Silicone rubber keypads are available with backlighting. Backlighting is a lighting system that, as the name suggests, is installed in the rear or back of a device. In silicone rubber keypads, it’s used to illuminate the keys. Backlighting will produce light that shines up and through the keys, thus improving visibility. While silicone rubber keypads support several different types of backlighting, though, light-emitting diode (LED) offers several key benefits.
Reduced Energy Consumption
Silicone rubber keypads with LED backlighting consume less energy than those with other types of backlighting. LEDs are known for their energy-efficient properties. When compared to incandescent bulbs, for instance, LEDs consume about 75% less energy. The LEDs used in backlighting solutions are no exception. They offer similar energy-efficient properties, making them a popular choice for silicone rubber keypads.
Long-Lasting
LED backlighting is long-lasting. Bulbs, of course, can burn out. Many bulbs feature a filament through which electricity flows. The filament then illuminates to produce light. Because they use an electrified, heated filament, they suffer from a short lifespan. The filament will degrade to the point where it no longer works. LEDs don’t have a filament, so they aren’t susceptible to premature failure such as this. If you’re looking for a long-lasting backlighting solution, LED is the way to go.
Cost-Savings
You can save money by choosing a silicone rubber keypad with LED backlighting. LED backlighting has a lower operational cost than other types of backlighting. This is due to the fact that LEDs are highly energy efficient. Silicone rubber keypads will consume energy during use. Those with LED backlighting, however, will consume less energy than silicone rubber keypads with alternative types of backlighting. And by consuming less energy, they cost less to use.
Light Guides
LED backlighting can be used in conjunction with light guides. Some silicone rubber keypads feature both of these lighting technologies. Light guides consist of foils that are designed to distribute the light of a backlighting system. They don’t actually produce light. While LED backlighting — as well as other backlighting technologies — produces light, light guides only distribute light. Nonetheless, if you’re thinking about ordering a silicone rubber keypad with LED backlighting, you may want to choose light guides for it.
No Heat
It’s also worth mentioning that LED backlighting produces little or no heat. Filament-based backlighting solutions do, in fact, produce heat. But LED backlighting doesn’t feature a filament; it simply uses diodes to produce light.
Recent Comments