EL
Backlighting can be one of the most valuable and positive attributes when a more intuitive user experience needs to be provided for your end users. There are four standard methods for back lighting membrane switches.
- LEDs are mounted as indicator lights. LEDs can either be surface-mounted to the circuit layer or be placed on a separate LED layer.
- Electroluminescent panel (EL) is used for conducting uniform surface illumination of complex shapes. The operation life is 3000~8000 hours, and it depends on the quality of phosphors which need to be driven by an AC adapter.
- Light Guide Film/Plate (LGF/LGP), using top/side fire LEDs to light entire keycap text and various icons on a panel to make the lighting more intuitive.
LGF/LGP
Besides backlighting, the reflective way of lighting can be used to enhance product experience.
- Luminescent ink is printed on the graphic layer, primarily button area;
- Metallic ink such as silver mirror ink is printed on the graphic layer;
- Electroplated coating on whole PET layer is deplated.
