What Is a Membrane Keyboard?
When researching keyboard technologies, you'll probably come across membrane. Membrane keyboards are commonly used with computers. Some of them are built directly into laptops, whereas others are sold and used separately as an external device. Regardless, membrane keyboards are a popular alternative to mechanical keyboards. What is a membrane keyboard exactly?
Overview of Membrane Keyboards
Also known as a membrane-switch keyboard, a membrane keyboard is a type of keyboard that's characterized by the use of a thin and flexible layer. This membrane layer serves as the keyboard's switches. All keyboards have switches. A switch is simply a mechanism that controls a circuit. There's typically a single switch for each key. In a membrane keyboard, though, the switches are embedded in a flexible membrane layer.
How Membrane Keyboards Work
Membrane keyboards work using a membrane layer, which is responsible for each of its switches. The membrane layer is typically made of polyester. As you may know, polyester is an elastic material that's more forgiving than stiff or rigid materials.
When constructing a membrane keyboard, manufacturers use a sheet of polyester that's printed with conductive traces. The sheet of polyester is cut into the appropriate size, after which it's folded three times. After cutting and folding the polyester sheet, manufacturers bond it with the keyboard's other layers via ultrasonic welding.
