When you are designing and constructing a custom electronic device, it is very important that you choose the right switches. This is an often-overlooked component of building a reliable and effective device. You have two main choices in this area.
You can implement membrane switches, which are switches that have the whole assembly sealed. You can also implement mechanical switches, which are the switches that are less sealed.
Which of these options is right for you depends on your situation and the device you’re building.
In this article, we dive into the differences between a membrane switch vs mechanical switch.
Key Takeaways:
- Membrane switches are sealed, flexible switches ideal for environments where durability, cleanliness, and a smooth interface are important.
- Mechanical switches use individual moving parts, offering tactile feedback, faster production, and lower cost, but are more exposed to environmental factors.
- Membrane switches are easier to clean and resistant to debris, but they are more expensive and labor-intensive to manufacture.
- Mechanical switches are cheaper and quicker to produce, but they are harder to clean and more susceptible to damage from moisture, dirt, or harsh conditions.
Membrane Switches
Membrane switches are thin, flexible electronic switches that form a sealed assembly over the circuitry. Their design makes them ideal for applications where durability and cleanliness are critical.
You’ll often find membrane switches in medical equipment, appliances, control panels, and outdoor devices where a smooth, flat interface is needed.
Benefits of Membrane Switches
Membrane switches offer several advantages that make them ideal for certain applications. Understanding these benefits can help you determine if they are the right choice for your device.
Sealed For Protection
The most obvious benefit of membrane switches is that they’re sealed from the outside environment. As you might imagine, this makes them more reliable.
The fact that these switches are sealed prevents water, dirt, and debris from getting into the little cracks around the switch. This is a common problem with mechanical switches, and it is completely avoided with membrane switches.
Easy to Clean
One other benefit of membrane switches is that they’re easy to clean because there is no gap around the switch. All you have to do is wipe off the switch; you don’t have to worry about getting into the little gap and cleaning out anything that might have fallen into there.
Drawbacks of Membrane Switches
While membrane switches have their advantages, they also come with limitations. Being aware of these potential challenges is crucial when deciding whether to use them.
Higher Costs
Another con is that when comparing a membrane switch vs mechanical switch, membrane switches are more expensive. Exactly how much more expensive depends on the device that the switch is for, the switch itself, and several other factors.
It may not be much more expensive, but the difference may be enough to give you pause if you are planning on producing this device on a large scale.
Labor Intensive Manufacturing
One related drawback of membrane switches is that they’re more labor-intensive to make. Of course, this means they are more expensive, as noted above.
This also means that they take a little bit longer to make. Similar to the greater expense, this drawback is magnified if you’re producing the device on a large scale.
Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches may seem like they are less high-tech, but this is not necessarily true. They are traditional switches that use individual moving components to complete a circuit.
They are commonly used in applications that require tactile feedback, such as keyboards, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics. They are more suitable for indoor environments or devices where frequent replacement or maintenance is acceptable.
Benefits of Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches provide unique advantages, especially for applications requiring tactile feedback or faster production. Knowing these benefits can help you evaluate if they fit your project’s needs.
Cheaper
The most notable benefit mechanical switches have over membrane switches is that they are cheaper.
They may only be $0.05 cheaper per switch, but if you’re building a complex device with a lot of switches, this can add up. This is especially true if you are making many of these devices.
Any savings that you get from making the device can improve your bottom line.
Faster Production
Mechanical switches are also quicker to make. This means you can make more products in a specified length of time.
This, of course, can lead to more profits in the long run. How much quicker mechanical switches are to make depends on the design of the switch and on how the device needs to be constructed.
Drawbacks of Mechanical Switches
Mechanical switches are not without their challenges. Understanding the potential drawbacks can help you plan for maintenance, durability, and device performance.
Harder to Clean
They are noticeably harder to clean. If you are trying to clean a device that has mechanical switches, you need to get into the gaps around the switches in order to properly clean the device.
If you don’t, dirt and debris make it into these little gaps and eventually cause the switch to malfunction. They may even get into the device itself and break the entire thing.
More Susceptible to Damage
On a related note, devices with mechanical switches are more likely to get damaged by environmental conditions. This drawback may be especially evident if your device needs to stay outside.
If it is situated in an area with a great deal of moisture, this could be a serious problem that may lead to the malfunction of the device in short order.
Figuring Out Which Switch is Right for You
If you have just read the previous information and are still not quite sure whether you should choose a membrane switch vs mechanical switch, that’s perfectly fine. Contact our company, and our highly trained and experienced engineers will help you figure out which is right for your application.
All you need to do is give the specifications and details of the device and the situation in which it will be used. We will take all this information and give you an educated opinion. Of course, the final decision is totally up to you.
