Dual technology keypads give designers the best of both worlds

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Knitter-switch can now offer designers a new type of man-machine interface by combining the key features of membrane and rubber keypads into a single, highly customisable, dual technology keypad.

Knitter-switch designs and manufactures membrane switches and rubber keypads for companies of all sizes in all locations. This continued success is based on a unique combination of local design teams close to customers, providing rapid prototyping services and ensuring a cost effective product by manufacturing in Asia.

Membrane keypads offer very economic, small size, multi-layered, moisture sealed, self-adhesive mounting switching solutions which may be printed with graphics to match the end product. Rubber keypads have the advantages of better tactile “feel”, greater choice of form (shape and size of button or actuator), the ability to be backlit and are lower cost than membrane keypads.

Knitter-switch is one of the few manufacturers to be able to combine the most popular features of both membrane and rubber keypads into new dual technology keypads. This form of switching can be used economically for just a single switch through to a multi-key keypad. The surface of the final keypad may be flat or contoured and will sit on the end equipment like a label, minimising assembly time and cost. Knitter-switch dual technology keypads save space, are very thin and have the facility to be backlit. With excellent tactile response for positive switching the individual keys may be domed and if required polyurethane coated for a robust finish which also protects any printed legends against wear. The complete keypad can be sealed to IP65 and is very simple to connect via a flexi-tail PCB terminated with the customer’s choice of male or female connector.

Hanspeter Külb, CEO of Knitter-switch, comments. ”We have a number of customers who have been looking for the size and cost benefits of membrane keypads but who also require greater tactile response and illumination. Our new dual technology keypads now offer all these features in a simple to fix, robust, cost effective keypad which may be completely customised to fit the application.”

Typical applications for Knitter-switch dual technology keypads include security access systems, environmental controls, industrial and factory equipment, medical systems and home automation.

For more information, or details on the full range of Knitter-Switch products available from Anglia, please call +44 (0)1945 474747 or email info@anglia.com

Anglia Components

Dual technology keypads give designers the best of both worlds