The membrane switch is a switch that is used to turn a circuit on and off. They are integrated into your remote control, electronic watches, air conditioners, microwave ovens, and just about anything you can think of that can be turned off or on. They are called membrane switches because they are made up of flexible graphics and internal layers on a circuit. Basically, any time you see a device with silicone or smooth buttons, it’s a membrane switch.

Membrane switches are cheaper than mechanical switches, which are the second most popular switch type. Mechanical switches differ from membrane switches by being manufactured from copper and hard plastic. Membrane switches have more functionality and are the cheaper option of the two.


By using commands or other performances such as flipping a switch. The membrane switch design is similar to other components of electronics like keyboards and toggle switches. When the operator wants something to happen, they will perform an action that will manipulate the device to do the desired action. A membrane switch can be as simple as controlling the air conditioner, or as complicated as the panels in your computer.

Membrane switches help your product achieve many tasks. They have a sealed surface that makes cleaning and disinfecting them easy and their durability will make them last for years to come no matter what you put it through.

A membrane switch manufacturer that can help you find exactly what you need. When you decide to use custom membrane switches, a membrane switch manufacturer can provide all of your design and interface needs. A good membrane switch manufacturer will also help you with digital printing, rapid prototyping, and inspection along the way.

A membrane switch manufacturer can be a huge help in designing the graphics overlay and capabilities for your device. They will be able to accommodate branding efforts that include unusual shapes or rounded corners for buttons, laminating, serial stamping and adding barcodes to your product. They will also have the materials that you need to create the body such as plastics and adhesives, LEDs, housings, and connectors.

It’s not impossible to do it all yourself, but it definitely helps to have a full membrane switch manufacturer team behind you along the way.