All

Metal Dome vs PCB Contact Keypads | Technical Comparison Metal Dome vs PCB Contact Keypads Complete technical comparison guide for engineers and product designers seeking optimal keypad solutions Keypad Technology Overview Selecting the appropriate keypad technology is a critical decision in electronic device design, impacting user experience, durability, and overall product performance. This comprehensive guide compares two predominant technologies: metal dome silicone keypads and PCB contact keypads, providing technical insights for informed decision-making. Both technologies serve distinct market segments with specific advantages. Metal dome keypads excel in demanding environments requiring high reliability, while PCB contact keypads offer cost-effective solutions for standard applications. Metal Dome Silicone Keypads This technology combines stainless steel snap domes with silicone rubber encapsulation. The metal domes provide exceptional tactile feedback, while the silicone offers environmental protection and sealing. Construction typically includes a graphic overlay, silicone spacer with embedded domes, and contact points on a PCB. When pressed, the stainless steel dome collapses, creating a reliable electrical connection with minimal contact resistance. This design ensures consistent performance across millions of actuations. PCB Contact Keypads PCB contact keypads utilize direct contact between conductive elements and exposed PCB traces. These keypads typically consist of a flexible membrane or rubber overlay printed with conductive ink (carbon or silver) that makes contact with PCB pads when pressed. This simplified construction reduces manufacturing costs and allows for greater design flexibility. However, contact resistance is generally higher, and environmental protection is limited unless additional sealing is implemented. Technical Specifications Comparison The table below provides a detailed side-by-side comparison of key technical parameters for both keypad technologies, highlighting their distinct characteristics and performance metrics. Technical Parameter Metal Dome Silicone Keypads PCB Contact Keypads Construction Method Stainless steel domes embedded within silicone rubber matrix with graphic overlay Membrane or rubber overlay with printed conductive pads contacting PCB traces Tactile Feedback Quality Excellent - sharp, crisp tactile click with consistent actuation force Variable - ranges from mushy to moderate depending on materials and design Activation Force Range 160-350 grams (maintains consistency throughout lifespan) 50-250 grams (may vary with wear and environmental conditions) Operational Lifespan 5-10 million actuations per dome (high reliability) 1-5 million actuations (susceptible to contact wear and oxidation) Environmental Protection IP67 or higher (silicone provides natural sealing against moisture, dust) IP40 typical (limited protection unless additional sealing implemented) Contact Resistance Very low ( Higher (100-500Ω), increases with contact wear and oxidation Cost Considerations Higher initial investment but lower lifetime cost due to durability Lower initial cost but potentially higher long-term replacement costs Design Flexibility Moderate - limited by standard dome sizes and placement requirements High - easily customized to circuit layouts without mechanical constraints Key Features & Advantages Metal Dome Silicone Keypad Advantages Superior Tactile Experience Provides consistent, crisp tactile feedback with audible click confirmation for each keypress. This enhances user satisfaction and reduces input errors in critical applications. Enhanced Durability Stainless steel domes withstand 5-10 million actuations without significant performance degradation, making them ideal for high-frequency applications. Environmental Resistance Silicone rubber naturally resists moisture, dust, chemicals, and UV exposure, allowing for high IP ratings without additional components. PCB Contact Keypad Advantages Cost-Effective Solution Lower manufacturing costs due to simpler construction with fewer components, ideal for cost-sensitive consumer electronics. Design Flexibility PCB layouts can be easily modified to accommodate different keypad configurations without retooling mechanical components. Slim Profile Design Can be manufactured with minimal thickness requirements, making them suitable for ultra-slim device designs where space is limited. Industry Applications Each keypad technology serves specific industry needs based on performance characteristics, environmental requirements, and durability expectations. Metal Dome Keypad Applications M Medical Equipment Sterilization-resistant interfaces for diagnostic machines, surgical devices, and patient monitoring systems requiring high reliability. I Industrial Controls Heavy-duty control panels for manufacturing equipment, process control systems, and factory automation. A Automotive Systems Dashboard controls, infotainment interfaces, climate controls, and vehicle management systems. PCB Contact Keypad Applications C Consumer Electronics Remote controls, calculators, home appliances, and personal electronic devices with moderate usage. O Office Equipment Printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, and other business equipment used in controlled environments. E Educational Devices Learning tools, interactive displays, classroom technology, and training equipment. Shared Applications S Security Systems Access control panels, alarm systems, surveillance controls, and security interfaces. H Home Automation Smart home controllers, lighting systems, climate controls, and residential automation interfaces. P POS Systems Point-of-sale terminals, payment processors, retail interfaces, and transaction systems. Technical Specifications Detailed performance specifications for both keypad technologies based on industry-standard testing conditions: 5-10M Actuations (Metal Dome) 1-5M Actuations (PCB Contact) Contact Resistance (Metal Dome) 100-500Ω Contact Resistance (PCB) -40°C to 85°C Operating Temperature (Metal Dome) 0°C to 70°C Operating Temperature (PCB) IP67+ Sealing Rating (Metal Dome) IP40 Sealing Rating (PCB Contact) Selection Guidelines Choosing the appropriate keypad technology requires careful consideration of application requirements, environmental conditions, and performance expectations. Choose Metal Dome When: Superior tactile feedback and user experience are critical requirements Device will operate in harsh environments with exposure to moisture, dust, or chemicals Long product life with minimal maintenance is required (5+ million actuations) Consistent actuation force over millions of cycles is necessary for reliable operation Application involves medical, industrial, or automotive equipment where reliability is paramount Environmental sealing (IP67 or higher) is needed without additional components Choose PCB Contact When: Minimizing cost is the primary concern for the project Device will be used in controlled indoor environments without harsh conditions Design flexibility and rapid prototyping are important considerations Ultra-low profile or slim device design is required Application involves consumer electronics with moderate usage expectations Quick design iteration cycle with minimal tooling costs is necessary Hybrid Solutions: For some applications, hybrid solutions combining elements of both technologies may be optimal. For example, using metal domes for critical frequently-used keys and PCB contacts for secondary functions can balance cost and performance requirements effectively. Need Professional Guidance? Our engineering team specializes in keypad technology selection and can help you choose the optimal solution for your specific application requirements, environmental conditions, and budget constraints. Contact us for a free technical consultation, sample evaluation, or custom design proposal tailored to your project needs. Contact Our Experts Today { "@context": "https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org" rel="nofollow"https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Metal Dome vs PCB Contact Keypads Technical Comparison", "description": "Comprehensive technical comparison between metal dome silicone keypads and PCB contact keypads for industrial and consumer applications.", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Keypad Technologies Inc." }, "datePublished": "2023-10-15", "dateModified": "2023-10-15", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" rel="nofollow"https://www.keypadtech.com/keypad-technologies-comparison" } }

Silicone vs ABS/POM Keypads - Technical Comparison | FromRubber Silicone vs. ABS/POM Keypads:  Complete Technical Comparison An authoritative guide to help engineers and designers select the optimal keypad material for their specific application requirements. FromRubber Manufacturing Expertise Silicone Rubber Keypads Soft-touch, Sealed & Durable Soft, elastic tactile response Unibody construction with integrated seals Excellent environmental resistance (IP67/IP68) Extreme temperature range (-55°C to 200°C+) Molded-in legends for maximum durability Reduced assembly complexity ABS/POM Plastic Keypads Mechanical, Crisp & Modular Hard, crisp mechanical tactile feel Discrete keycap design No inherent sealing (requires gaskets) Limited temperature range Switch-dependent durability Modular and customizable Detailed Feature Comparison Feature Silicone Keypads ABS/POM Keypads Material & Tactility Soft, elastic material providing a damped, quiet tactile snap from a collapsible dome structure. Hard, rigid plastic delivering a crisp, mechanical feel dictated entirely by an underlying switch mechanism. Design & Integration Unibody construction allowing multiple keys, seals, and membranes in a single molded part. Simplifies assembly and reduces part count. Discrete keycaps requiring individual mounting on switches and supporting structures. More complex assembly with higher part count. Environmental Sealing (IP Rating) Inherent, excellent sealing against dust and moisture. Easily achieves IP67/IP68 ratings with proper design. No inherent sealing. Requires additional gaskets, o-rings, or membranes to achieve any IP rating, adding complexity and cost. Durability & Wear Resistance High cycle life (1-5 million+ actuations). Molded-in legends are virtually indestructible. Resists fatigue well. Durability depends on the switch (typically 20-100 million cycles). Legends can wear unless double-shot molded. Surface may gloss over time. Temperature & Chemical Resistance Exceptional range (-55°C to 200°C+). Excellent weather and UV resistance. Good chemical resistance to water, alcohols, diluted acids/bases. Limited range (approx. -20°C to 80°C/110°C). ABS yellows with UV exposure. POM has better chemical resistance but both are unsuitable for harsh environments. Cost & Manufacturing Higher tooling cost but lower per-unit assembled cost due to integrated design reducing labor and components. Moderate tooling cost but higher total assembled cost due to multiple components (keycaps, switches, PCB) and extensive assembly labor. Ideal Applications Silicone Keypad Applications Medical Devices & Equipment Industrial Control Panels Outdoor & Marine Electronics Automotive Interior Controls Kitchen & Home Appliances Remote Controls & Handheld Devices Laboratory & Testing Equipment Any application requiring IP sealing ABS/POM Keypad Applications Gaming Keyboards & Peripherals Computer Keyboards (Office/Home) Data Entry Terminals Point-of-Sale Systems Test & Measurement Equipment (benign environments) Audio/Video Studio Controllers Hobbyist & Custom Mechanical Keyboards Applications where modularity is prioritized Material Selection Guide Choose Silicone When: Your design requires environmental sealing (dust/water), must withstand extreme temperatures or harsh conditions, benefits from unibody design that reduces assembly complexity, or needs a soft-touch, quiet interface. Choose ABS/POM When: The primary requirement is a specific, crisp mechanical tactile feedback, the design requires hot-swappable or modular key components, or the application is in a controlled indoor environment where sealing is not a concern. Need Expert Guidance on Your Keypad Design? As specialists in silicone rubber manufacturing, FromRubber provides comprehensive design support and prototyping services to ensure your keypad solution meets all technical requirements and user experience goals.

Fromrubber is a Chinese factory specializing in silicone rubber OEM/ODM services. .Our factory was established in 2010 and has a 15,000 square meter production base, 220 advanced production equipment, 220 employees, and 5 complete production lines.Our online store link is bohaodz【https://bohaodz.en.alibaba.com/】.Some customers may misunderstand that our website is written as fromrubber, but the store name is bohaodz. In fact, it belongs to the same company bohaodz. Fromrubber is our website domain name to ensure the consistency of the website.Our main export markets are Europe, America, and Southeast Asia. Our main custom projects focus on consumer goods, 3C electronics, aerospace, auto parts, and household silicone. Our factory is ISO9001/ISO14001/IATF16949 certified, and our products are ROHS/REACH/FDA certified.Our customization capabilities are extremely flexible, adapting to both mass production for corporate customers and rapid prototyping for small and medium-sized customers. Because we have a complete process chain, all processes can be done in-house.If you have custom requirements, please contact us for a free quote.

When silicone manufacturers receive orders, customers are generally required to provide either 3D drawings or physical samples of the products to be customized. 3D drawings are more convenient. They enable accurate price estimating, mold opening, and production. Why are 3D drawings so important? When we evaluate the price of silicone products, it is mainly divided into two parts:1. Mold price 2. Product price 3 factors affect the mold price. 1. Mold Material      (common steel types include NAK80, 718, S136...) 2. Mold Size            (common sizes are 250*250, 300*300 (unit: mm)) 3. The structure of the productThe more cavities a mold has, the higher the mold price.The product structure is complex, the mold-making process takes a long time, and the mold price is high. 3 factors that affect product unit price 1. Product size 2. Product structure 3. Product order quantityIn short, the price of a product is related to production efficiency. For example, if a simple structure product is produced 1,000 pieces a day, the unit price is $1. If a complex structure product is produced 500 pieces a day, the unit price is $1.5. So how do you know if a product is complex? Will a small structure greatly increase the difficulty of mold making? That depends on the 3D drawing of the product. The complexity of the product structure has a great impact on the cost and time of production. 3D drawings are tools that allow us to visually observe product structures and are essential for evaluating product prices.

●FDA Silicone Definition：FDA silicone refers to silicone materials that meet the safety and quality standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ●FDA Advantage:This type of silicone is usually used in scenarios where it comes in direct contact with food, beverages, medicines or medical equipment. It is widely used because of its non-toxic, odorless, high temperature resistance, and chemical corrosion resistance. ●FDA Silicone Application：FDA silicone must comply with relevant FDA regulations (such as 21 CFR 177.2600) to ensure that it does not release harmful substances during use and is suitable for food processing, medical devices, baby products and other fields. To learn more about raw materials, please click  The top three manufacturers of FDA silicone are: 1.Dow Corning：Dow Corning is one of the leaders in the silicone industry, providing a variety of FDA-compliant silicone products that are widely used in food-grade and medical-grade applications. Its products are known for their high performance and reliability.2.Wacker Chemie AG：Wacker Chemie of Germany is a globally renowned chemical company that produces a variety of FDA-approved silicone materials, including liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and high consistency rubber (HCR), suitable for food contact and medical applications.3.Momentive Performance Materials:Momentive provides a variety of FDA silicone solutions. Its product line includes food-grade silicone and medical silicone, which are widely used in kitchen utensils, seals and medical device manufacturing. FromRubber is a silicone manufacturer with 15 years of custom experience. For the safety of customers, the lowest grade of raw materials used by the factory are FDA grade. If  need custom silicone products, maybe contact me. Quick review and quotation.

Is there any charge for modifying the mold? Whether there is a charge for mold modification is a question that many custom customers have in mind.Why did the factory charge me for some minor changes? Are they trying to trick me into paying more? The first one is that after communicating the product requirements with the factory, if the product does not meet the standards, the customer does not need to pay for the mold and can just ask the supplier to improve the mold.The second is that after the product meets the requirements, the customer adds new changes to the product, such as adjusting the size of some areas. In this case, the cost of this change is the responsibility of the customer.To sum up, it depends on whether you have adequate communication with the factory about the product in the early stage.

Usually before Customing silicone keys, you need to confirm the product's hardness, color, process and other information. (For more information, please see my previous FAQ-What information is required to customize silicone products?) 1.Through STP Design, engineers design CNC programs to carve the required shapes on the steel. 2.After the prototype mold is made, the raw materials are refined. The required colors and special properties are added in this step. 3.Cut the raw materials into corresponding small pieces, put them into the mold and press them into the corresponding shape. This step is to transform the customer's design into an actual sample. The actual installation will show the test effect. The above is a sample production process. The following document is a detailed silicone rubber product customization process. If you happen to be customizing silicone rubber products, you can refer to the process. Silicone Products Custom Process If you have any questions, you can also contact my email (Karl@fromrubber.com), so that I can help you faster

1.Customize the information you need to provide From the perspective of a silicone supplier, let me show you the information you need to provide for custom projects As a silicone products supplier, we usually handle different information in three categories: 1.only ideaThose who only have ideas usually prefer to buy spot goods. It is only when they cannot find the right one in the market that they want to customize. Usually the customer's needs are not urgent. It is difficult to start the project.2. only samplesCustomers who customize based on actual samples usually purchase them from competitors and send them to Chinese suppliers to evaluate whether they can customize the same products. They have urgent needs for projects and want to quickly imitate their competitors' products to grab market share. It is also possible that the customer's equipment has damaged accessories and needs to be replaced according to the original size. Usually the demand is small and they are more sensitive to price.3.STP designCustomers who have STP format designs are very familiar with the silicone rubber industry, have a good understanding of product parameters, and have very clear goals. They also have their own engineers to work with. Their customization speed is the fastest because no additional adjustments are required. After confirming the requirements directly with the supplier, they only need to control the product quality. （Take the left button product as an example） The information you need to provide is as follows✔It is necessary to provide product design drawings, whether it is a sample or STP design✔Hardness of silicone rubber material✔Product surface technology，Printing/laser engraving/spraying, etc.✔The back process of the product, whether it uses conductive pills or conductive ink, or whether it does not need to be conductiveThe above are the questions that may be asked. In fact, customization may be a little biased.（If you want to know more about the process mentioned, click to jump to the corresponding page.）

Many customers will encounter problems with customized products. How to solve them? First, figure out if it's the supplier's mess-up or your order getting screwed.If it's the supplier's problem: 1. Snap some pics or videos to show what's wrong with the product. 2. Hit up the person in charge, tell him the issue, and sort out a fix. 3. Get him to comp you or remake it and ship it out.If it's the Client's problem:1.Place a new order and tell the supplier to produce and manufacture as soon as possible.2.For safe production, confirm all product information with suppliers before mass production. The most important thing is to check the information. And confirm whether the product is qualified at the sample stage. If you still don’t know how to do it, please tell the supplier to make it according to the sample. As a professional silicone product manufacturer, FromRubber is committed to solving detail problems for customers and reducing risks in the customization process.If you are customizing products, you may wish to contact us to listen to expert advice (free of charge for consultation) hah. Thank you for reading

Tolerances for moulded rubber products As shown in the figure on the right, the tolerances of rubber products are in class M1/C. Usually silicone rubber products factory is to use this standard to determine whether the product meets the requirements. And this is also the international uniform standard.

Some silicone products have an unpleasant odor because manufacturers may use low-quality, inexpensive curing agents to cut costs. These curing agents, which are chemicals that help silicone materials harden, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that cause the smell. Unlike our environmentally friendly curing agents that pass rigorous ROHS testing, these lower-quality options can leave behind residual odors. At fromrubber, we believe that customer satisfaction is our ultimate measure of success.

The Importance of Prototype Mold Manufacturing In the product development process, prototype mold manufacturing is a method used to quickly create initial molds for design validation, functionality testing, or small-batch trial production. These molds are usually simpler and more cost-effective than final production molds but still provide a good representation of the product’s design and functionality. Purpose of Prototype Mold Manufacturing Design Validation Prototype molds allow the design team to evaluate the product’s appearance, dimensions, and structure in the early stages, ensuring they meet expectations. Functionality Testing Small batches of products can be produced using prototype molds for performance testing, ensuring the product functions correctly under real-world conditions. Market Feedback Prototype molds can be used to create early product samples for presentation to customers or the market, gathering feedback to refine the design. Production Process Optimization Testing with prototype molds helps identify potential issues in the manufacturing process, allowing for improvements to streamline mass production later. Characteristics of Prototype Molds Lower Cost Prototype molds are generally less expensive to manufacture compared to final production molds, as they often use more affordable materials like aluminum, resin, or other easily processed materials instead of costly steel. Short Production Cycle The creation of prototype molds is relatively quick, making them ideal for rapid iteration and adjustments during the early stages of product development. Short Lifespan Prototype molds are less durable, making them suitable for small batch production or short-term testing, but they cannot withstand long-term, high-volume production. Before starting your project, please reach out to us to discuss how to create high-quality prototype molds. With our expert services, you can significantly enhance the success rate of your product development and ensure that your product better meets market demands.For more information,consult us now!

Conductive Methods Conductive pills ●Resistance value：10^-2 Ω·cm●Conventional shape：Round, torus●Applications：Flexible electronics, coatings Conductive ink ●Resistance value：10^-3 to 1 Ω·cm●Conventional shape：Arbitrary shape●Applications：RFID antennas, printed circuits Metal pills ●Resistance value：2.44 × 10^-8 Ω·m●Conventional shape：Round, torus●Applications：Chip packaging, aerospace devices

The function played by prototype molds The customization of silicone rubber products is divided into two major steps.1.Make the prototype mold.2.Make the Production mold. The significance of making prototype molds is considered from the following points.1.Detection of possible problems from design to sample.2. Test the parts to see if they meet the requirements before mass production.3.Low cost of adjusting prototype molds.4.Prototype molds can help customers test the difference between samples of different colors and different hardnesses.5.The best solution for testing product colors....Overall, prototype molds can help customers avoid more risks, adjust and make the most suitable samples.