Looking for a membrane keyboard

Nov 14, 2009 4 Replies
A

or keypad, I guess. Looking for a 4 button monkey like this one:

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but one that isn't 20$, maybe more like 2-3$. And that doesn't have that annoying graphite terminal that needs a fragile smt Hirose connector. Just 5 through-hole pins .



Used to be a Bud enclosure with a 12 key membrane included. Doesn't seem like they make it anymore.



Are membrane keypads getting obsolete now?



I'm building a project in a Hammond 1455 series box, about 1 x 3 x 5 inches. It's not very large, and it'll weigh about a pound. I can't see using anything but a keypad on top of the box and pushing down on it. The box's mass doesn't offer enough resistance for pushbuttons on the ends. I'll be pushing the box around before the switches actuate.



Maybe if the 1455 was made of lead...


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M

Not sure how helpful the following will be (after several beers hanging with the family scene....!!)

But, Melrose Nameplate had some pretty good pricing last time I checked.

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This would be for custom stuff. Can't tell from your post whether this is a one-off, or production run.

If the former, I recall seeing an ad for prototype membrane keypads. ($395 for 10, or maybe 3? keypads). Very close to production quality. The ad was in a past issue of Circuit Cellar (in the back). Within the last 12-18 months. Sorry, can't recall the name.

Hopefully, one of those suggestions will pan out... I do know that

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occasionally stocks overstock / surplus keypads. If you get lucky there, you might find something useful. (For a one- off or prototype.) I personally wouldn't recommend counting on MPJA for production quantities. They are basically a surplus store.

-mpm

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M

Go with a Grayhill keypad, still $20, but you can create a custom key overlay.

Cheers

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B

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What about cannibalising a cheap remote control ! Like the one on a "Playstation" controller.

Halfway down page.

Or any similar device.

Best Regards: Baron.
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A

one:

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I've looked, thanks. Maybe I'll use one of those joysticks, but they aren't cheap either. Maybe I'll put a USB port for a HID! Or a bluetooth device so you can use your phone...

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