and the size depends on the computer design; the membrane switch has a simple structure and is composed of basic components. The layout and size depend on the application scenario and can be of any shape and size.

• Application range: membrane keyboards are mainly used in computers and some electronic devices that require text input; membrane switches have a wider application field, covering many industries such as industrial control, medical, automotive electronics, etc., and are used for equipment control, parameter adjustment, etc.

How many years does a membrane keyboard last?

Under normal circumstances, the service life of a membrane keyboard is about 2-3 years. The life of a membrane keyboard is usually measured by the number of key presses, generally between 5 million and 10 million key presses. The following factors will also affect its service life:

• Frequency of use: High-frequency use will accelerate the wear of the membrane material. If it is used for a long time every day, the life of the membrane keyboard may be reduced accordingly, and it may need to be replaced in 1-2 years.

• Use environment: When used in a dusty environment, dust can easily enter the keyboard, affecting the sensitivity and normal operation of the keys. Long-term accumulation may cause the keyboard to fail to work and other problems, reducing the service life.

• Use force and method: If the user presses the key too hard, it will accelerate the wear of the membrane material, and may also weaken the elasticity of the key, resulting in a poor feel or even failure of the key, shortening the life of the keyboard.

As a keyboard using membrane switch technology, membrane switch keyboard has the characteristics of light and portable, silent, waterproof and dustproof, and low cost. With the continuous development and innovation of technology, the performance and function of membrane switch keyboard will continue to improve to adapt to different devices and environments.