Keycaps

The keycaps of our input devices fulfill far more than just aesthetic requirements. On the one hand, the design of the keycaps makes a decisive contribution to the overall appearance of the keyboard and is therefore used by us specifically as a decorative element. On the other hand, the keycaps are also crucial for good usability of the keyboard and must be designed to be user-friendly.

The ergonomics of the individual keycaps play a key role here. Our keycaps for our standard keyboards, whether made of plastic or stainless steel, are shaped in such a way that the finger slides into the middle of the key when pressed and cannot slip outwards. This is the only way to work ergonomically on the keyboard, the tactile feedback of the switches is fully perceptible and operating errors are avoided. For customized input systems, we adapt the size and shape of the keycaps as required, so that you receive a tailor-made product for every application.

The backlighting of the keycaps also plays an important role in their functionality. To enable reliable input even in difficult lighting conditions, the user must be able to recognize the key symbols at all times. On most conventional backlit keyboards, the keys are backlit. In poor lighting conditions, this can lead to glare and poor legibility. We have therefore developed keycaps that only backlight the symbols. This means that the keyboard does not emit any light from the side and the symbols are clearly visible even in complete darkness. In addition, our keyboards are equipped with various options for dimming the brightness.

Backlit stainless steel keycaps

laser cutting - back injection molding - installation

Labeling process

In the case of non-backlit keycaps, the type of labeling is also crucial, as it must remain legible even after years of intensive use. In addition, the lettering is another visual component. In order to meet all customer requirements, we use different labeling technologies depending on the requirements. Printing the symbols on the top of the keycap is the simplest way to achieve multi-colored results. For industrial applications, on the other hand, single-color laser marking is very popular as it is much more abrasion-resistant. If you are looking for maximum durability in multi-colored keycaps, you can opt for the inside of the cap to be painted or for lettering using the 2-component process, in which the symbols and the keycap are injection-molded from two differently colored plastics.

In summary, we offer the following methods for labeling the keycaps:

• External printing (cost-effective process for colored symbols);
• Interior painting and laser marking (absolutely abrasion-resistant and backlightable);
• Laser marking (very abrasion-resistant, cost-effective and also suitable for small quantities);
• Laser cutting (absolutely abrasion-resistant, backlightable and suitable even for small quantities);
• 2-component lettering (absolutely abrasion-resistant, multicolored and backlit depending on the component);
• Stainless steel 2-component backside-injection-molded (absolutely abrasion-resistant, colored or transparent and then backlit);
• Braille symbol (additional haptic orientation through raised dot on the key cap).

Ergonomics, durability and legibility of the symbols are decisive quality requirements that we place on our keycaps and fulfill through selected production processes. We offer you the right keycap for every area of application.