Chinese Factory OEM/ODM Durable PU Coated Silicone Keypad
Overview:
A PU-coated silicone keyboard, also referred to as an oil-coated silicone keyboard, integrates a polyurethane coating that significantly enhances durability and protects symbols and characters from abrasion. This coating imparts a smooth, matte finish, delivering both a refined texture and a professional appearance. The PU coating is typically applied to keyboards featuring screen-printed icons and graphics, as well as laser-etched silicone keyboards, to provide an additional layer of protection. The production process involves compression molding, which ensures precise formation of the silicone base before applying the protective coating. This combination of compression molding and PU coating guarantees the longevity and resilience of the keyboard’s printed elements.
Surface Protection Options for Rubber Keypads:
- PU (Polyurethane) Coating:
Delivers superior durability and protection compared to conventional oil coatings, extending the keypad’s performance life. This coating ensures robust resistance to wear and maintains the keypad’s functionality over time.
- Epoxy Coating:
Applies a transparent resin layer that provides a clear, visually appealing finish. This coating enhances the aesthetic quality of the rubber keypad while offering a degree of protection.
- Plastic Keycaps:
Offers excellent protection and longevity, though the production process is more intricate and costly. These keycaps are molded separately and affixed to the keypad, providing robust coverage and a refined appearance.
- Oil Coating:
A cost-effective option for manufacturing keypads, though it provides less durability compared to PU or epoxy coatings. Oil coatings are a practical choice for budget-conscious projects where high durability is not a critical requirement.
Surface Treatments:
– Oil and PU Coating: Provides a matte finish that delivers a smooth, tactile feel while enhancing durability and protection. These coatings effectively shield surface icons and graphics, contributing to the keyboard’s longevity.
– Epoxy Coating: Applies a glossy, transparent layer that enhances the visual appeal of the surface. This treatment improves the clarity and vibrancy of the graphics, ensuring long-lasting aesthetic quality.
These surface treatments are meticulously engineered to extend the functional life of your keyboard, safeguard surface markings, and preserve the vibrant colors of silicone buttons.
Classification of Silicone Buttons by Conductivity:
Silicone rubber keyboards can be distinguished by their conductive mechanisms, with four primary types based on their conduction methods:
- Carbon Pill Silicone Keyboards: These keyboards incorporate carbon pills beneath the rubber buttons, providing reliable conductivity and an extended operational lifespan. Carbon pill systems are noted for their consistent performance over time.
- Conductive Ink Silicone Buttons: Utilize conductive ink applied to the silicone surface, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution for conduction. This method is suitable for applications where budget constraints are a consideration.
- Gold Pill Silicone Keyboards: Feature gold-plated conductive pills, which provide low electrical resistance and are ideal for high-precision, high-performance applications. Gold pill keyboards are chosen for their superior conductivity and durability.
- Metal Dome Rubber Keyboards: Employ metal domes as the conductive element, delivering tactile feedback and exceptional durability. This design combines effective conductivity with a robust tactile response.
The choice of silicone keyboard type depends on specific conductivity and resistance requirements, with carbon pill keyboards generally offering lower resistance and greater longevity compared to those using conductive ink.