A membrane switch is a momentary closure device used with a normally open circuit. They are called membrane switches because they are made up of flexible graphic and internal layers (or membranes) over a circuit printed on PET or etched on polyimide.

The layered nature of membrane switches allows a great deal of freedom for engineers to design and implement a very precise customer experience. Because of this flexibility, these user interfaces are used across a wide range of industries, including medical, consumer electronics, military/DoD, and aerospace.

There are many parameters to consider in membrane switch design including the graphics, overlays, adhesives, and use cases.

Membrane switches are a critical component in many industrial and medical devices and are becoming more commonplace in consumer products as well. As the piece the end user interacts with the most, the membrane switch of a product can have a significant impact on the end user’s experience and how they view the product.