A rubber dome switch is a switch that uses a rubber dome as a core component. It is usually composed of a rubber dome, a conductive contact, and a shell. When an external force acts on the rubber dome, the dome deforms, causing the conductive contact to contact or separate, thereby realizing the on-off of the circuit.
What is a rubber dome switch?
A rubber dome switch is a switch device that uses a rubber dome as a key component. This switch is usually composed of a rubber dome and a metal contact point. When external pressure acts on the switch, the rubber dome deforms, causing the metal contact point to close or disconnect, thereby realizing the on-off of the circuit.
The working principle of the rubber dome switch is based on the elastic deformation of the rubber dome. When external pressure acts on the switch, the rubber dome is compressed, causing the metal contact points to contact each other, forming a circuit path;
When the pressure is released, the rubber dome returns to its original state, the metal contact points separate, and the circuit is disconnected. This structure gives the switch a sensitive response and reliable on-off function.
Due to its simple structure, small size and flexible operation, rubber dome switches are widely used in consumer electronics, household appliances, automotive electronics and other fields.
How do rubber dome switches work?
The working principle of rubber dome switches is mainly based on the elastic deformation and conductivity change of rubber dome to realize the on-off of the circuit.
Initial state: When no external force is applied, the rubber dome is in a natural state, and the switch is in the off state.
External force application: When an external force is applied to the surface of the rubber dome switch, the rubber dome will undergo elastic deformation. Since rubber has a certain elasticity, it will be compressed or bent under the action of external force.
Contact conduction: As the rubber dome deforms, it will gradually approach or contact the two electrodes (or contacts) in the circuit. When the rubber dome is in full contact with the electrodes, the switch is turned on.
External force removal: When the external force disappears, its elasticity will restore it to its initial natural state. During the recovery process, the rubber dome will gradually separate from the electrode, and the circuit will return to the off state again.
Are rubber dome switches tactile?
Rubber dome switches do have a tactile feel. Rubber dome switches are usually called conductive rubber switches. This type of switch has a good feel, but the contact resistance is large, about 10,000 times that of metal dome switches.
Tactile switches can be divided into two types according to different principles. One is to use metal domes to complete the switching of the switch on and off states. This type of switch has a good feel and is accompanied by a ticking sound when the button is pressed;
The other is to use conductive rubber to complete the switching of the switch on and off states. This type of switch also has a good feel, but the contact resistance is large.
The structure of the touch switch is mainly divided into five parts: cover, button, dome, base, and pin. Among them, the dome is the key component, and the on and off of the switch is caused by the change in the force of the dome.
Are rubber dome switches quiet?
Rubber dome switches are relatively quiet. The rubber dome switch is activated at the bottom of the button, which makes it produce less sound when operating, similar to a silent switch.
The rubber dome switch uses the deformation of the rubber dome to realize the switch’s on and off state conversion. Due to the characteristics of the rubber dome, this switch produces less sound when operating, which is suitable for occasions that require a quiet environment.
Compared with the metal dome switch, the rubber dome switch is quieter when operating. The metal dome switch makes a crisp ticking sound when operating, while the rubber dome switch is relatively silent.
In addition, the contact resistance of the rubber dome switch is large, about 10,000 times that of the metal dome switch.
In summary, the rubber dome switch is suitable for electronic equipment that requires low noise and good electrical performance due to its silent characteristics and large contact resistance.
Is a rubber dome switch good?
The rubber dome switch has the following advantages in electronic equipment:
Simple structure and convenient manufacturing and processing: The structure of the rubber dome switch is relatively simple, and it is relatively easy to manufacture and process, so the price is relatively low.
Good feel: The rubber dome switch feels good when used. When the button is pressed, you can feel the obvious operating touch. When the button is released, the dome can quickly return to its original state, making the operation smoother.
Waterproof and dustproof: The rubber dome switch has good waterproof and dustproof properties and is suitable for use in humid or dusty environments.
Disadvantages of rubber dome switches:
Large contact resistance: Compared with metal dome switches, the contact resistance of rubber dome switches is larger, which may affect the stability of the circuit.
Poor durability: Rubber materials are prone to aging during long-term use, affecting the life and performance of the switch.
Are rubber dome switches loud?
The sound of rubber dome switches is relatively small. The rubber dome switch realizes the on and off state conversion of the switch through the deformation of the rubber material. This design makes the sound produced during operation relatively small.
Compared with traditional metal dome switches, the sound of rubber dome switches when pressed is softer, and it will not make a crisp ticking sound like metal dome switches.
In addition, the working principle of the rubber dome switch is to connect and disconnect the circuit through the deformation of rubber. This design also further reduces the sound during operation.
In general, due to its material and design characteristics, the rubber dome switch has relatively low sound and is suitable for scenes that require silent operation.
What is the difference between rubber dome keyboard and mechanical keyboard?
There are differences between rubber dome keyboard and mechanical keyboard in many aspects, as follows:
1. Working principle
- Rubber dome keyboard: There is a rubber dome inside the key of the rubber dome keyboard. When the key is pressed, the rubber dome deforms, so that the upper and lower circuit contacts contact, thereby forming a circuit path and triggering signal input.
- Mechanical keyboard: Each key of the mechanical keyboard has an independent mechanical axis switch. There are springs, metal contacts and other components inside the mechanical axis. When the key is pressed, the spring inside the axis is compressed, the metal contacts contact, and the circuit is turned on; when the key is released, the spring rebounds.
2. Hand feel experience:
- Rubber dome keyboard: The hand feel is relatively light and soft, the key stroke is short, the pressing force is small, the rebound speed is fast, and the overall hand feel is relatively soft. When used for a long time, the fingers are not easily fatigued.
- Mechanical keyboard: The hand feel is rich and varied, and the hand feel of different mechanical axes varies greatly.
3. Service life:
- Rubber dome keyboard: The rubber dome may age and weaken after long-term use, resulting in changes in the key feel or poor contact. Generally speaking, the service life of the rubber dome keyboard is relatively short, usually around a few million keystrokes.
- Mechanical keyboard: The service life of the mechanical axis is long, generally reaching tens of millions of keystrokes, and even some high-quality mechanical axes can reach hundreds of millions of keystrokes. As long as it is used and maintained normally, the mechanical keyboard can be used for a long time.
4. Sound characteristics:
- Rubber dome keyboard: The key sound is usually relatively small, and the sound emitted when tapping is relatively soft, and no obvious noise is generated, which is suitable for use in a quiet environment.
- Mechanical keyboard: The sound is relatively loud, and a certain amount of noise will be generated during use. However, some mechanical keyboards use silent axes or special noise reduction treatments, so the sound is relatively quiet.
Although the rubber dome switch is small, it is widely used in many fields such as electronic equipment, household appliances, industrial control, etc. due to its small size, light weight, simple operation and low cost. With the advancement of technology, rubber dome switches will continue to innovate and shine in various fields.
