Backlit rubber keypad, sometimes called backlit keyboard or backlit rubber keypad, is commonly used to illuminate keys on various devices. When backlight LEDs shine on the surface of the rubber keypad, characters or symbols become visible, that’s why it’s also called backlit silicone keypad or transparent silicone keypad.

Manufacture of backlit silicone keyboards: Laser Engraving Technique

Also known as laser marking or laser etching, this process is based on the principles of light.

Ink Coating: Manufacturers begin by spraying ink onto the surface of a clear silicone keyboard, with the ink color chosen based on the design.

Laser Etching: A laser machine then carves the ink on the surface of the silicone keypad to form characters. This process removes the ink, allowing the characters to emit light.

Two main steps are used to create a backlit silicone keyboard: ink application and laser engraving. This combination ensures that the characters on the silicone keys emit light. In addition, backlit silicone keypads can be made from pure silicone, which is naturally translucent and provides some light transmission.

Identifying Laser Etching in Backlit Rubber Keyboards

1. Feel the Keys: Run your fingers over the characters on the keys. Laser-etched keys will feel slightly concave, while regular screen-printed keys may feel slightly raised.
2. Check the Back: Look at the back of the rubber keypad. If it’s a clear, milky white, there’s a good chance it’s a laser-etched rubber keypad.
3. Shine a Light: Use an LED light to illuminate the back of the keyboard. If the characters glow and the edges appear opaque, it’s likely a laser-etched silicone keypad.

Advantages of Backlit Rubber Keyboards:

1. Precision:Laser engraving ensures that the legends or patterns are reproduced exactly as designed, resulting in a visually appealing appearance.
2. Enhanced Visibility:The backlighting effect of silicone keypads makes them easy to see in darker environments for effortless operation.
3. Low failure rate:Backlit rubber keypads usually have a low defect rate, and if a laser etching error occurs, it can often be reworked.

Before shipment, YJCPolymer conducts thorough inspections to ensure the accuracy of the laser-etched characters and the quality of the keypad backlighting. This includes checking for problems such as light leakage, pinholes, and surface stains.