Editing Membrane keyboard (section)

====Rubber dome over membrane====
Rubber dome over membrane is the most common type of keyboard design manufactured today, for both desktop and notebook computers. Notebook keyboards typically use [[scissor switch]]es, which are a compact derivative of rubber dome over membrane.

A [[rubber dome]] is placed above each pair of contact pads; this functions as the [[return spring]] as well as providing a soft surface to transfer force onto the membranes. Rubber dome over membrane keyboards typically have very little [[overtravel]]; it is necessary to [[bottom out]] on every keystroke.

The terms "membrane" and "rubber dome" are [[Membrane vs rubber dome|frequently conflated]], owing to how typical keyboards utilise both. However, membrane keyboards do not require rubber domes, and rubber domes do not require membranes: each can be used with suitable alternatives.

[[File:Rubber dome over membrane, exploded.svg|centre|650px]]

The rubber domes can be left loose (as found in Alps and Silitek keyboards), glued to the top membrane (as found in NMB keyboards), or most commonly, moulded from a single sheet.

<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:AppleDesign Keyboard (Alps version) membrane module discrete domes.jpg | Discrete domes in an Alps-made [[AppleDesign Keyboard]]
File:AppleDesign Keyboard (NMB,B) -- membrane assembly 2.jpg                | Membrane assembly of NMB-made [[AppleDesign Keyboard]]
File:AppleDesign Keyboard (NMB,B) -- membrane assembly 4.jpg                | NMB domes, glued to top membrane
File:Fujitsu FKB4700 -- dome sheets.jpg                                     | [[Fujitsu FKB4700]] dome sheets
File:Viglen KU-0325 -- membrane and domes.jpg                               | Viglen KU-0325 membrane and dome sheets
</gallery>