| Actuation Force The minimum force required to compress the membrane of the switch (F¹) so contact is made with the printed circuit board. |
| Air Channel Air path from switch to switch so keytops can return to normal position after actuation. Switches are normally vented on at least two sides by air channels. |
| Base The sheet material forming the"apron" for all switches on the keypad. The base ties or connects all switches on the keypad. |
| Bezel The faceplate(usually plastic or metal) that "egg crates" all rubber keypad switches and typically covers the base material of the keypad so it cannot be touched by human hands. |
| Click Ratio The difference between the actuation force(F¹)and the contact force(F²)of a switch divided by the actuation force: (F¹-F²)÷F¹×100% This "ratio" is extremely important when life is calculated and positive tactile feel is required in a keypad. |
| Conductive Pill Current-carrying contact(silicone rubber impregnated with amorphous carbon)under each keytop completing electrical connection with the printed circuit board when the keytop (switch)is actuated. |
| Contact Force The force a switch typically realizes (F²) when contact is made with the printed circuit board. |
| Durometer: The hardness of all keytops (switches) on the keypad and the hardness of the base material as well (unless the keypad is a dual durometer keypad).The higher the durometer of the keytop or base material ,the harder the material. |
| Keytop A non-conductive,silicone-rubber, direct-contact switch(pushbutton). If the keypad is designed to have direct-contact switches,these switches will be silicone rubber,but if the keypad is designed to have indirect-contact switches,the silicone rubber dome will usually be covered with plastic keycaps. |
| Membrane The non-conductive"hinge,""cushion"or"web" that creates tactile feel and stroke possible for each switch on the keypad. |
| Printed Circuit Board An electrical circuit formed by applying conductive material(gold,nickel,tin lead or carbon) to fine lines or orther shapes to an insulating sheet. |
| Stroke Distance from bottom of conductive pill (contact) to top surface of printed circuit board. |
| Volume Resistivity Electrical resistance within one (1) cm cube of conductive material.Volume resistivity is normally expressed as ohm-centimeters. |
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