If you’re looking for a keypad to use outdoors, you might be wondering whether silicone rubber is a smart choice. Not all keypads can withstand outdoor environments. Some of them are designed exclusively for indoor environments where they are protected from the elements. Regardless of the environment, though, you can’t go wrong with a silicone rubber keypad.
What Are Silicone Rubber Keypads?
Silicone rubber keypads are keypads that feature silicone rubber in their construction. They aren’t made of hard plastic. Rather, silicone rubber keypads are made of a soft elastomer known as silicone rubber.
Like all keypads, silicone rubber keypads feature switches. Each key is essentially a switch. The keys on silicone rubber keypads feature silicone rubber webbing, which separates their electrical contacts. Pressing a key will force the silicone rubber webbing to compress, at which point the electrical contacts will touch each other. This contact will complete the circuit.
Other keypads typically feature electrical contacts as well. And when you press a key, the electrical contacts will touch each other. The difference is that silicone rubber keypads are made of silicone rubber, whereas other keypads use other materials — typically harder and more rigid materials — in their construction.
Common characteristics of silicone rubber keypads include the following:
- Ergonomic and comfortable to use
- Durable
- Produces natural tactile feedback
- Customizable snap ratio
- Can be used in a variety of environments
Yes, Silicone Rubber Keypads Can Be Used Outdoors
You can use silicone rubber keypads either indoors or outdoors. They offer a high level of protection against weather-related damage. Even when exposed to rain, heat and humidity, silicone rubber keypads will continue to function as intended while offering a reliable and effective switching solution.
As previously mentioned, not all keypads can withstand outdoor environments. If moisture is able to reach a keypad’s electrical contacts, it may cause permanent damage. Water will create new pathways for electricity, which can lead to other problems. Water, of course, will also encourage corrosion. But silicone rubber keypads leverage a sealed design to keep their electrical contacts dry.
Silicone rubber is a completely waterproof material. It’s not permeable or porous, so water can’t pass through it. Silicone rubber keypads are characterized by their use of silicone rubber. They are made of silicone rubber, and with this waterproof material, they aren’t susceptible to moisture-related damage.
You can use silicone rubber keypads outdoors without fear of them sustaining moisture-related damage. As long as the silicone rubber material remains intact, water won’t be able to reach their electrical contacts.
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