Non-Tactile Top Circuit Layer

Diagram of non-tactile membrane switch upper circuitry

Non-tactile membrane switches function similarly to tactile membrane switches but are constructed differently. The majority of differences occur in the circuitry of the membrane layer.

In a non-tactile membrane switch, the membrane layer is constructed from a thin flexible material containing the contacts which close the switch circuitry. Typically, it will consist of traces that are printed on the back side of the membrane material. In such a case, the membrane layer will contain a tail which will terminate in the connector. A polyester shield is often placed over the printed circuit in the tail to prevent "cross-talk" between the traces which may result in circuit failure.

In some cases a contact is adhered to the back of the graphic layer, thus eliminating the need for a separate membrane layer. This contacts are usually constructed of a conductive metal.