What is the Difference Between Membrane and Rubber Dome?

Rubber Dome & Silicone Dome

The terms"rubber dome swicthes"and"membrane keyboard"are often conflated, as nowadays keyboards universally use both terms in reference to a rubber dome over a membrane Keyboard. In fact, the two concepts for button switches are not entirely identical.

Rubber Dome & Keyboard Switches

Rubber dome keypads typically contains rubber dome which designed in a hemispherical or other raised geometric shape to distribute pressure evenly when pressed. (The picture shows our mini rubber dome)

Membrane Rubber Dome

Membrane keypads, also known as membrane keyboards, membrane switch. Membrane keypads use one, two, or three thin sheets of flexible plastic where places electrical contacts as part of the switch assembly. 

Rubber Dome Design Guide

Silicone Rubber Dome is mainly made of highly elastic, abrasion-resistant silicone material, especially liquid silicone material, which can improve the dome key life and key progress. The shapes are available in a wide range of different designs to suit various usage requirements.

Cone Type Rubber Dome- designed with cone shape, creating a soft contact point when press. It is mostly used for game console buttons. 

Bell Type Rubber Dome- designed with a wider base that curves inwards, resembling a bell shape. Many laptop keyboards utilize flat type rubber domes to achieve a slim design while maintaining functionality. 

Flat Type Rubber Dome-designed to be relatively flat, often found in membrane keyboards, providing a low-profile key press with minimal travel distance. Many laptop keyboards utilize flat type rubber domes to achieve a slim design while maintaining functionality. 

Double cone/bell Type Rubber Dome-These two are used more for piano keys.

If you would like to know more technique and details about the rubber dome, feel free to contact us by email.