EMERGENCY VEHICLES

CSI Keyboards specializes in the design and production of keypads and user interfaces for emergency vehicles. Emergency vehicles face some of the greatest challenges when it comes to the environment they must to perform in. Being constantly exposed to all of the elements, these keypads must be able to withstand temperature extremes, constant UV exposure, and extreme moisture levels.

For emergency vehicle interfaces, CSI Keyboards typically recommends the rubber keypad construction due to its ability to be IP67 environmentally sealed while maintaining excellent tactile response. We utilize a proprietary coating technology specially formulated for emergency vehicle and outdoor applications to protect against UV exposure. These rubber keys can also be engineered to have a greater tactile feel than a standard membrane switch, which helps in tough environments especially if the user is wearing gloves. Silicone rubber has also been shown to extend the life of the switch due to its cushioning qualities, and even acts as an EMI barrier.

The ability to mold rubber into any shape or size, allows our engineers to design the rubber so it is sealed and provides a gasket-like benefit. Elastomer keypad construction also allows for backlighting should the application arise. CSI Keyboards recommends using either a copper flex circuit or printed circuit boards with gold contacts for outdoor applications due to the environmental demands.