Buttons stay tactile under backlights

Duraswitch licensee AP Industrial has begun production using PushGate pushbutton technology for digital control panels that will be used in emergency vehicles.

Duraswitch licensee AP Industrial has begun production using PushGate pushbutton technology for digital control panels that will be used in emergency vehicles.

The panel operates the siren and offers removable legends over other keys in order to customise the controller for a variety of uses.

"Tactile feedback was important to the customer because it enables the driver to feel confident that the switch has been actuated in what can often be a high-stress, fast-paced environment", said Lawrence Owens, Director of Design, AP Industrial.

PushGate technology was a clear choice because it maintains tactile feedback even under the keypad's 0.013in-thick fibre-optic backlighting layer".

Tim Kuhn, Vice President Business Development, Duraswitch added: "Our PushGate technology has proven the ability to provide tactile feedback even under thick layers such as fibre-optic and electroluminescent backlighting.

Other tactile technologies often lose tactile response in these constructions.

With PushGate, it is an inherent benefit".

Duraswitch PushGate is unique patented pushbutton technology that combines the advantages of discrete mechanical and flat panel membrane switches into one design.

Using the simple combination of a metal actuator and a permanent magnet, PushGate offers superior tactile feedback that does not degrade over time or use.

The technology can be used under polyester or elastomer overlays as well as plastic or metal keycaps without losing this crisp, consistent feel.

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