Daisy Data Displays manufactures durable industrial displays and computer solutions. Organizations across numerous industries trust us to produce custom and standard solutions to perform in harsh environments and specialized applications. Our products are rated per NEMA 1, NEMA 4, and NEMA 4X, along with Class I, Class II, Class III, Division 2, Group A-D, and F&G standards. We also meet military specifications and ratings as needed. Daisy Data Displays can provide the appropriately designed, ruggedized, and specialized computer solution to meet the unique needs of your industrial application. Our rugged computers, peripherals, and displays are designed to meet your cost, reliability, and environmental specifications.
Discover the differences between membrane keyboards and elastomer keyboards to determine the right fit for your application.
Membrane Keyboard Overview
A membrane keyboard uses a pressure pad that forces together two metal contacts when a user actuates it, closing the switch that connects to the keyboard circuitry and registering the command or input.
The keyboard’s structure consists of multiple layers of material. The top membrane layer is a plastic or rubber material that the user touches when pressing the keypad. The pressure pad underneath is a flexible and thin layer of plastic or rubber with conductive traces printed on its backside. Under that is the hole layer, which is a separator between the pressure pad and the bottom layer, preventing mechanical contact when the user is not pressing the key. The bottom membrane layer features printed conductive traces that connect to the circuit of the keyboard.
Customers can choose membrane keyboards with a flat-type or dome-type switch. While the flat switch does not give the user tactile feedback when actuated, the dome switch does. The dome switches also contain icons or characters printed on the surface.
The benefits of membrane keyboards include:
- Ideal for light- to medium-duty applications
- Affordable yet high quality
- Low noise production when used
- Portable, compact, and lightweight
- Custom vibration, light, or sound can provide tactile feedback
- Requires little pressure to activate
- Options include: dome-switch, scissors-switch, full-travel, and chiclet keys
Daisy Data Displays offers two types of membrane keyboard products. Our 6900 Series is our 109-key industrial membrane keyboard designed to offer reliable performance in hazardous or industrial applications. It can be panel or desk mounted, has embossed key borders and tactile feedback to facilitate ease of use, and offers an optional integrated pointing device.
The Daisy Data Displays 6950 Series is our industrial membrane keyboard and trackball designed for industrial applications. It can be decontaminated for safety and can be panel or desk mounted. The 6950 Series’ membrane withstands many solvents and features collapsible dome-switch keys with embossed key borders for easy use.
Elastomer Keyboard Overview
Elastomer keyboards rely on a conductive elastomer material. When pressed, a conductive pill contact on the underside of the key touches the PCB contact directly below the keypad, completing the circuit. The key automatically pops back up when the user releases it. Instead of individual keys, the structure is comprised of a single piece of flexible silicone webbing. The conductive elastomer buttons include a rubber pad, silicone keys, button web, conductive printed ink, and conductive carbon or metal pills.
The benefits of elastomer keyboards include the following:
- Nearly limitless useful service life
- Simple structure
- Durability
- Prevents harsh elements, water, dirt, and dust from entering the device
- Cost-effective
Daisy Data Displays offers the 6800 Series 109-key rugged elastomer keyboard, designed to perform in industrial applications and hazardous conditions. It offers an optional integrated pointing device and can be panel or desk mounted. The keyboard also features a built-in static shield.
Comparison
The primary difference between elastomer and membrane keyboard options is the simplified design of the membrane keyboard. The elastomer keyboard offers improved durability due to its protective silicone layer that prevents damage in harsh conditions and environments. Ultimately, elastomer and membrane keyboards are both cost-effective solutions for their respective industrial applications.
Why Daisy Data Displays?
Daisy Data Displays is a trusted leader in manufacturing durable and long-lasting display and computer solutions for industrial applications. We can produce the ideal ruggedized computer solution to meet the unique specifications of your industrial application. Our products meet various standards, including Mil-Spec, NEMA, and other industry standards. Browse our selection of keyboards or request a quote to find the right solution for your application.