From graphic overlays and actuator options to backlighting and embossing, there are many ways to customize the look and feel of your silicone rubber keypads. The customizations you choose will depend on the type of product you have, its intended usage, company branding, budget and more.
Whatever you need, you can have your keypads designed according to your unique specifications. Silicone is extremely versatile, which makes it easy to conform to the user’s specs, translating to a variety of options when it comes to custom designed silicone keypads.
How to Customize
Silicone can be readily manipulated into molds, which gives variety in the appearance and functionality of your keypad. With custom options, your keypad won’t look like anyone else’s!
- Variety of shape, size and color options
- Tactility/actuator options
- Conductive/non-conductive
- Printing and graphics (screen-printing, pad-printing, spraying and laser etching)
- Multiple color options
- Backlighting
- Graphic overlay adhesion/integration
- Phosphorescent “glow-in-the-dark” additives
- Over-coatings and finishes
- Embossed/debossed molding
- Conductive carbon pills
- Silkscreen printed keys
- Hard coating
- Epoxy coating
- Latest dome technology
- Environmental shielding options
- Printed or laser-etched legends
- Custom finishes
- In-house graphics
Because silicone can be molded into any shape, your keypad can be created to enhance the shape of your equipment or even how you sit at your work desk. It can even have some great mobile capabilities to fit your needs on the go.
Silicone keypads can adjust to the unique needs of these industries and more:
- Computers
- Telecommunications
- Military
- Medical devices
- Automotive
- Laboratory instrumentation
- Industrial equipment
- Automotive
- Consumer electronics
User Modifications
The design of a keypad is very personal. Sometimes you need to create one that appeals to a broad range of users who will come into contact with the device at different times during the day. Other times, personal devices that will only be used by one person over the lifetime of the gadget can be fully customized to their set preferences.
There are many things to consider, such as:
- How do you want the buttons to feel on your fingers? Small variations in the silicone formula give a different touch to different keypads due to the multiple hardness variations of the rubber. While soft rubber may work well for one application, others need a harder rubber.
- What tactile response do you want from the buttons? There are varying degrees of tactile response to choose from. Keypads featuring strong clicks tend to be more durable, and are best for those keypads that aren’t used as much. Softer clicks are better choices for frequent use due to the fact that they are easier to depress.
From color to overall design, the customization options are virtually endless. Work with your rubber silicone manufacturer to create the most workable design for you.
Contact Si-Tech
Silicone Technology Corp. is a leader in custom keypads that are unique, functional, and technologically-advanced. We would be happy to go over the customizations available to you as they apply to your product needs and industry. Request a quote today!
