What Is a Dome Switch: design, Uses, and Benefits

What Is a Dome Switch: Design, Uses, and Benefits

Leading dome switch manufacturer
A common type of electrical switch is called a “dome switch”, which uses a dome made of rubber, silicone, or metal to cover the underlying circuit. Since metal dome switches can provide users with clear tactile feedback, metal dome switches are often selected to match rubber/silicone switches.

When the metal dome switch is pressed, it provides a satisfactory tactile digital feeling.

Dome Switch 

Design of metal dome switch

Quieter collapsed rubber domes have a shorter service life than metal domes and do not cause the same tactile response. Polyester domes with graphite-coated internal air bubbles are often used, but rubber domes are cheaper. When the user presses the dome switch connected to the device circuit board, the circuit board will react at the same moment the user records the sound and feel of the dome snaping. This capture indicates that the commands issued by the user to the electronic device are transmitted almost immediately, allowing the user to use the interface utility more effectively. The round and leg-shaped designs are just two of the many design options for dome switches. The circular design is limited to use in circuit boards with at least two layers and has a round, egg-shaped shape. Dome switches are suitable for applications where other switches cannot be used because of their compact size and design.

On the contrary, the leg design has four different legs, which are suitable for single PCB or dual PCB. Oval and triangle are the other two typical dome switch styles. The actual dome may be made of rubber or metal. Stainless steel is the most commonly used metal type, usually plated with nickel, silver, or gold. Rubber dome switches are often replaced by metal dome switches, because the reliability of metal dome switches exceeds five million times, and they can maintain sharp sounds and agile movements.

Functions and advantages of dome switch keyboard

• Because it provides tactile and auditory sensory information to keyboard users, dome switches are a common part of keyboard functions. This easy-to-discern response is why the dome switch is regarded as a tactile switch.
• The main advantage of the dome switch keyboard is the tactile capture or feedback provided when activated. Users can judge when they successfully activate or press the switch by feeling and hearing feedback from the dome after pressing the button.
• The durability and reliability of dome switches are additional key advantages. Today, the number of cycles of the standard dome switch keyboard is 1 million times, up to 5 million times. They are still the most reliable type of switch on the membrane switch market.
• The service life of the dome switch is its main advantage. However, just like all switches, dome switches will age and fail, but aging is not a process that occurs quickly. On the contrary, there has been no significant degradation over the years; therefore, this is the area where dome switches are good. Metal dome switches can usually withstand more than 5 million cycles during their service life, which indicates that the switch can be pressed or activated more than 5 million times before the damage begins. The service life of metal dome switches is sometimes longer, especially when used in hygienic environments.

Types of Rubber Dome Switch

round metal dome
Round metal domes are best suited for situations where a low-profile switch with a soft-touch feel is desired. Due to their spherical design, these are suitable for applications requiring double-sided circuit boards with film overlays.

                                                                                                                  round metal dome switch
Four-Legged dome switch
Many surfaces, such as single- or double-sided circuit boards, flex circuits, or membrane switch panels, are compatible with the four-prong dome. Considering their size, they can get powerful actuation with tactile feedback. The four-legged dome is easily modified to suit your requirements.

Triangular metal dome
Despite their relatively small size, triangular tactile domes are capable of generating powerful driving forces. Triangular tactile domes are ideal for applications where there is little or no accessible space on the circuit board.