An electric membrane switch, also known as tactile or pressure sensitive switch is a thin and flexible electronic switch and is touch activated to make or break the electrical connection of a particular switch element. These switches are typically low-voltage switches and generally include an array of switches. Electric membrane switches can be tactile or non-tactile switches.

Electric membrane switches have different applications in both industrial and commercial fields such as ATM keypads, cell phones, computer keyboards, control panels, graphical keypads, test equipments and public information panels. Electric membrane switch design provides many advantages, such as being versatile, durable, user friendly and moisture and dirt resistant.

You must consider the following parameters before buying electric membrane switches:

1. Design of the electric membrane switches in terms of panel layout, key size, shape and graphic labels
2. The base films used in the electric membrane switch
3. Voltage and current ratings of the switch
4. Electric membrane switch prices compared to the prices of other switches
5. Material of construction for electric membrane switch parts: polyester, polycarbonate, rubber or silicon and metal

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy metal electric membrane switches from reputable electric membrane switch manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, buy membrane switch made of metal from a reputable manufacturer available on the market.

I recommend: Douglas Corporation is a world leader and manufacturer of a wide array of customized metal electric membrane switches. Another manufacturer is Pannam Imaging which is a world leader in printed circuit board assembly membrane switches as well as design of small to medium customized membrane switches.

Find non-metal electric membrane switches from electric membrane switch manufacturers

You can also buy a non-metal membrane switch which meets your specification from a reputable manufacturer available in the market.

I recommend: Sigma 6 is a contact manufacturer of electronic components including tactile graphic dome membrane switches and tactile polyester dome membrane switches. Another manufacturer is Ryan Screen Printing that provides electric membrane switches to a wide range of sectors such as medical, industrial and consumer products.

Buy customized electric membrane switches from a reputable manufacturer and distributor

You can buy a custom electric membrane switch from electric membrane switch distributors or manufacturers. You can also buy industrial electric membrane switches for specialty application from these manufacturers and distributors.

I recommend: Dawar Technologies provides a wide array of electric membrane switch panels customized to the needs of customers. The Hall Company is an international leader that provides hi-tech engineering solutions for both tactile and non-tactile membrane switches. Xymox Technologies also provides a complete range of customized electric membrane switches.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You should check for the sealing of the electric membrane switches, as inadequate sealing will cause malfunctioning of the switch when contaminated with moisture, chemicals and extreme temperature exposure.
• •  Make sure the base film of the membrane switches are resistant to deformation because the switching action of a switch requires repeated pressing.