Key Automation manufactures and exports tactile and non-tactile keyboards for customers in Germany. Machines and control systems are becoming more complex, and the input device has to match the application. We therefore offer both tactile and non-tactile membrane keyboards, with different feedback, noise and durability characteristics.

Both keyboard types are built from sturdy materials and designed for demanding conditions. They are used in household appliances, consumer electronics and industrial equipment.

Tactile membrane keyboards use metal domes, actuators or polydomes that give a noticeable bump when a key is pressed, so the user feels the point of actuation. Non-tactile keyboards, also called linear membrane keyboards, have no physical dome, so the key press feels smooth, without a bump or click.

For customers in Germany we offer the following designs:

Tactile Keyboards

• Mechanical Keyboards: Very durable and widely used in household and industrial settings. They are popular with gamers and programmers because of their precise feedback.
• Scissor-Switch Keyboards: Thin, flat and low-profile, as used in laptops. They offer quiet operation and a stable key feel.
• Buckling Spring Keyboards: Strong tactile and audible feedback make them a good choice where durability is the priority, for example in industrial environments.

Non-tactile Keyboards

• Linear Mechanical Keyboards: Quiet, consistent keystrokes with low resistance compared with tactile switches. They are used in laptops and other sensitive input devices.
• Membrane Keyboards: A single membrane layer or pressure pads transmit the key signal. A soft rubber layer inside provides a sealed, protected construction.
• Touchscreen Keyboards: The whole surface is touch-sensitive and there is no physical dome. They are more sensitive than tactile keyboards and respond to light contact.

Specifications	Tactile Membrane Keyboards	Non-tactile Membrane Keyboards
Actuation Mechanism	Tactile bump (usually with a dome or scissor-switch design)	Smooth membrane actuation, typically without feedback
Actuation Force	45g to 60g (varies based on design)	30g to 45g (lighter, requiring less force)
Key Rollover	2-key to 6-key rollover (varies by design)	1-key to 2-key rollover (limited due to membrane design)
Response Time	5ms to 10ms	10ms to 15ms
Switch Lifespan	5 million to 10 million keystrokes	1 million to 5 million keystrokes
Water Resistance	Typically none (unless specifically designed)	Typically none (unless specifically designed)
Electromagnetic Interference	Low susceptibility	Low susceptibility
Interface Options	USB and Bluetooth	USB and Bluetooth
Layer Construction	Multiple layers (top layer with keys, middle tactile layer, bottom conductive layer)	Multiple layers (top layer with keys, middle non-tactile layer, bottom conductive layer)
Noise Level	Moderate to quiet (depends on design)	Very quiet, almost silent

The table lists typical values for both types. These are the features that matter most in practice:

• Distinct Actuation Point: Tactile keyboards give a clear bump at the actuation point, so users can press keys efficiently without extra force. This supports ergonomic, low-fatigue typing.
• Durability: Strong materials in the outer and inner layers allow millions of keystrokes. The table shows the typical lifespan of each type.
• Smooth and Linear Keypress: Non-tactile keyboards offer a very smooth, quiet key press with no bump. This helps users keep a steady typing speed during long working sessions.
• Membrane Layer Customization: The keyboards are built from several layers, and the layer structure can be adapted to your requirements. A redundant layer can keep the keyboard working if one layer fails.

Our tactile and non-tactile keyboards are used in many sectors of German industry and services, for example in:

• Military and Aerospace: Rugged communication systems, flight control systems and command centres that must perform reliably in demanding conditions.
• Healthcare: Quiet, smooth non-tactile keyboards for data entry, diagnostic equipment and patient monitoring systems.
• Automotive Industry: In-car entertainment systems, diagnostic tools and vehicle assembly lines.
• Banking and Financial Systems: Tactile keyboards are commonly used in ATMs and teller terminals, where daily use is high.
• Education and Training: Computer labs and typing training equipment.

The right choice depends on your users and your operating environment. Our team can help you decide before you place an order.

• Tactile: Choose tactile when users need clear confirmation of every key press, for example at ATMs, in vehicles or at industrial terminals.
• Non-tactile: Choose non-tactile when low noise and a light touch matter most, for example in healthcare or in shared offices.
• Samples: A sample can be supplied so that your team can test the key feel before you decide.
• Export: Export to Germany by air or sea freight, with specifications and delivery terms confirmed in your quotation.

As a manufacturer of tactile and non-tactile keyboards for the German market, Key Automation supplies keyboards with high-quality inner and outer membranes. Both types use proven technology to increase productivity in many applications. Contact us today for more information.