Integrated actuator domes (IAD) are commonly used as commercial keypad solutions. As their name suggests, they are done arrays with an integrated actuator. IADs produce strong feedback, resulting in fewer input errors. If you’re thinking about using them for your business, though, you’ll need to choose the right IADs. Below are five important things to consider when choosing IADs.
#1) Material
IADs are available in different materials. Some of them are made of a soft material, whereas others are made of a hard material. Soft materials include elastic polymers, such as silicone rubber. They have a supple texture that makes them comfortable and easy to use. Hard materials, however, are typically stronger and produce more feedback. Regardless, you can find IADs in soft and hard materials.
#2) Actuation Force
You should consider the actuation force when choosing IADs. Actuation force is a measurement of how much force or pressure is needed to press a button. A high actuation force means you’ll have to press the button harder. A low actuation force means, conversely, means you won’t have to use as much force when pressing the button. Actuation force varies depending on the IAD, so you should consider this metric when ordering IADs.
#3) Dimple vs Non-Dimple
There are dimple-style IADs, and there are non-dimple-style IADs. Dimple-style IADs are characterized by the use of dimple plating. They feature plating with a recessed dimple over the buttons. You can choose between dimple-style and non-dimple-style IADs. They both feature the same underlying components; the only difference is that dimple-style IADs have dimple plating.
#4) Expected Life Cycle
Don’t forget to consider the expected life cycle when choosing IADs. Most keypads won’t last forever. The expected life cycle of a keypad will give you a better understanding of how long it will last. IADs, fortunately, are long-lasting. Some of them have an expected life cycle of over 1 million actuations. In other words, you can press the button or buttons more than 1 million times.
#5) Tactile Feedback
Something else to consider when choosing IADs is tactile feedback. Tactile feedback is the force that you feel in response to pressing a button. Smartphones, for instance, produce tactile feedback in the form of vibrations. They will vibrate when you tap or touch the display interface. Keypads like IADs produce tactile feedback as well. Rather than vibrating, many keypads produce tactile feedback by springing the keys back up.
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