Laser-etched legends
Crisp, durable legends that light evenly.
Keypads and buttons · Backlit keypads
Backlit keypads.
A backlit key needs light to pass through the legend and nowhere else. That takes translucent silicone, opaque coatings and careful control of how light spreads.
The detail
Where the light goes
Most backlit keypads start with a translucent or white base moulded over the web, coated with an opaque top layer, then laser-etched to reveal the legend. The laser removes the coating precisely, so the legend lights and the rest of the key stays dark.
Even lighting depends on the key shape, the LED positions and light blocking between keys. We work with your electronics team on LED placement early, because it's hard to fix hot spots once the board is built.
Where it fits
Backlight options
Printed translucent legends
Lower tooling cost for simpler layouts.
Light-blocking features
Moulded barriers so light doesn't bleed into neighbouring keys.
How we run it
How we build them
Light path review
LED positions and key geometry checked together.
Translucent moulding
Base keys moulded in translucent or white silicone.
Coat and etch
Opaque coating applied, legends laser-etched.
Light inspection
Keypads checked lit for evenness and bleed.
To quote it
To quote it
Board layout with LEDs
Positions and colours.
Legend artwork
Vector files preferred.
Day and night colours
How keys look unlit and lit.
Wear expectations
How heavily and how often keys are pressed.
At a glance
The idea in a picture.
From drawing to delivered parts
- 01Drawing or sampleYour part and where it is used
- 02Material and routeCompound and process agreed
- 03PrototypeReal parts to test
- 04Sign-offYou approve the samples
- 05Production toolBuilt for your volumes
- 06Batches and checksInspected and delivered
Swipe to see the whole diagram
Questions
What people usually ask.
Can you do different colours on different keys?
Yes, through coating colours and LED colours. We'll show you samples.
Is laser etching better than printing?
For durability and crispness, usually. Printing can be more economical for simple, low-use panels.
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Get in touch
Tell us the part, the volume, and the timeline.
Rough annual volume, target unit price, and any deadlines. That's enough to work out whether compression, LSR injection or something else is the right tool.
Real people, a real workshop
You deal with the people who make it.
No call centre and no middlemen. When you contact TCI Products, you speak to the team who design, build and check your mould.
- A real Warwickshire workshopUnit 15, Waterloo Park, Bidford-on-Avon, Alcester B50 4JG.
- Real people on the phoneCall the team on 01789 224228, Monday to Friday.
- The same team on every jobDesign, production and aftercare come from the people you see here.
- Part of TCI GroupFive specialist brands, one engineering team. Visit TCI Group.
Thomas LaneManaging Director
George PrestonDesign & Project Manager
Kelly BallingerHead of Partnerships
Jim AndertonProduction Manager
TheodoreEmployee Welfare