OEM Silicone Keypad with Durable PU Coating
Overview:
A PU-coated silicone keyboard, also known as an oil-coated silicone keyboard, features a polyurethane coating that significantly enhances its durability and shields symbols and characters from wear. This coating provides a sleek, matte finish, offering both a refined tactile experience and a professional look. Typically applied to keyboards with screen-printed icons and graphics or laser-etched silicone keypads, the PU coating adds an extra layer of protection. The manufacturing process employs compression molding to precisely form the silicone base before the PU coating is applied. This combination of compression molding and PU coating ensures the keyboard’s printed elements remain resilient and long-lasting.
Surface Protection Options for Rubber Keypads:
- PU (Polyurethane) Coating:
Provides exceptional durability and protection, surpassing conventional oil coatings. This coating enhances the keypad’s lifespan by offering superior resistance to wear, ensuring long-term functionality and reliability.
- Epoxy Coating:
Applies a transparent resin layer that delivers a clear, aesthetically pleasing finish. This coating not only improves the visual appeal of the rubber keypad but also adds a layer of protection.
- Plastic Keycaps:
Delivers robust protection and extended longevity, although the manufacturing process is more complex and costly. These keycaps are molded separately and attached to the keypad, offering strong coverage and a polished appearance.
- Oil Coating:
A cost-effective solution for keypads, though it offers less durability compared to PU or epoxy coatings. Oil coatings are suitable for projects with budget constraints where extreme durability is not a primary concern.
Surface Treatments:
– Oil and PU Coating:
Offers a matte finish that enhances both the tactile experience and durability of the keyboard. These coatings provide robust protection for surface icons and graphics, ensuring extended longevity and maintaining the integrity of the keyboard’s markings.
– Epoxy Coating:
Applies a glossy, transparent layer that significantly improves the visual appeal of the keyboard. This treatment enhances the clarity and vibrancy of graphics, preserving the aesthetic quality over time.
Each of these surface treatments is meticulously designed to enhance the functional lifespan of the keyboard, protect surface markings, and maintain the vivid colors of silicone buttons.
Classification of Silicone Buttons by Conductivity:
Silicone rubber keyboards are categorized based on their conductive mechanisms into four primary types:
1.Carbon Pill Silicone Keyboards:
Feature carbon pills embedded beneath the rubber buttons, ensuring dependable conductivity and a prolonged operational lifespan. This method is renowned for its stable and consistent performance over extended periods.
2.Conductive Ink Silicone Buttons:
Employ conductive ink applied directly to the silicone surface, providing an efficient and cost-effective conduction solution. This approach is ideal for applications where budget considerations are significant.
