Transparent Tactile Switch for Touch Screen Interface

Abstract

We designed and fabricated a transparent switch using silicone elastomer to create a tactile “click” on a generic touch screen. We ensured good visibility by introducing a solvent having the same reflective index as silicone in the gap between the cover and display. The “click,” produced by buckling, was evaluated quantitatively by measuring its keystroke and reaction on the key top. To enhance the click, we used a hard transparent plate on the silicone. We implemented the switch on a life supporting robot as a human-machine interface.