What is metal dome？How do metal domes work? How many classifications are there of metal domes?

what is metal dome？

The tactile dome (metal dome or snap dome) is made of ultra-thin (0.05mm-0.1mm thickness) and ultra-thick (generally higher hardness) stainless steel 301 or 304 materials. The tactile domes are an important part of the switch.

Tactile metal dome are mainly used in membrane switches, tactile dome switch , PCB boards, SMT PCBA processing, FPC boards, medical equipment, military defense security, and other products. The working principle of the tactile dome button: The use custom tactile metal dome on the membrane button is located on the conductive part of the PCB (mostly located above the gold finger on the circuit board). When pressed, the center point of the spring is concave and contacts the circuit on the PCB. , thus forming a loop, current passes through, and the entire product can work normally.

Generally, conventional dome tactile switch are divided into circular metal domes, cross-shaped metal domes, triangular metal domes, and oval metal domes according to their different shapes. The diameter ranges from 3mm to 20mm, and the strength ranges from 100g to 600gf. According to the surface plating treatment, it can also be divided into gold plating, nickel plating, silver plating, bright surface, etc. There are two types of single-sided plating and double-sided plating.

How do metal domes work?

Metal dome Switch, a PET sheet containing a metal dome, is used as a switch on circuit boards such as PCB or FPC and plays an important tactile role between the user and the instrument—type switch. Compared with traditional silicone buttons, membrane buttons have a better feel and longer life, and can also indirectly improve the production efficiency of various types of switches using conductive films.

Tactile dome(metal dome, snap dome) is made of ultra-thin (0.05mm-0.1mm thickness) and ultra-thick (generally higher hardness) stainless steel 301 or 304 materials. The metal dome is an important part of the switch. Metal dome is mainly used in membrane switches, contact switches, PCB boards, FPC boards, medical equipment, and other products.

The working principle of metal shrapnel: The metal dome on the membrane button is located on the conductive part of the PCB (mostly located above the gold finger on the circuit board). When pressed, the center dome of the shrapnel is concave and contacts the circuit on the PCB. , thus forming a loop, current passes through, and the entire product can work normally.

Generally, the conventional metal dome is divided into circular metal domes, cross-shaped metal domes, triangular metal domes, and oblong metal domes according to their different shapes, etc. The diameter ranges from 3mm to 20mm, and the strength ranges from 100g to 600 gf. Of course, if you have special requirements and it can be made according to your drawings, there is no problem.
In addition, according to the customer’s requirements for resistors, our metal shrapnel also has various surface treatments such as nickel plating, silver plating, and gold plating.

How many classifications are there of metal domes?

Shanyo can produce a non-standard conductive film for membrane switches(membrane switch panel) according to customer requirements. These types of products are customized according to the customer’s drawings or requirements. There are also standard products or stock items, etc., with prompt delivery and 24-hour online service for you. We can divide it into four major categories according to different product structures:
1. Single-layer structure
This is the simplest structure at the beginning. The metal dome is located under Mylar (a layer of PET with glue) and has ventilation holes to ensure a basic feel and use.

2. Double-layer structure
Different from the single-layer conductive film, there is an extra layer of Spacer (septa). The elastic piece is better attached to the Mylar and maintains good contact with the circuit board, giving it a better feel (similar to the ‘membrane switch’ Bulge’) In addition, the ventilation holes on the double-layer conductive film can more effectively prevent the PET layer from being scratched by dome, and can also prevent dust from entering the PET layer.

3. EMI printing
There is a layer of silver paste printed on top of Myalr (viewed from the front of the product) – that is, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge Control). EMI is mainly used to prevent static electricity generated by electronics and peripheral products from damaging target electrical appliances.


4. Rubber glue
A layer of Rubber glue (silica gel) is printed on top of the Mylar or EMI layer, so this type of product can be firmly adhered to PCB/FPC and other circuit boards.

5. LGF
The LGF light guide film is printed on the top of Myalr (viewed from the front of the product). It has the characteristics of ultra-thin, uniform illumination, and multiple color changes. It is mainly used in mobile phone buttons. It is a kind of LED dot that is connected through a colored light guide film. The light source is a product that is converted into an area light source. Ultra-thin does not affect the feel; the thickness is 0.125MM, it has good stability and is easy to assemble.

Mainly used in mobile phones, Internet phones, various remote controls, MP3/MP4, radios, digital cameras, learning machines, game control keyboards, microwave ovens, car dashboards, telescopes, toys, etc. Compared with Mylar switches, Rubber glue has a better feel and a longer service life.
At present, our metal dome is mainly divided into four categories according to its shape: Oblong/ Rectangle Meal Dome, Circle, Four Legs Tactile Domes, Triangle, and Waist Circle/Ellipse. The diameters range from 3 mm, 4mm, 5mm, and other conventional ones, and there are also various special specifications such as cross shape 7mm, 14mm, 20mm, etc., with strength from 100g to 600g.

How does the tactile metal dome contact the PCB?

First, we need to understand the basic concepts of tactile springs and printed circuit boards. A tactile dome is a sensor used to sense touch input. It can detect the user’s touch operation on the device. The printed circuit board (PCB) is a carrier used to connect electronic components. It connects various electronic components through conductive paths to realize the functions of electronic devices.

To connect the tactile spring to the PCB, we need to follow these steps:

1. Circuit board preparation: Make sure you have tactile domes, printed circuit board, soldering tools (such as solder, soldering station, flux, etc.) Clean and treat the PCB to ensure the surface is smooth and free of contamination, and apply solder paste or Adhesive.

2. Design the circuit layout: Plan the location and connection method of the tactile dome on the printed circuit board. This usually needs to be done in PCB design software to ensure the correct pin layout and conductive paths.

3. Make the tactile metal dome piece interface: According to the designed circuit layout, make the corresponding interface for the tactile dome piece. This may include drilling, gold, or tin plating on the PCB to make connections to the pins of the tactile spring.

4. Position the tactile metal dome: Place the tactile metal domes at the predetermined position and ensure that its pins are aligned with the interface on the PCB. Using automated equipment, SMT components (such as chip resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc.) are placed precisely at designated locations on the PCB.

5. Solder the tactile metal dome: Use a soldering tool to solder the pins of the tactile spring to the interface on the PCB. During the soldering process, control the temperature and amount of solder to avoid damaging the tactile dome or PCB.

6. Check the connection: Use reflow soldering or wave soldering to solder the components to the PCB to form a reliable electrical connection. After completing the soldering, check whether the connection between the tactile spring and the PCB is firm to ensure there is no short circuit or open circuit.

7. Install other components: Carry out automatic optical inspection (AOI) or other tests to check the solder joint quality, component position, and electrical performance. After the tactile metal dome is connected to the PCB, you can continue to install other electronic components, such as processors and memories. , display screen, etc., to complete the assembly of the entire electronic device.

We can successfully connect the tactile metal dome to the printed circuit board to integrate the touch input function. Throughout the process, it is important to maintain operational precision and caution to ensure the performance and stability of the electronic equipment.

The advantages of SMT technology include increasing assembly density, reducing circuit board size, improving production efficiency, reducing costs, etc. It is widely used in the manufacturing of electronic products, such as mobile phones, computers, flat-panel TVs, etc.
If you would like information about SMT, please contact us.

Are there any long-life metal domes?

When discussing the durability and longevity of metal materials, we are often interested in certain types of metal products, such as metal domes. Due to its unique structure and application scenarios, metal domes often need to have extremely high wear and corrosion resistance. So when we ask “Are there any metal domes with a long life span?” we are looking for metal dome products that can withstand long-term use without changing their performance. These products usually use special alloy materials or undergo special surface treatment processes to ensure that they can maintain their structural integrity and functional reliability under harsh environmental conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosive media, etc. Therefore, some well-designed, high-quality, high-life metal domes meet the long-term durability needs of specific industrial applications.
The first type: the whole machine life can be hit 1 million times: 4018 round metal dome

Second type: The life of the bare chip can be hit 2 million times: 4018 round 4mm cross type 200g
The third type: 8.9mm rectangular 350g
The impact life of other metal domes is load + load tolerance + 100g. Shanyo’s metal domes domestic impact life is 1.5 times or 2 times the load. The speed is 120 times/minute.

Why does pressing the tactile metal dome have no effect?

The reasons why the dome has no effect after being pressed may be as follows:
Stroke height: The load and stress experienced by the use tactile metal dome also affect its stroke height. Higher loads or stresses may cause the metal dome to deform more, thereby increasing the stroke.
Aging of the metal dome tactile keypad: After long-term use, the elasticity of the dome may weaken, causing the switch to fail to trigger normally when pressed. Please replace it in time.
Metal Dome Keypad Dirt or Debris: Dirt, dust, or debris around the haptic dome may impede the movement of the metal dome and prevent it from functioning properly.
Assembly Metal Dome issues: If the metal dome is not installed or secured correctly during assembly, it may cause the metal dome to not work properly.
Metal dome membrane switch design issues: In some cases, the design of the metal dome may be flawed, preventing the switch from triggering when tapped.
Metal dome tactile membrane keypad damage or wear: Overuse or accidental damage may cause the metal dome to deform or wear, affecting its functionality.
If you are having issues with the tactile dome not functioning when pressed, you can try cleaning the area around the metal dome, and metal dome tactile membrane switch kit checking for proper assembly, and replacing the snap dome if necessary.
If the problem persists, it is recommended to consult the Shanyo metal dome manufacturers’ relevant professionals for further inspection and repair.

Is there a silent metal shrapnel?

There are silent snap domes, and tactile domes, commonly known as metal shrapnel, which are made of ultra-thin (0.05mm-0.2mm thickness) and super hard (generally hardness between HV480-550) stainless steel material with a raised structure, low load, and low rebound of 5.5mm high-sensitivity bass metal dome, and the material on the surface of the metal dome is thickened.
It is mainly used in membrane switches, micro switches, Momentary Switches, PCB boards, printed circuit boards, rigid boards, and other products.

The existing snap dome will make a relatively loud sound when it rebounds, so a new type of dome slice that can make no sound or make a small sound is needed. This kind of silent metal dome array slices can enable people to use metal dome sheet slices without making a sound and not interfering with others.
Shanyo Tactile Domes has been a supplier to military, defense, and security companies for over 20 years. Our domes have been metal dome tactile feedback for military applications and developed with silent metal domes that reduce the tactile rate to minimize audible “clicks”. Our metal dome tactile switch are designed to be rugged in harsh environments, making them ideal for applications such as outdoor GPS units, intercoms, and handheld field radios.

All Shanyo use custom tactile metal dome manufactured in factories in China to a strict quality standards certification system. In an industry where failure is not tolerated, our highly reliable tactile metal dome keypad are designed for military, defense, and security applications.

Shanyo custom metal dome facilities include a controlled environment room. The 6S environment can better serve our customers. Before entering the workshop, you must enter the air shower air purification equipment, which effectively controls air pollution dust and other particles that may contaminate products and protects custom metal domes products. quality and personnel health, improve production efficiency, and the quality of the working environment. All of our metal dome array manufacturing is completed in this area, helping to ensure you receive the highest quality metal dome switches with every order.

If you need to buy a mute metal dome tactile, please contact us.

Tactile Dome Switches: How It Works and Its Common Applications?

Tactile dome switch, also known as a metal dome or Snap dome, is a small metal elastic component, usually made of stainless steel, copper, or other metal materials. Possessing a certain degree of elasticity and conductivity, they are widely used in electronics and machinery due to their unique shapes and functions. The applications of dome are very wide, including but not limited to the following aspects:
Key switch: metal dome are often used in metal dome tactile switch in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, calculators, remote controls, etc. When the button is pressed, the dome comes into contact with the contact point on the circuit board, thereby realizing the conduction or disconnection of the circuit.
Touch switch: A Dome chip can also be used for a touch switch, and the switch action is triggered by touching the metal shrapnel. This application is common in touch interfaces of electronic products, such as mobile phone screens, tablet computers, etc.
Connectors: In some connectors, dome tabs are used as part of the connection to provide reliable electrical contact.
Sensor: The dome piece can be used as a pressure sensor or a position sensor to detect changes in pressure or position by detecting the deformation of the dome piece.
Electronic door locks: Some electronic door locks use dome plates as switching elements, and the door is unlocked or locked by pressing or touching the metal spring.
1. Electronic equipment: In portable electronic equipment such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and remote controls, dome chips are often used as the core component of buttons. When a button is pressed, the dome deforms and makes electrical contact, sending a signal to perform a specific operation.
2. Household appliances: On the control panels of household appliances such as microwave ovens, induction cookers, washing machines, etc., the dome also plays an important role. They can withstand repeated pressing and maintain good electrical conductivity, ensuring long-term reliable use of the device.
3. Industrial control: In automation equipment, instrumentation, and various control systems, tactile metal domes are used as switches or adjusting components to achieve precise control and feedback. Their high durability and fast response time make them very important in industrial applications.
4. Automobile manufacturing: Many functions in modern automobiles, such as air conditioning control, audio systems, etc., rely on tactile metal domes to realize user interface interaction. Their compact size and reliability make them ideal for use in limited spaces inside vehicles.
5. Medical equipment: In some precision medical equipment, may be used as buttons or switches to control the functions of the equipment or adjust parameters. Their precise feel and durability are very important to medical professionals.
6. Toys and game consoles: In the buttons of children’s toys and electronic game consoles, tactile metal dome provide the necessary tactile feedback and durability to ensure a long-lasting entertainment experience.
7. Security system: In security-related products such as alarm systems and access control systems, metal dome tactile feedback serves as a trigger mechanism to ensure rapid response and stability of the system.

In short, rectangle tactile dome are mainly used in key switches, tactile dome switch, connectors, sensors, and other fields in electronic equipment. Its elasticity and conductivity make it a common electronic component. Due to its small size, durability, and responsiveness, tactile snap domes are indispensable in various industries. Whether consumer electronics for daily use or industrial equipment requiring high precision and reliability, tactile switch dome are key components to achieve control and interactive functions. With the development of technology, the design and materials of tactile dome switch manufacturers are also constantly improved to meet the needs of more diverse and complex application scenarios.

Snap dome buttons applications and examples

Snap dome switch are widely used in various electronic devices due to their tactile feedback, reliability, and durability. Here are some examples of products using snap dome switches:

• Mechanical Keyboards: One well-known application that uses a metal snap dome is mechanical keyboards. The keys on these devices feature a snap domes design that provides users with a satisfying typing experience. Let them feel each key pressed and released.
• Controllers: Controllers for televisions, audio systems, and other home appliances also contain snap dome switches. These surface mount tactile snap dome switch are also found outdoors, in manufacturing facilities, and industrial equipment. The snap dome enhances the user experience by providing feedback when the button is pressed, ensuring the user knows the command they have registered.
• Gaming Consoles: replacement snap switch domes are a staple of gaming controllers, providing gamers with responsive feedback as they navigate menus, execute commands, and engage in intense gameplay. The tactile feel provided by these snap dome switches enhances the gaming experience. Additionally, their long lifespan (up to 10 million presses) makes them ideal for gamers.
• Medical Devices: Medical devices such as handheld diagnostic tools, surgical tools, or defibrillators use snap dome switches to ensure precise and reliable user input. Tactile feedback is critical in critical medical situations.
• Car Controls: In cars, you can find snap dome switches on dashboard controls, steering wheel buttons, and other interior components. metal snap domes tactile feedback ensures the driver can operate these controls without taking their eyes off the road.

Advantages of tactile dome switches

• Tactile feedback: The unique tactile and “click” sound of the tactile dome allows users to confirm that their input has registered. snap dome buttons reduce the chance of accidental or missed presses.
• Durability: Tactile dome switches are known for their durability and longevity. The stainless steel construction of the tactile dome makes them resistant to wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan for the equipment using them.
• Reliability: These tactile dome switches provide a reliable switching mechanism that maintains consistent performance even after extended use. This reliability is critical for critical applications such as medical equipment and automotive controls.
• COMPACT DESIGN: tactile dome ultra-slim profile. You can integrate them seamlessly into a variety of device designs, allowing tactile snap domes manufacturers to create stylish and ergonomic products.

tactile dome switch round are an integral part of modern electronics. They provide tactile feedback, durability, and reliability for a variety of devices. From mechanical keyboards to medical devices, gaming consoles to automotive controls, these switches enhance the user experience and ensure smooth interaction with electronic devices. As technology continues to evolve, triangle tactile metal domes will play an important role in shaping the way we interact with our devices.