Capacitive and metal touch switches

Paul Boughton

Molex capacitive and metal touch switch solutions provide robust, reliable custom user interfaces. Vertically integrated Molex design and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities facilitate fast time-to-market on custom capacitive and metal switches with a wide range of design options.

Molex custom capacitive and metal touch switches offer excellent immunity to environmental conditions, including resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Available in rigid and flexible substrates including polyester, polyimide and PC boards, Molex capacitive and metal touch switches offer a range of functional and value-added features including custom backlighting, discrete buttons, linear sliders, and rotary wheels.  Designed to IP67-rated specifications, Molex capacitive and metal touch switch panels offer protection against dirt, water and chemical ingress.

Metal touch switches are pressure activated, which prevents accidental actuation by user error or environmental factors. Fully compatible for use with gloves and styluses, Molex metal touch switches are available with stainless steel, aluminium, and other metallic or non-metallic material overlays, and can feature embossed key or Braille designs.

Capacitive switches recognize when a conductive object, such as a finger, enters the field. Glass, metal and enamel-coated substrates plus tempered-glass, polycarbonate, polyester or acrylic overlays deliver streamlined easy-to-clean Molex capacitive switch designs. Optional Molex PEDOT-based capacitive switches make the transition to one-touch controls more economical and efficient.

Popular applications for Molex touch switch solutions include aviation systems, telecommunications two-way radios, mobile phones, routers and servers, industrial automation equipment, and a host of medical applications including defibrillators, EKG leads, glucose meters, portable oxygen units, infusion pumps and patient monitoring devices.