Most of the electronic devices that we use feature controls for interaction. Our inputs change their behavior. If we wish to change the channel on the TV, we simply press a button. The same goes for changing the air conditioner’s temperature setting. Most of the time, these remote controls have a silicone keypad with color-coded buttons for guidance. There are many reasons why this material is preferred over others including the following:
Soft to the Touch
Silicone is soft to the touch which means that key presses do not take much effort. When designing consumer electronics, engineers are careful to consider every user ability and circumstance. You can’t assume that everyone will be fit and strong. Some users might be little children or older seniors. They should not have a difficult time performing the task. If they were to surf through multiple channels, they shouldn’t have sore fingers afterward. The key presses require a minimal amount of force and repeated contact do not result in fatigue. The ends of the fingers may be in direct contact but the silicone doesn’t tire them out.
Ease of Implementation
This type of keypad is easy to implement and it works flawlessly. Underneath each key is a contact point made of conductive material. This is separated by air from the circuit directly below it. The small gap gets bridged with every press. The circuit senses the contact thanks to a flow of current and the appropriate signal is sent to the processor for action.
The device will know whether you pressed the UP VOLUME key or the DOWN CHANNEL key. Your command will immediately be implemented. If this is via remote control, then the signal is typically sent via infrared light. There needs to be a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver. If radio frequency is used, then you only need to make sure that they are within range.
Versatility in Design
You can ask the silicone keypad manufacturer to create a suitable design based on your requirements. Alternatively, you can also provide them with your unique design and see it get implemented on an actual prototype for testing. There is no limit on what you can do. Make the buttons big or small. Use different colors to identify each one right away. Use a layout that features a clear division between segments to avoid wrong presses. Add tactile identifier so that people can search for the right buttons just by feeling out the buttons instead of having to look at them every time. Use various types of silicone.
Leave a Reply