| Backlighting Improves Usability | | | | Creating molded keypads suited for backlighting is |
| Molded keypads designed to incorporate backlit | | | | easy with modern laser etching techniques. The |
| keys allow your customers to use your products | | | | precision of these computer controlled lasers |
| in a wider variety of lighting conditions. A device | | | | means that complex designs with fine details can |
| that might be difficult or impossible to use in low | | | | be created even on small key tops. It is a fast |
| light conditions can now be operated normally. This | | | | and inexpensive process, appropriate to any |
| reduces user frustration and increases the value | | | | keypad design. |
| of your products to your customers. | | | | Backlighting changes the appearance of keypad |
| Backlit displays are also popular with products | | | | graphics in subtle ways. The lighting can make fine |
| aimed at older customers. As we grow older, our | | | | graphics sharper but could also make complex |
| visual acuity fades. This is especially noticeable in | | | | designs bleed together and become indistinct. |
| low light conditions. Using larger keys with bold | | | | While non-backlit graphics turn out looking much |
| graphics make the controls more visible, but | | | | like the original schematics, backlit keys may not. |
| sometimes large control schemes may not | | | | For example, traditional keypad markings are dark |
| integrate well into the overall product design. | | | | graphics on a light background while the backlit |
| Molded keypads with backlighting are dramatically | | | | version is light graphics on a dark background. |
| easier for older users to operate even when using | | | | However in certain lighting conditions this may end |
| smaller keys and fonts. | | | | up as mid-tone on mid-tone and the keys look |
| Backlighting can be used to highlight keys rather | | | | practically blank. |
| than lighting them all equally. Consider a typical | | | | Because backlighting has such profound effects on |
| laptop keyboard with a numeric keypad integrated | | | | keypad appearance and usability, it is important to |
| into the letter keys. Imagine if when the user | | | | work closely with an experienced keypad |
| pressed Num Lock, the keypad keys lit up so | | | | manufacturer who can advise and guide you |
| they stood out from the other keys. | | | | during the design process. Many manufacturers |
| People who don't need the functional advantages | | | | prefer to create a prototype before going into full |
| of backlighting still often appreciate the aesthetic | | | | production so they can evaluate exactly what the |
| benefits. The use of colored backlights with | | | | final product will look like. When using backlit keys, |
| molded keypads turns the lighting into a feature | | | | this step is particularly important. |
| that is decorative as well as functional. | | | | Functionally and aesthetically, backlighting adds a |
| Design Considerations for Backlit Molded Keypads | | | | lot of value to molded keypads. |