What is the difference between silicone switches and membrane switches?

There are differences between silicone switches and membrane switches in multiple aspects.

1、In terms of structural composition

Silicon Switches

Silicone switches are mainly composed of silicone buttons and internal conductive rubber or metal spring plates.The silicone button itself is a whole,and its shape and touch are mainly determined by the molding process of silicone.Silicone material is soft and elastic,and the button part can be designed with different molds to present various three-dimensional shapes,such as circular,square,or shapes with special textures.

The internal conductive rubber or metal spring is responsible for achieving circuit conductivity when the button is pressed.Conductive rubber is a rubber material with conductive properties that can make contact with the contacts on the circuit board under pressure,completing signal transmission;Metal shrapnel usually has better conductivity and elastic recovery ability,ensuring the sensitivity of buttons.

Thin film switch

Thin film switch is a multi-layer structure.The outer layer is a panel layer,usually made of polyester(PET)or polycarbonate(PC)material,used to protect internal circuits and provide an operating interface.Below it is the printed circuit layer,which forms circuits on polyester film through screen printing of conductive ink and is responsible for signal transmission.

There is an isolation layer in the middle,which uses insulating materials to separate different parts of the circuit layer to prevent short circuits.In some membrane switches,there will also be a spring layer used to provide tactile feedback and reliable electrical contact,similar to the spring function of silicone switches,but with a more complex overall structure.

2、In terms of performance characteristics

Touch experience

The silicone switch has a soft and elastic touch.When the button is pressed,the silicone material will undergo some deformation,giving a soft feedback.And silicone can change the tactile sensation by adjusting parameters such as hardness.For example,in some waterproof devices,softer silicone buttons can seal better.

The tactile sensation of membrane switches varies depending on their structure.If there is a layer of shrapnel,there will be a noticeable tactile feedback when pressed,similar to mechanical buttons;Thin film switches without a shrapnel layer have a relatively flat tactile sensation,but some thin film switch panels can also provide a better tactile sensation after being treated with sandblasting and other methods.

durability

The durability of silicone switches mainly depends on the quality of the silicone material itself and the usage environment.Silica gel has good corrosion resistance and aging resistance,and can be used for a long time under normal environment.However,if exposed to high temperatures or certain chemicals for a long time,silicone may experience aging,deformation,and other issues.

The durability of membrane switches is related to the materials and manufacturing processes of each layer.High quality membrane switches have wear-resistant and scratch resistant panel layers,strong adhesion of conductive ink in printed circuit layers,and stable insulation performance in isolation layers.However,if the membrane switch is scratched by sharp objects or excessively bent,it may damage the internal wiring.

3、In terms of application scenarios

Silicon Switches

Silicone switches are widely used in outdoor equipment,kitchen appliances,bathroom equipment,and other products that require high sealing due to their excellent waterproof and dustproof performance.For example,the remote control of outdoor smart lighting fixtures can effectively prevent rainwater and dust from entering by using silicone switches.

Thin film switch

Thin film switches are more suitable for use in electronic products that require high appearance design and lightweight structures.Devices such as electronic dictionaries and small calculators,membrane switches can achieve complex functional button layouts in limited space,and can print exquisite patterns and logos to enhance the overall aesthetics of the product.