Custom Membrane Keypad — Tactile, Backlit, IP-Sealed (OEM/ODM)

Design a reliable, thin, sealed membrane switch / membrane keypad for industrial controls, medical devices, test instruments, appliances, kiosks, and fitness equipment. We manufacture custom membrane keypads with metal domes or polydomes, LED / LGF / EL backlighting, EMI/ESD shielding, and IP65–IP67 sealing—engineered to your enclosure and shipped worldwide.

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Quick Selector — What should I choose?

  • Need positive click through gloves? → Tactile membrane switch with stainless-steel domes (6–16 mm, 160–400 gf).

  • Want silent operation & ultra-thin? → Non-tactile (poly dome print or flat).

  • Even, thin backlight for many keys? → LED + light guide film (LGF) backlit membrane keypad.

  • Hidden-til-lit icons? → Dead-front windows with discrete LEDs.

  • Harsh cleaners / outdoors? → PET overlay, UV/chemical-resistant inks, IP65–IP67 gasket.

  • Noise/ESD sensitive? → EMI/ESD shielding layer + ground path.

How a membrane keypad is built

  • A keypad stack integrates: graphic overlay (PET/PC) → emboss layer → (optional) metal/polydome → printed circuit (silver + carbon) → spacer with vent channels → backlight (LED/LGF/EL, optional) → rear adhesive/gasket → FPC/ZIF tail or Molex/JST cable. The sealed construction creates a low-profile HMI panel that resists dust, moisture, and chemicals.

membrane switch construction

Options & Features

Feel & embossing

  • Tactile (metal dome / polydome) or non-tactile
  • Forces ~160–400 gf; travel, click ratio & sound tuned per use case
  • Rim / pillow / dome emboss, logo emboss; optional Braille dots

Backlighting

  • LGF + side-fire LEDs (thin, uniform)

  • Discrete top LEDs (bright indicators)

  • EL sheet (ultra-thin, needs inverter)

Sealing & ruggedization

  • IP65–IP67 perimeter gaskets, vent design, sealed windows

  • EMI/ESD shielding layer (printed shield or ITO), conductive gasket to chassis

Materials & finishes

  • Overlays: PET (chemical/UV) or PC (premium look, hard-coat scratch resistance)
  • Textures: fine matte / velvet / gloss; anti-glare; selective clear/tinted windows; dead-front icons
  • Inks: UV-stable, opaque whites for LED diffusion, metallic effects

Electronics & connectors

  • Tail pitch: 0.5 / 1.0 / 1.27 / 2.54 mm

  • Interfaces: FPC/ZIF, solder pads, Molex/JST housings

  • Matrix / common bus, optional diodes for anti-ghosting

Specs at a Glance

AttributeRange / Options
OverlayPET / PC, matte/velvet/gloss, hard-coat
TactilityNon-tactile / metal dome / polydome (6–16 mm)
Actuation~160–400 gf (custom)
BacklightingLED + LGF, discrete LED, EL
CircuitSilver + carbon pills on PET
Tail/ConnectorFPC/ZIF, Molex/JST; 0.5–2.54 mm
SealingUp to IP65–IP67
Adhesives3M™ 467MP/468MP (metals), 300LSE (LSE plastics), VHB, custom gaskets
Life>1–5 million actuations (design-dependent)
Environment−20 to +70 °C standard (higher by request), 90% RH

Compare: Membrane vs Silicone Rubber vs Capacitive

TechnologyProsConsiderations
MMembrane keypad (this page)Thin & sealed; low cost per key; backlit; custom graphic overlay; IP-capableLimited travel vs. mechanical; requires flat mounting surface
Silicone rubber keypadGreat tactile feel; key shapes; colored keytopsTaller stack; tooling for molds; sealing needs gasket design
Capacitive touchSleek glass/plastic surface; no moving partsNeeds controller tuning; wet/glove use and EMI require care

Design Checklist (DFM that speeds quoting)

  • Panel/enclosure: material & flatness, bezel step, target IP rating

  • Key feel: dome size/force, travel, spacing, sound

  • Backlight: legends to light, uniformity, color, current/voltage

  • Windows: LCD/OLED size, AR/hardness, dead-front yes/no

  • Electrics: matrix map, tail length & pitch, connector (FPC/ZIF / Molex / JST), ESD path

  • Mounting: 3M™ adhesive selection, alignment features, perimeter gasket

  • Branding: Pantone/CMYK, texture, logo emboss

design

Process & Lead Time

  • Quote + DFM — send drawing (DXF/AI/PDF), key count, lighting plan, tail spec, environment/IP goal, quantity.

  • Engineering — free stack-up & dieline, adhesive/dome recommendations.

  • Prototypes — color proof 24–48 h; samples 5–7 days.

  • Production & QC — 100% electrical test, luminance & tactile checks, cosmetic inspection.

  • Logistics — factory-direct from China (EXW/FOB/CIF), express/air/sea shipping, export-grade packing.

Get a Free Quote Today

Looking for a trusted manufacturer of custom membrane keypad for your machines, devices, or equipments?
Contact us today for design consultation and bulk pricing.