Carbon Pill Button Key Silicone Rubber Keypad

Product Overview

Carbon Pill silicone keypads are a premium choice in conductive silicone keypads known for their exceptional durability, outperforming conventional conductive ink keypads. Made from graphite-infused rubber, these keys facilitate efficient electrical conduction upon activation.

Carbon Pills & Graphite Pads are widely used in silicone rubber keypads due to their cost effectiveness and minimal resistance. The formulation of conductive carbon pills involves blending carbon into macromolecular elastomers such as silicone, resulting in reduced volume resistivity. Resistance characteristics are influenced by the properties and quantity of carbon particles, with smaller particles resulting in lower resistance.

Carbon pills are manufactured by either stamping or compression molding and are available in two styles: textured and smooth. Manufacturers of silicone rubber keypads typically choose from four conductive methods based on resistance specifications and intended application: conductive ink, carbon pills, metal domes and gold pills.

Silicone Key with Carbon Pill Production Process

Unlike traditional keypads where conductive ink is applied after molding, the carbon pill silicone keypad manufacturing process involves embedding carbon pill directly into the silicone compound prior to molding. Special tools are used to strategically place carbon pills in the mold cavity prior to molding. This careful placement ensures a seamless bond with the silicone material during the vulcanization process. Successful integration depends on precise curing times and careful control of the mold temperature. Lower temperatures can cause the carbon pills to shift, while higher temperatures can cause the carbon pills to fuse with the silicone material.

Advantages of Carbon Pill in Keypad

Longer life: Carbon pill switches outlast conductive ink keypads due to their durability. They resist wear and maintain consistent resistance over time. In contrast, conductive ink keypads can develop higher electrical resistance with prolonged use.

Cost savings: Carbon pills provide a cost-effective alternative for manufacturing silicone rubber keypads compared to more expensive options such as metal dome or gold pill keypads.