Membrane
Switches
Sytek boasts over 30 experience experience delivering the highest quality membrane switches to a broad range of markets and applications
What is a Membrane Switch?
A membrane switch is a user interface device made up of several mechanical and electrical layers, and used as a switch to turn a device or function on or off. Unlike mechanical switches, which are generally constructed with copper and plastics, membrane switches are printed circuits on film.
Membrane switches are used widely across various markets and applications, offering a compelling alternative to traditional mechanical switches. Advantages include extremely low profile, high durability, tactile capability, integration with graphic overlays and illumination, plus simple electrical and mechanical integration.
Sytek has multi-decade experience delivering membrane switch solutions, on-time and budget, into hundreds of applications and high dependancy markets such as Industrial & Medical.
Membrane Switch Construction
A typical membrane switch is made up of several layers...
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Graphic Overlay - the graphics layer is what the end user sees and interacts with. Typically printed on polyester (PET), the graphic layer has keys printed on it that line up with the circuit layers below. Features such as embossed keys, windows for LCDs/LEDs and mounting holes can be integrated into your design
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Adhesive/Filler Layer - the graphic layer and circuit layer are laminated together using a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. If your circuit layer is relatively small compared to the overall size of your membrane switch, the adhesive layer can act as low-cost filler layer with a cutout to house the circuit layer
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Upper Circuit Layer / Dome Trap - the upper circuit layer will consist of silver ink and dielectric ink that is screen printed onto polyester. If metal domes are used to improve tactile response, they will be added to this layer along with a "dome trap" that holds the domes in place
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Spacer - the spacer layer is typically made from PSA with cutouts at all of the button locations. The spacer layer keeps the top and bottom circuit layers apart so that they do not make contact until the user presses on one or more buttons. When a button is pressed the upper circuit layer compresses and creates contact with the bottom circuit layer to create a closed circuit
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Bottom Circuit Layer - similar to the upper circuit layer, the bottom circuit layer is made from silver and dielectric ink that is printed onto PET
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Mounting Adhesive - the mounting adhesive is used to mount the membrane switch to your product
Membrane Switch Features
We are experts at designing and manufacturing membrane switches and can add to your product features such as:
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Tactile response with embossing and metal domes
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Surface mounted elements such as LED's for illumination
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Water-resistant NEMA4 designs & chemical/scratch resistant coatings
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A wide variety of interconnect options
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Rigid mounting layers such as laser-cut polycarbonate
Membrane Switch Advantages
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Seamless Surface - Membrane keypads are easy to clean and resistant to water damage and other contaminants due to a seamless top surface
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Low Profile - Unlike traditional mechanical switches and push-buttons, a membrane switch is typically only a fraction of an inch thick
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Simple Interface - A range of simple electrical interconnect options means reduced assembly time and enhanced durability
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Cost Effective - Sytek's optimised design and manufacturing skills honed over thousands of solutions means low total cost of ownership
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Customization - Sytek will optimize your membrane switch to your application, saving money and reducing time-to-market
