Folientastatur-Glossar
This membrane switch glossary explains keypad, graphic overlay, circuit, connector, adhesive, backlighting, sealing, material, and inspection terms so OEM buyers and engineers can prepare clearer specifications.
It is a structured reference hub, not a sales page. Each term connects to how drawings, samples, RFQs, quality checks, or production decisions are discussed.
Quick answer: the glossary turns unclear RFQ language into usable specifications.
Many membrane switch delays come from unclear terms: tail, spacer, metal dome, ZIF connector, pinout, dead-front, embossing, light guide film, adhesive backing, IP rating, actuation force, and continuity test. A shared vocabulary helps engineering, purchasing, quality, and suppliers discuss the same structure.
Membrane switch terms explained
These are common words used in membrane switch drawings, RFQs, sample reviews, quality checks, and supplier discussions.
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic overlay | The printed top layer of a membrane switch or control panel | Defines icons, labels, windows, surface finish, and user guidance |
| Overlay adhesive | Adhesive layer between the graphic overlay and internal switch stack | Affects lamination, bubbles, edge quality, and layer stability |
| Spacer layer | Layer that separates switch contacts until a key is pressed | Controls switch travel, contact separation, and sealing paths |
| Circuit layer | Layer carrying conductive traces and contact pads | Defines electrical paths, matrix layout, and test points |
| Silver printed circuit | Conductive silver ink printed on flexible film | Common for thin membrane switch circuits and flexible tails |
| PCB membrane switch | Membrane switch using PCB support or PCB-based circuit sections | Useful for dense circuits, LEDs, connectors, or rigid support areas |
| FPC membrane switch | Membrane switch using flexible printed circuit construction | Useful where finer routing or flexible circuit performance is needed |
| Metal dome | Stainless steel dome that creates tactile click feedback | Controls actuation force, snap feel, and contact closure |
| Tactile membrane switch | Switch that provides click feedback when pressed | Helps operators confirm actuation by feel |
| Non-tactile membrane switch | Switch that closes the circuit without a strong click | Useful for flatter surfaces or simpler feel requirements |
| Tail | Flexible circuit extension that connects the switch to electronics | Tail length, exit direction, bend radius, and pitch affect assembly |
| ZIF connector | Zero insertion force connector used with flat flexible tails | Requires correct pitch, contact side, and stiffener thickness |
| Crimp connector | Connector attached to the tail or wires for defined mating assembly | Can simplify installation but needs space and orientation review |
| Pitch | Spacing between connector contacts or circuit pads | Must match the mating connector or PCB footprint |
| Pinout | Assignment of switch functions to connector pins | Prevents wrong key signals or controller mismatch |
| Matrix circuit | Circuit arrangement using rows and columns to reduce pin count | Affects pinout, controller logic, and test method |
| Stiffener | Reinforced tail end used for connector insertion | Supports ZIF connection and handling stability |
| Bend radius | Minimum practical bend curve for a tail or flexible circuit | Protects traces from cracking or intermittent faults |
| Dead-front graphics | Icons hidden until lit from behind | Needs opacity, LED alignment, and light-blocking control |
| Light guide film | Film used to spread LED light across selected areas | Improves backlight distribution and icon visibility |
| Embossing | Raised or formed area in the overlay | Helps locate keys, improve feel, or create visual emphasis |
| Rim embossing | Raised border around a key area | Helps identify button boundaries without raising the full key |
| Adhesive backing | Pressure-sensitive adhesive used to mount the assembly | Must match housing material, texture, temperature, and installation pressure |
| Rear adhesive | Adhesive on the back side of the switch assembly | Controls mounting to the enclosure |
| PET / polyester | Common overlay film with strong flex life and chemical resistance | Often selected for durable switch and overlay surfaces |
| Polycarbonate / PC | Overlay material with certain appearance and forming advantages | Requires review for chemical and abrasion exposure |
| Hard-coated film | Film with added surface protection | Improves abrasion resistance for frequent touch or cleaning |
| Continuity test | Electrical check confirming that intended circuits close correctly | Finds open circuits and functional failures |
| Short/open check | Test for unintended shorts or broken/open circuits | Protects electrical reliability before shipment |
| Actuation force | Force required to press a key | Affects operator feel and sample approval |
| Life cycle testing | Repeated operation test under defined conditions | Used when key durability must be reviewed |
| IP rating | Ingress protection rating for dust and water resistance | Must be considered at product assembly level, not only switch level |
| RoHS / REACH | Material compliance frameworks for restricted substances | Should be defined before material selection |
| Cleanroom handling | Controlled handling environment for sensitive surfaces | Useful for windows, glossy overlays, and visible cosmetic surfaces |
How to use the glossary during an RFQ
Use the glossary to make drawings and supplier conversations more specific.
| Category | Begriffe to check | How it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | graphic overlay, overlay adhesive, spacer, circuit layer, rear adhesive | Clarifies the layer stack and what each layer must do |
| Electrical | silver printed circuit, PCB, FPC, matrix circuit, pinout, continuity test | Connects switch design to the customer electronics |
| Connector | tail, ZIF connector, crimp connector, pitch, stiffener, bend radius | Prevents assembly and installation problems |
| User feel | metal dome, tactile, non-tactile, actuation force, embossing | Defines operator feedback and sample approval criteria |
| Appearance and lighting | dead-front graphics, light guide film, hard-coated film, window areas | Controls readability, backlighting, and cosmetic expectations |
| Quality and compliance | short/open check, lifecycle testing, IP rating, RoHS, REACH, cleanroom handling | Connects terms to inspection, documentation, and risk control |
Glossar terms are useful only when they connect to a drawing or requirement.
A term should not stay abstract. It should help the buyer specify material, structure, connector, quality, or assembly expectations more clearly.
- Use “tail” and “connector” with dimensions, pitch, pinout, stiffener, contact side, and exit direction.
- Use “graphic overlay” with material, finish, windows, color reference, printing, and adhesive notes.
- Use “tactile” with dome force, key size, overlay thickness, spacer design, and support surface.
- Use “adhesive backing” with housing material, texture, installation pressure, cleaning exposure, and temperature.
- Use “IP rating” carefully because sealing depends on the full product assembly, not only the switch.
- Use “RoHS/REACH” as material compliance requirements that should be reviewed before sourcing.
RFQ note: If a term is unclear, include a drawing, photo, sample, datasheet, or note instead of relying only on wording.
How different teams can use this glossary
The glossary should make communication clearer across engineering, purchasing, quality, and suppliers.
Engineering teams
Label drawings with correct layer, circuit, connector, lighting, and adhesive terms before sample approval.
Purchasing teams
Compare quotations without confusing product type, material, construction method, and inspection scope.
Quality teams
Define visual inspection, continuity test, short/open checks, actuation review, adhesion review, and packing criteria.
Supplier review
Check whether suppliers understand connector, material, sealing, lighting, and documentation terms the same way your team does.
Sample feedback
Use precise terms when marking changes: color, window clarity, dome force, tail exit, adhesive, or spacer issue.
Repeat orders
Keep approved terms and revision notes consistent so repeat production follows the same structure.
Related design resources
Detaillierte Kaeuferfragen
Should a glossary page be long?
A useful glossary can grow over time. It should start with the terms that buyers actually use in drawings, RFQs, connector discussions, sample feedback, and quality reviews.
Can glossary entries link to product pages?
Yes. Each term should link to the most relevant product, resource, or capability page when that helps the buyer continue learning.
Is a glossary useful for sourcing teams?
Yes. It helps purchasing teams compare quotations and supplier answers without confusing materials, structures, connector options, and inspection scope.
Can a glossary replace engineering review?
No. It improves communication, but drawings, samples, enclosure details, connector specifications, and environment requirements still need project review.
What terms are most important in a first RFQ?
Graphic overlay, circuit layer, tail, connector, pinout, adhesive backing, material, key feel, window, and inspection requirement are usually important in early RFQs.
Why do connector terms matter so much?
Connector pitch, contact side, stiffener, pinout, and tail exit can decide whether a working switch can actually be installed in the product.
Can JASPER review unclear terms in my drawing?
Yes. Send the drawing, sample photo, datasheet, or project notes, and JASPER can review the intended meaning before sampling.
Should compliance terms be included in the glossary?
Yes, but they should be used carefully. RoHS, REACH, and UL-rated material options should be reviewed at material and project level, not added after sampling.
Need help translating technical terms into a workable specification?
Send your drawing, sample, or RFQ notes so JASPER can clarify structure, connector, material, and inspection language before production.
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