Goal: To analyze tactile feedback and switching characteristics of various keyswitches via force vs. distance measurement.

Products Used

• F305 advanced test frame
• FS05-2 force sensor, 2 lbF
• Extension Rod (G1024-1)
• Rubber Tip (G1011)

The home position is set so that the Rubber Tip (G1011) is directly above the keyswitch actuator. A multistep test is configured in IntelliMESUR^®:

1. Move down 4.0 mm, speed: 60.0 mm/min
2. Move up 4.0 mm, speed: 60.0 mm/min
3. Plot force vs. distance and record maximum force for each run.

Sample 1 - Linear

Initial Force: 0.305 N
Max. Compression: 0.507 N

Sample 1 - Linear
Initial Force: 0.305 N
MAX Compression: 0.507 N

Sample 2 - Linear

Initial Force: 0.36 N
Max. Compression: 0.656 N

Sample 2 - Linear
Initial Force: 0.36 N
MAX Compression: 0.656 N

Sample 3 - Clicky / Tactile

Initial Force: 0.335 N
Max. Compression: 0.662 N

Sample 3 - Clicky / Tactile
Initial Force: 0.335 N
MAX Compression: 0.662 N

Sample 4 - Clicky / Tactile

Initial Force: 0.285 N
Max. Compression: 0.581 N

Sample 4 - Clicky / Tactile
Initial Force: 0.285 N
MAX Compression: 0.581 N