Metal Dome vs Polydome: Choosing the Right Tactile Switch for Your Product
2026-06-06 · Metal Dome, Uncategorized
When designing a user interface for electronics, tactile feedback is critical. Two popular solutions — metal dome and polydome switches — both deliver that satisfying click, but differ in cost, durability, and application fit.
What Is a Metal Dome Switch?
Metal dome switches use a thin stainless steel dome positioned over a circuit contact. When pressed, the dome collapses with a distinct snap, completing the circuit. Materials: stainless steel, available in diameters from 3mm to 20mm, with trip force ranging 50g–600g.
What Is a Polydome Switch?
Polydome switches emboss the circuit layer and faceplate together, forming an integrated tactile bump. Total height is only 0.40–0.65mm, with elasticity from 100g–400g. Life cycles exceed 500,000 operations.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Parameter | Metal Dome | Polydome |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel | Polyester film |
| Life cycle | >1 million | >500,000 |
| Cost | Higher (part + assembly) | Lower (single process) |
| Tactile feel | Crisp, consistent | Soft, uniform |
| Height | 0.3–0.6mm | 0.40–0.65mm |
| Minimum qty fit | Medium–high volume | Flexible MOQ |
When to Choose Metal Dome
- High-usage devices (game consoles, remote controls, medical panels) needing millions of clicks
- Applications requiring crisp, positive tactile feedback
- Products where assembly precision is controlled in-house
When to Choose Polydome
- Cost-sensitive projects with moderate cycle requirements
- Low-profile designs where component height matters
- Fast prototyping and flexible production runs
SanTeXing Electronics manufactures both metal dome and polydome switches with ISO 9001 quality control. Contact our team for a quotation and DFM review.
