Printec-DS once again sets new standards in the technology and flexibility of high-quality, variable, dust- and splash-proof long-stroke keyboard systems. Designed for a wide range of applications under particularly difficult environmental conditions.
Our practice-oriented keyboard systems are equipped with comprehensive protection against dust and splash water according to protection class IP65. This means that all contact points and guide elements are fully protected against dust and water. This guarantees safe operation of your keyboard at all times and prevents the keys from sticking due to contamination of the guide elements.
Despite all the mechanical differences, the dust- and splash-proof keyboard systems we supply have one thing in common – the contact technology that has been tried and tested for over 40 years and which we helped to develop: the circuit board with carbon-coated contact points is fitted with high-quality silver bridges to cross the conductor paths. In all cases, conductive silicone rubber closes the contact. The spring function is performed by the "silicone switching dome" developed by us and proven a million times over - a matter of course for one of the pioneers of this technology!
Variants and possible applications
We have spent years developing and testing all our long-stroke switches under the toughest conditions. Our long-stroke switches are the result of over 40 years of expertise and technological enthusiasm. We never rely on our progress, but continue to develop our core competence of long-stroke switches. Over the decades, this has resulted in several variants for different keyboard series and successor models:
The W switch, designed for a 19 mm grid, marks the start of our in-house development in the field of long-stroke technology. This is followed by the W16 switch, which has similar characteristics to its predecessor, but is suitable for even more compact keyboards and is installed in a 16mm grid. The S8 switch was another important evolutionary step for our keyboard systems and is still the most commonly used today. The logical further development and successor version of the S8 switch is the S9 switch, which expands the application possibilities of our long-travel key switch.
Our long-stroke switches are designed as individual switches so that customer-specific button arrangements can be implemented quickly and easily. Our keypads and keyboards can therefore be configured as required and are interesting for our standard products, large orders and small series.
Switch type S8 – our current top product
Externally, keyboards with this switch are no different from conventional open keyboards. The secret is inside the switch. Not only the contacts, but also the key guide elements are protected against dust and splash water. Thanks to its design, the S8 can be used very universally and flexibly. By using DS standard keycaps, the keypad can be designed in almost any way. The operating comfort corresponds to that of a high-quality desktop keyboard. For larger quantities, the use of self-contained sealing and actuating mats instead of individual membranes offers the advantage of shorter installation times at comparatively low investment costs. If the quantities justify the investment in a special injection molding tool, the production of a complete key guide plate should be examined first. In this case, a significant reduction in production costs can be expected.
