At Silkeypad, we understand the critical importance of ensuring your silicone keypads are not only durable but also resistant to harsh environmental conditions, especially in outdoor applications like motorcycle remote controllers. Waterproof and splashproof designs are essential to protect electronic components from damage caused by water and other elements. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and design tips for creating waterproof silicone keypads tailored for outdoor use. We’ll also share insights into how we collaborated with a French client to develop a custom silicone keypad solution that met their specific needs.

The Importance of Waterproof Design in Silicone Keypads

Silicone keypads are widely used in various electronic devices, particularly those exposed to outdoor environments. However, the challenge with using silicone in these applications lies in its ability to withstand water, oils, and other liquids. If these elements penetrate the keypad and reach the circuit board, it can cause significant damage, leading to equipment failure and costly repairs. This is why ensuring that the silicone keypad is properly waterproof is not just a design choice—it’s a necessity.

At Silkeypad, we specialize in designing high-quality silicone rubber keypads that meet the stringent requirements of industries like automotive, consumer electronics, and outdoor equipment. Whether it’s a motorcycle remote controller or an industrial control panel, the right waterproof design is key to extending the lifespan of the device and ensuring reliable performance.

Key Considerations for Waterproof Silicone Keypad Design

To create a truly waterproof silicone rubber keypad, there are several crucial design elements that must be addressed. These include structural design modifications, the integration of sealing components, and effective production processes. Below, we detail three primary aspects that contribute to a successful waterproof design for silicone keypads.

1. Eliminating Positioning Holes

In traditional silicone keypads, small positioning holes are often included to help secure the buttons. However, these holes can be a major point of entry for water. In a waterproof design, it’s critical to eliminate any holes that could allow liquid to seep through to the underlying circuit board.

Instead, we recommend designing the rubber keypad without positioning or locating holes, which helps to maintain a sealed structure. By doing so, the keypad becomes less prone to water infiltration, providing better protection for the electronics within.

2. Designing a Waterproof Edge Structure

Another key aspect of waterproof silicone keypads is the creation of an effective edge structure. A silicone “waterproof wall” should be designed to surround the keypad, rising above the thickness of the button base. This wall acts as a barrier, preventing water from reaching sensitive areas of the device. Additionally, a strategically placed groove around the edge can help maintain the integrity of the keypad assembly and prevent water from flowing into the housing.

This groove should be designed with careful consideration of the overall assembly, including the plastic shell and circuit board. The distance between the edge of the silicone keypad and the circuit board must be precise to ensure a secure fit that maintains a proper seal during use.

3. Using Resin or Glue for Edge Sealing

While eliminating holes and creating a waterproof edge structure are essential for a waterproof keypad, additional sealing can further improve the water resistance. Applying a resin or glue around the edges of the silicone keypad can provide an extra layer of protection against moisture penetration.

However, engineers should approach this step carefully, as excess glue or resin can lead to cosmetic issues such as overflow, which can impact the appearance and functionality of the keypad. At Silkeypad, we often recommend designing the waterproof keypad with an integral structure to minimize the need for additional sealants, ensuring both better aesthetics and functionality.

Custom Waterproof Silicone Keypad for Outdoor Use: A Real-World Example

To illustrate these design concepts, let’s look at a recent project where we helped a French customer design a custom UV-resistant silicone keypad for a motorcycle remote controller. The customer’s requirements were clear: they needed a splashproof keypad that could withstand outdoor conditions, including exposure to rain, dirt, and UV rays.

After reviewing the original design, our engineers identified a few critical issues. The first concern was the lack of support at the bottom of the keypad, which caused the entire keypad to shift and create gaps when pressure was applied. This would inevitably lead to water leakage. Additionally, there was no waterproof groove around the button edges to provide an effective seal.

To address these challenges, we recommended redesigning the silicone keypad to be an integral part of the housing, effectively creating a sealed, compact structure. This not only protected the internal electronics from water damage but also ensured that the keypad maintained its aesthetic appeal and tactile feel.

Key Design Features of the Custom Waterproof Keypad:

• Translucent Silicone Base: This allowed for better light transmission, especially important for the two integrated LED lights.
• Sprayed Black Coating: The top of the buttons was coated with black spray to give them a sleek, uniform appearance.
• Silkscreen Printing: We applied white symbols using a silkscreen process to ensure durability and clear readability of the markings.
• Laser Cutting and Engraving: For precision, we used laser technology to cut the LED windows and engrave the symbols, providing a high-quality finish.
• Protective Coating: A layer of polyurethane (PU) was applied over the keypad to further enhance its waterproof properties and protect the silicone from wear and environmental factors.

After completing the prototype, we conducted extensive testing to ensure that the keypad was fully waterproof and resistant to environmental elements. The result was a custom silicone keypad that not only met the client’s functionality requirements but also exceeded expectations for durability and aesthetic appeal.

The Path to Mass Production

Following the successful prototype and pre-series production of 100 units, we are now preparing for mass production of the custom waterproof silicone keypads for our client. At Silkeypad, we take pride in our ability to deliver high-quality, customized solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers. Whether it’s for outdoor use, automotive applications, or medical devices, our engineering team is dedicated to designing silicone keypads that are both functional and durable.

If you’re looking for a professional, reliable partner for your custom silicone keypad projects, Silkeypad is here to help. We specialize in designing waterproof and splashproof keypads that can withstand the toughest environments. Contact us today to discuss your requirements, and let us help you create a solution that meets your exact needs.

Conclusion

Designing a waterproof silicone keypad is no small feat, but with the right approach and attention to detail, it’s entirely achievable. By eliminating design flaws, integrating effective sealing structures, and employing advanced production techniques, Silkeypad ensures that your silicone keypads perform flawlessly in all conditions. If you’re ready to take your product to the next level with a custom waterproof silicone keypad, we’d love to work with you.

Feel free to reach out to us with your ideas or design challenges, and let’s create the perfect solution for your needs.