If you’re looking for a dependable, low-maintenance switch option, membrane switches may be a good choice for you. Membrane switches are made up of silicone rubber and metal contacts, such as brass, which is not only flexible but also durable. You can easily buy brass metal from quality providers, and they offer customization, a long life span, and effortless cleaning. Learn more about the benefits of membrane switches in this blog post.
What is a Membrane Switch?
Membrane switches offer several unique benefits when compared to traditional toggle or rocker switches. They are typically smaller and easier to use, making them ideal for portable devices and other applications where space is limited.
The benefits and advantages of using membrane switches overshadow the other types. All you need to do is find professional membrane switch manufacturers to get the highest quality switches. Membrane switches also offer an intuitive user experience, with a respond-once design that minimizes the potential for accidental actuation.
But to be more specific, a membrane switch can be defined as either a type of human-machine interface or a circuit-controlling system, which is made from flexible material stacked upon layer upon layer. Graphics are printed on these plastic films, and their purpose is to open or close electric circuits.
Membrane switches are commonly found on household appliances such as microwaves, fridges, televisions, remote controls, and others.
How are they Different from Mechanical Switches?
One of the biggest questions that many people who are new to membrane switches are, “how do they differ from mechanical switches?”. The confusion usually comes in because both membrane and mechanical switches do the same thing; they open or close electrical circuits.
The main difference between a membrane switch and a mechanical switch is that membrane switches are made from a flexible material, so they can be used anywhere. In contrast, mechanical switches are usually made from hard plastic, like the switch to a room light.
Many businesses still choose to use mechanical switches since they are cheaper to make. They are also quicker, but their function is rather limited and can limit designs.
Parts of a Membrane Switch
The next step to understanding what a membrane switch is is to understand how it is made, what parts it has, and how it works. The first thing to understand is that membrane switches are made from several layers usually held together with heat sealing films or pressure-sensitive adhesives.
The components that make up a membrane switch are usually metal domes, conductive tracks, a spacer, a circuit tail, and overlays with graphical elements. The overlay is the first layer of the membrane switch that you will see. It has the user interface printed on it, which inform the user which button does what.
The metal domes are exactly that; thin sheets of metal that have been curved, which simulate a button that provides a tactile response when pushed. Underneath the metal dome is the spacer layer, which basically provides a break in contact between conductors, allowing circuits to be turned on or off.
Benefits of Membrane Switches
One of the biggest benefits that membrane switches offer is their flexible design. They don’t take up much shape, so they’re great to use with any appliance that requires space to be saved. This is one of the reasons they became so popular in the first place, especially with technological appliances reducing in size.
Another benefit is that they are immune to water damage due to their sealed-off design, which also makes them resistant to dust and dirt, making the interfaces very easy to clean. The interface of the switch is also easy to make; once a design has been created, it just needs to be digitally printed on the switch.
In terms of user experience, membrane switches hold a slight advantage over touch screens. This is because membrane switches provide tactile feedback to let you know that a button has been pressed, which is something that touch screen user interfaces don’t do. Lastly, membrane switches can cost less to produce than mechanical or touch screen interfaces since they require fewer materials.