Overview:
Rubber keycaps, also referred to as rubber key caps or rubber button covers, are versatile components used across various electronic devices. Based on their function, silicone keycaps can be categorized into rubber gaming keycaps and rubber typing keycaps. In terms of appearance, there are several options, including blank rubber keycaps, rubber double-shot keycaps, rubber backlit keycaps, and custom-printed keycaps. Silicone gel keycaps find broad applications in mechanical keyboards, desktops, laptops, phone systems, switch buttons, POS machines, gaming devices, coffee makers, and other electronics. Their durability and customization make them an ideal choice for enhancing functionality and user experience in both consumer and industrial products.
Features:
| Attribute | Details |
| Material | 100% High-Quality Silicone |
| Size | Customized |
| Usage | Suitable for Remote Controllers, Keyboards, Calculators, Cell Phones |
| Color | Any Colors Available |
| OEM | Yes |
| MOQ | According to Your Design |
| Packaging | Blister Card or Customized |
| Payment Options | T/T, PayPal, Western Union, L/C |
Rubber Keycaps Material and Features
Silicone keycaps, made from silicone rubber through compression molding, offer various colors and styles, such as pink, red, and purple. Their key features include waterproofing, dustproofing, durability, and environmental safety, along with a stylish look and good elasticity. When made from antimicrobial silicone containing zinc oxide and silver-based zirconium phosphate, these keycaps provide strong antibacterial protection, ideal for food-contact machines, baby toys, and medical devices. Custom keycaps can also be made from plastics like ABS, PC, PMMA, and more. ABS keycaps are cost-effective and easily produced through injection molding. Plastic keycaps are often paired with rubber keyboards, bonded via gluing or overmolding. LSR injection molding is preferred for combining plastic and rubber due to silicone’s superior temperature resistance. These keycaps offer excellent aesthetic appeal, backlit effects, and oilproof and dust-resistant properties.
Production Process:
- Material Preparation: High-quality silicone rubber is selected and prepared. The raw material is mixed with curing agents and pigments to achieve the desired color and performance characteristics.
- Compression Molding: The prepared silicone compound is placed into a mold, which is then subjected to high pressure and temperature. This process forms the silicone into the desired shape of the keycap, ensuring accurate dimensions and a smooth surface finish.
- Demolding: Once the molding cycle is complete, the keycaps are carefully removed from the mold. At this stage, the keycaps are inspected for any defects, such as incomplete molding or surface imperfections.
- Post-Curing: The molded keycaps undergo a post-curing process in an oven to enhance their mechanical properties, such as durability, elasticity, and temperature resistance.
- Surface Finishing: Depending on the design, additional finishing processes like laser etching, screen printing, or coating may be applied to create legends, enhance durability, or provide a specific texture or aesthetic appearance.
- Quality Inspection: Each keycap is thoroughly inspected for defects such as irregular shapes, color inconsistencies, or poor surface finish. Only keycaps that meet the stringent quality standards move to the next stage.
- Assembly and Packaging: The final keycaps are either assembled with other components, such as rubber keyboards or electronic devices, or individually packaged based on customer requirements. Custom packaging options are available, depending on the OEM service agreement.
Protective Coatings for Rubber Keycaps
Oil Coating & Matte Smooth Coating: This is the most cost-effective method for protecting the surface legends of silicone gel keycaps. After the graphics are printed, an oil spray is applied to the surface of the rubber keycaps, enhancing their tactile feel.
PU Coating: Custom rubber keycaps featuring a polyurethane (PU) coating provide an excellent performance-to-cost ratio. This coating offers substantial protection against abrasion and extends the service life of the keypad covers.
Epoxy Coating: Epoxy-coated keycaps not only provide a visually appealing finish but also exhibit strong abrasion resistance, effectively resisting chemicals and oils. The epoxy coating is thick and glossy and is applied manually to ensure a high-quality finish.
