What is a “Metal Dome Membrane Switch”?

The Metal Dome Membrane Switch is a kind of switch assembly which uses the metal dome as the conductive contact and combines the film circuit layer, adhesive layer, panel layer and other multi-layer structure. Its working principle is that when the user presses the key on the panel layer, the metal dome under the key is deformed by pressure, and contact with the contact on the film circuit layer, thus conducting the power line. When the key is released, the metal dome returns to its original state, separating from the contact, and the circuit is disconnected. In this way, the metal dome membrane switch realizes the on-off control of the circuit.

Features & Benefits of Metal Dome Membrane Switch Include:

Product Features

Multi-layer structure design:

Metal dome membrane switch is usually composed of metal dome, film circuit layer, adhesive layer and panel layer and other multi-layer structure, which makes the switch more stable and reliable in function and performance.

Metal dome contacts:

As the conductive contact of the switch, the metal dome is made of stainless steel or other metal materials and has excellent elastic and conductive properties. This allows the switch to provide clear tactile feedback when pressed and released, and to maintain a good conductive connection.

Thin film circuit layer:

The thin film circuit layer contains conductive lines and contact patterns and is a key part of the circuit connection and disconnection. It is usually made using advanced printing and etching technology, with high precision and reliability.

Adhesive layer and panel layer:

The adhesive layer binds the film circuit layer to the metal dome or panel layer to ensure the stability and tightness of the switch. The panel layer is used as the user operation interface, printed with key identification, providing intuitive operation guidance.

Highly customizable:

The metal dome membrane switch is highly customizable in terms of shape, size, key layout, backlight color, etc., to meet the individual needs of different industries and products.

Product Benefits

Long life and stability:

The excellent elastic and conductive properties of the metal dome make the switch have a long service life and stable performance. It can maintain good working condition even under frequent pressure and harsh environment.

Excellent tactile feedback:

The design of the metal dome allows the switch to provide clear tactile feedback when pressed, allowing the user to clearly perceive the activation of the key. This feedback helps improve user experience and operational accuracy.

Waterproof, dustproof and oil proof:

Metal dome membrane switches are usually waterproof, dustproof and oil-proof to maintain stable performance in a variety of harsh environments. This makes it particularly suitable for outdoor equipment, industrial control equipment and other occasions that need to withstand the test of harsh environments.

Easy to clean and maintain:

The metal dome membrane switch is relatively easy to clean and maintain due to its flat surface and low accumulation of dust and dirt. This helps keep the equipment clean and hygienic, and extends its service life.

How Are Metal Dome Membrane Switch Constructed?

Panel layer:

Materials: Usually PVC, PC, PET and other flexible plastic materials.

Function: As the outermost layer of the entire film switch, it not only plays a role in protecting the internal circuit, but also enhances the visual effect and user experience through different colors, patterns and key shapes.

Features: The key part is designed as a raised shape to increase the accuracy and comfort of finger touch.

Upper circuit layer:

Materials: Conductive materials such as silver paste or carbon paste are printed on films such as PET.

Function: The circuit part that forms the film switch, when the key is pressed, the contact of the upper circuit will deform and contact the lower circuit, thereby leading the current path.

Features: At the drum key, the upper circuit layer may have a special convex design to match the raised key of the panel layer.

Isolation layer:

Material: Insulating material.

Function: It plays an isolated role between the upper circuit layer and the lower circuit layer to prevent the circuit from conducting in the non-operating state.

Lower circuit layer:

Material: Similar to the upper circuit layer, it is also a conductive material printed on a film.

Function: Cooperate with the upper circuit layer to form a complete circuit circuit. When the key is pressed, the contact of the upper circuit contacts the plate of the lower circuit, thus achieving circuit conduction.

Back adhesive

According to the use of the product environment and requirements, choose the appropriate type of back adhesive, such as waterproof, temperature resistance, super bonding, etc. We offer 3M, Crown, Soken, Nitto, Sony, Luxking and other adhesive brands.

Special design

Bulge design: The core feature of the bulge key film switch is the convex design of the key part. This design not only increases the accuracy of finger touch, but also improves the aesthetics and operating comfort of the product. The bulge is usually formed by applying heat and pressure treatment to a specific area during the manufacture of the film switch, causing the material in that area to expand and bulge.

Metal shrapnel: In some drum key film switches, metal shrapnel (also known as pot piece) is also installed below the key. The metal shrapnel not only enhances the touch, but also acts as a conductive and stable circuit. When the key is pressed, the metal shrapnel is simultaneously stressed and deformed, thus ensuring the stable conduction of the circuit.

What Special Features Can Be Incorporated into Metal Dome Membrane Switch?

Customized key shapes and layouts:

The high customizability of the metal dome membrane switch allows designers to customize the shape, size and layout of the keys according to product requirements and user habits. This not only improves the aesthetics of the product, but also optimizes the user experience.

Backlighting and lighting functions:

LED lights or other lighting elements can be added below the panel layer of the metal dome membrane switch to backlight or illuminate the keys. This design provides better visibility at night or in low light environments, enhancing the utility of the product.

Waterproof and dustproof design:

Through the use of special sealing materials and structural design, the metal dome membrane switch can achieve a higher level of water and dust resistance. This is particularly important for outdoor equipment, industrial control equipment and other occasions that need to withstand the test of harsh environments.

Touch feedback adjustment:

Factors such as the thickness, material and shape of the metal dome can affect the tactile feedback of the keys. By adjusting these factors, metal dome membrane switches with different tactile feedback characteristics can be designed to meet the preferences and needs of different users.

Anti-static and electromagnetic shielding:

In some applications, it is necessary to prevent static electricity and electromagnetic interference from affecting the device. The metal dome membrane switch can be specially designed to do this by adding an anti-static coating or an electromagnetic shield.

Long life and durability:

The metal dome of the metal dome membrane switch is usually made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, which has a long service life and excellent durability. In addition, by optimizing the structural design and material selection of the switch, its life and durability can be further improved.

What Industries Use Metal Dome Membrane Switch?

Consumer Electronics Industry:

Smartphones and tablets: The metal dome membrane switch is commonly used in the side keys, volume keys and power keys of these devices, providing a stable conductive connection and obvious haptic feedback.

Digital cameras and camcorders: In photographic equipment, it is used to control buttons, menu navigation keys, etc., to ensure that users can operate the equipment accurately and quickly.

Game console and remote control: In the gamepad and remote control, the metal dome membrane switch is used to implement various control functions, such as arrow keys, function keys, etc.

Household Appliance Industry:

Kitchen appliances: such as microwave ovens, ovens, rice cookers, etc., the control panel of these devices often uses metal dome membrane switch to achieve various function selection and control.

Washing machine and refrigerator: Buttons and switches on the control panel provide a user-friendly interface.

Medical Equipment Industry:

In medical equipment, metal dome membrane switch is widely used due to its waterproof, dustproof and durable properties. It is used in control panels, monitoring equipment and treatment instruments, etc., to ensure the stability and reliability of equipment.

Industrial control industry:

In industrial automation and control systems, metal dome membrane switches are used in various control panels and operating interfaces for precise control and monitoring of equipment.

Automotive Electronics Industry:

Inside the car, the metal dome membrane switch is often used to control buttons and switches in the center console, steering wheel and door, providing a convenient operating experience for drivers and passengers.

Financial and self-service Devices:

For example, ATM machines, self-service ticket machines and self-service inquiry machines, their control panels and operation interfaces often adopt metal dome membrane switch to achieve various function selection and operation.

Military and Aerospace:

In these high-tech areas, metal dome membrane switches are used in a variety of control devices and instruments due to their high reliability and durability.