Membrane switches offer a sleek and stylish switching solution for electronic devices. Like all switches, they are used to control a circuit. Membrane switches, however, consist of many thin layers that are integrated together.
#1) Commonly Found on Appliances
Even if you aren’t familiar with them, you’ve probably used a membrane switch before. They are commonly found on modern appliances, such as microwaves and ovens. Most modern appliances don’t feature large and bulky buttons. Rather, they feature thin, low-profile membrane switches.
#2) Half-Dozen Layers
Even with their thin and low-profile construction, membrane switches feature a lot of layers. A typical membrane switch, in fact, has a half-dozen layers. The uppermost layer consist of the graphic overlay, followed by an adhesive layer, a circuit layer, a spacer layer, a bottom circuit layer and lastly a bottom adhesive layer.
#3) Use Conductive Ink
Membrane switches use conductive ink for their circuit layers. As previously mentioned, most membrane switches have two circuit layers: an upper circuit layer and a bottom circuit layer. These layers feature conductive ink printed on them. Some of them use copper ink, whereas others use silver or graphite ink. Regardless, the ink is conducive so that electricity can flow between the two layers.
#4) Supports Tactile Feedback
Membrane switches are available with tactile feedback. When you press them, they will respond with force. Tactile feedback is often achieved with snap-style dome caps. These caps are designed to “pop” back up after being deformed. It’s a way to confirm that the switch registered and recognized your input.
#5) Used in a Variety of Industries
Membrane switches aren’t limited to modern appliances. They are used in a wide variety of industries. In the healthcare industry, for instance, membrane switches are found on ventilators and infusion devices. In the aerospace industry, they are found on cockpit control systems. Consumer electronics like remote controls and calculators also feature membrane switches.
#6) Available With Backlighting
You can find membrane switches with or without backlighting. Backlighting is a lighting technology that, as the name suggests, involves the use of a lighting system in the back of a device, such as a membrane switch. It’s typically used to illuminate the front of the device. If a membrane switch has backlighting, you’ll be able to see the keys or legends on the top graphic layer more easily in dark or low-light conditions.