Manufacturing Backlit Keypad Button Illuminated Keypad & Keyboard

Overview

The illuminated silicone rubber keypad, also referred to as an illuminated keyboard, backlight keypad, or backlit keyboard, utilizes transparent and translucent silicone rubber materials. These materials are compatible with LED lighting to achieve backlit symbols, icons, or legends, creating visually striking and functional interfaces.

Types of Illuminated Keypads & Keyboards

1. Laser Etched Illuminated Keyboard

This method, also known as a backlit keyboard, involves surface treatment using optical principles. Initially, a specific color is sprayed onto the transparent silicone button pad according to the design. Laser etching equipment then carves the design into the ink on the surface of the silicone rubber keypad. The etched areas are free of ink, allowing light to transmit through the characters, resulting in illuminated symbols.

2. Translucent Silicone with Pigment

By leveraging the inherent light transmittance of silicone rubber material combined with pigment, desirable backlight effects are achieved. Some designs incorporate translucent silicone with color coating to block light, enhancing the visual appeal of the illuminated keypad.

3. Transparent Silicone and Color Coating

This approach utilizes transparent silicone material paired with color coating on the surface. The combination maximizes the light transmittance properties of the silicone to achieve effective backlighting for legends and icons.

Manufacturing Process of Illuminated Silicone Rubber Keypads

The production of an illuminated keyboard involves several key steps to ensure high-quality backlighting effects:

Surface Treatment: The process begins with surface spray color coating or screen printing on the rubber keypad.

Laser Cutting: Laser cutting machines are then used to create the desired backlit legends and icons.

Post-Processing: After laser etching, the surface of the silicone rubber keypads is coated with a protective layer, such as PU coating or a matte smooth coating, to enhance durability and longevity.

Illuminated silicone rubber keypads and keyboards are a result of sophisticated manufacturing processes involving surface treatment, laser etching, and protective coatings. These keypads offer enhanced functionality and aesthetic appeal through effective use of transparent and translucent silicone materials, combined with precise laser technology and robust protective finishes.