Multilayer switchdome systems and methods are presented that may enable improved tactile and strength properties and enhanced action. Embodiments may utilize a first layer of spring material (1) and at least a second layer of spring material (2) to form a switchdome component (4). In certain embodiments, the spring material layers may be conjoined by utilizing a switchdome bond (3) to create an integrated bonded composite spring sheet material (7). Various forming processes (8) may be employed in performing the varying embodiments of a method of switchdome component (4) forming. The varying forming processes (8) may improve the physical properties of the tactile switchdome component (4). The varying processes, spring materials, and switchdome bond types may be optimized for a particular application.

Provided is a silicone rubber composition suited for use as a key pad having excellent dynamic fatigue durability (keying durability) and a silicone rubber key pad obtained by curing molding of the composition.

A silicone rubber composition for making a key pad includes: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average compositional formula (1):

R.sup.1.sub.nSiO.sub.(4-n)/2  (1)

wherein R.sup.1 is each independently the same or different and are an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and letter n is a positive number of 1.95 to 2.04, and having at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule; (B) 10 to 100 parts by weight of reinforcing silica having a specific surface area of at least 50 m.sup.2/g when determined by BET method; (C) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a vinyl group-containing alkoxysilane; (D) 0.0001 to 0.2 part by weight of hydrochloric acid, calculated as hydrogen chloride in hydrochloric acid; (E) 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a fatty acid ester and/or a fatty alcohol ester; and (F) an effective amount of a curing agent.

A membrane switch includes an upper electrode sheet that includes an upper electrode, a lower electrode sheet that includes a lower electrode facing the upper electrode, and an adhesive layer that joins the upper electrode sheet to the lower electrode sheet; and the upper and lower electrodes come into contact with each other due to a pressing force, which is applied to at least one of the upper electrode sheet and the lower electrode sheet, and conduct electricity. The upper electrode sheet includes: an upper base on which the upper electrode is formed; and an upper insulating layer that is provided between the upper base and the lower electrode sheet, includes a first opening at a position corresponding to the upper electrode, and is joined to the lower electrode sheet by the adhesive layer. The upper insulating layer is formed on the upper base.

Shown are a switch and a manufacturing method thereof. The switch has a base substrate; and an electrode disposed on a first surface or a second surface of the base substrate. The flexible electrode includes: a substrate in a range of about 5 to 70 vol %; conductive particles embedded in the substrate in a range of about 29.9 to 94.9 vol %; and a degradation inhibitor in a range of 0.1 to 1 vol %, based on a total of 100 vol % of the electrode. In particular, the substrate of the electrode is flexible and thus the electrode is flexible.

Provided is a silicone rubber composition suited for use as a key pad having excellent dynamic fatigue durability (keying durability) and a silicone rubber key pad obtained by curing molding of the composition. A silicone rubber composition for making a key pad includes: (A) 100 parts by weight of an organopolysiloxane represented by the following average compositional formula (1):
R.sup.1.sub.nSiO.sub.(4-n)/2(1)
wherein R.sup.1 is each independently the same or different and are an unsubstituted or substituted monovalent hydrocarbon group, and letter n is a positive number of 1.95 to 2.04, and having at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule; (B) 10 to 100 parts by weight of reinforcing silica having a specific surface area of at least 50 m.sup.2/g when determined by BET method; (C) 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a vinyl group-containing alkoxysilane; (D) 0.0001 to 0.2 part by weight of hydrochloric acid, calculated as hydrogen chloride in hydrochloric acid; (E) 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of a fatty acid ester and/or a fatty alcohol ester; and (F) an effective amount of a curing agent.

A keyboard device includes a base plate, a key and a membrane circuit board. The key is connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the key and the base plate. The base plate includes a connecting structure. The connecting structure is protruded upwardly and penetrated through the membrane circuit board. The key includes a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap. A hook part of the stabilizer bar is penetrated through a corresponding locking hole of the connecting structure. A film layer of the membrane circuit board includes an extension part. A gel layer is formed on the extension part. While the keycap is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate, the hook part of the stabilizer bar is moved on the gel layer.

A keycap includes a keycap main body and multiple metal oxides. The metal oxides are doped in the keycap main body and forms an opaque region and a light-transmitting region in the keycap main body. The light-transmitting region is formed by irradiating a portion of the opaque region with an energy beam. A transmittancy of the light-transmitting region is greater than a transmittancy of the opaque region. A manufacturing method of the keycap is also disclosed.

A keyboard device includes a base plate, a key and a membrane circuit board. The key is connected with the base plate. The membrane circuit board is arranged between the key and the base plate. The base plate includes a connecting structure. The connecting structure is protruded upwardly and penetrated through the membrane circuit board. The key includes a keycap and a stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is pivotally coupled to the keycap. A hook part of the stabilizer bar is penetrated through a corresponding locking hole of the connecting structure. A film layer of the membrane circuit board includes an extension part. A gel layer is formed on the extension part. While the keycap is moved upwardly or downwardly relative to the base plate, the hook part of the stabilizer bar is moved on the gel layer.

Disclosed are a switch and a manufacturing method thereof. The switch comprises a base substrate; and an electrode disposed on a first surface or a second surface of the base substrate. The flexible electrode includes: a substrate in a range of about 5 to 70 vol %; conductive particles embedded in the substrate in a range of about 29.9 to 94.9 vol %; and a degradation inhibitor in a range of 0.1 to 1 vol %, based on a total of 100 vol % of the electrode. In particular, the substrate of the electrode is flexible and thus the electrode is flexible.

A switch is provided with a case, a plurality of fixed conductive member, a movable conductive member, and a waterproof part. The case is formed of a first resin. The waterproof part is formed of a second resin whose adhesion to the plurality of fixed conductive members is higher than an adhesion of the first resin to the plurality of fixed conductive members. Each of the plurality of fixed conductive members includes a first portion arranged inside a recess of the case, a second portion exposed to an outside of the case, and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The waterproof part surrounds the third portion of the each of the plurality of fixed conductive members.