This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the Keypad Switches category on DigiKey.com
Keypad switches are human interface modules with a button switch matrix for direct user input to a CPU, microcontroller, or keypad controller and may include a display for user information and instruction. Keypads are selected by the column and row matrix, number of keys, legend, dimension, and mounting type. Output types include CAN Bus, matrix, independent switch contact (parallel), onboard controller output, USB, and Weigand.
SelectionCharacteristics
Switch Type: Indicates the mechanism used to implement switch functions on a keypad.
Number of Keys: The total count of individual keys or buttons present on the keypad.
Matrix (Columns x Rows): Describes the number and arrangement of keys on the pad.
Illumination: Describes whether the switch has lighting, with options for different colors, or if it is non-illuminated.
Legend Type: Describes the text (legend) on the key faces and the arrangement of these symbols on the keypad.
Key Type: Describes the material from which the user-facing key surface is made.
Output Type: Refers to the specific method or protocol used to transmit the output signals generated by the keypad to the receiving device or system.
Legend: Indicates the character, character range, or text that is pre-printed on a product or included in a product kit.
Legend Color: The color of the text (legend) on the key faces.
Key Color: Refers to the specific color of the individual keys or buttons on the keypad.
Mounting Type: How the device is attached.
Termination Style: The method of electrical connection and physical attachment.
Panel Cutout Dimensions: Refers to the measurements or dimensions of the opening or cutout in the panel.
Operating Temperature: Recommended operating temperature, typically given in a range or as a maximum. Exceeding these temperatures may affect performance or damage the device and other system components.
Ingress Protection: IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings (IP20, IP65, IP67, etc.) - Define how likely it is that water and dirt will get into the system. The first number is for dirt and solid contaminants and the second number is for water.
IP Ratings
| Protection Level | Solids | Liquids |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protected against solids larger than 50mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water. Limited Ingress permitted. |
| 2 | Protected against solids larger than 12.5mm. | Protected against vertically falling drops of water with the enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 3 | Protected against solids larger than 2.5mm. | Protected against spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical. Limited ingress permitted for 3 minutes. |
| 4 | Protected against solids larger than 1mm. | Protected against water splashing from any direction. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 5 | Protected against dust. Limited ingress of dust permitted. | Will not affect the operation of equipment for 2-8 hours. Protected against jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 6 | Dust tight. No ingress of dust 2-8 hours. | Protected against powerful jets of water. Limited ingress permitted. |
| 7 | ______________________ | Protected against the effects of immersion in 15cm-1m for 30 minutes. |
| 8 | ______________________ | Continuous immersion in water up to 3m for long periods of time. |
| 9 | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (30 seconds) |
| 9K | ______________________ | Protected against high-pressure jets of hot water. (2 minutes) |
Illumination Voltage (Nominal): Indicates the nominal operating voltage of a product’s illumination or backlighting feature, for products equipped therewith.
Contact Rating @ Voltage: Typically this represents the maximum current to which a device’s contacts will meet their given specifications at a given voltage. Exceeding this current may damage the device and/or other system components.
Features: These are different capabilities or properties of the device such as anti-vandal or shielded.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | COM-14662 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | 1568-1856-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | SparkFun Electronics |
| DESCRIPTION | Keypad Switch 12 Polymer Keys Conductive Rubber Contacts Matrix Output Non-Illuminated |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | PLX16T203 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | MGR1546-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Storm Interface |
| DESCRIPTION | Keypad Switch 16 Metal Keys Conductive Rubber Contacts Matrix Output Non-Illuminated 0.05A @ 24VDC |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | EZB6-430003 |
|---|---|
| DIGIKEY PART # | MGR1684-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | Storm Interface |
| DESCRIPTION | Keypad Switch 6 Polymer Keys Conductive Rubber Contacts USB Output Illuminated |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
MediaLinks
Videos
APEM PZ Series Keypad
Grove - 12-Channel Capacitive Touch Keypad
PKP-SI Series: A Fully Customizable CAN bus Keypad
Product Training Modules
Keypads Tutorial - Grayhill