Pushbutton encoder as a membrane switch

A pushbutton encoder or rotary switch from Duraswitch, Mesa, Ariz. (www.duraswitch.com), called the thiNcoder-PB can be placed directly into layers of a membrane switch or flex circuit. Conventional encoders need a secondary assembly operation to attach them to the housing. So the switch saves time and costs. And because the switch mounts without through-holes, the panel remains sealed against the environment. The noninvasive device can also serve as a discrete switch and snap directly into a plastic housing. The switch is said to provide users crisp tactile feedback.