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crwdns2933797:0Sam Goldheartcrwdnd2933797:0crwdne2933797:0
crwdns2936043:0crwdne2936043:0 crwdns2933505:0crwdne2933505:0 Sam Goldheart
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| [* black] So, what has changed this year? First, the dome switch cover material. | |
| [* icon_note] The cover membrane in the 2018 model is semi-opaque, somewhat tacky, and feels like silicone. The new model uses a clear membrane that is smooth to the touch. | |
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| + | [* black] To confirm that the materials are different, we analyzed them using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Thanks to Eric Beaton and [https://mate.calpoly.edu/|Cal Poly's Materials Engineering department] for letting us use their equipment! |
| [* black] [https://www.innovatechlabs.com/newsroom/672/stuff-works-ftir-analysis/|FTIR spectroscopy|new_window=true] works by shining light at a material and measuring how much light is absorbed and at what wavelengths. This data acts as a fingerprint that can be used to identify the material. | |
| [* black] The differing peaks and valleys on the [https://www.innovatechlabs.com/newsroom/1882/interpreting-analyzing-ftir-results/|FTIR spectra|new_window=true] for the two membranes show us that they ''are'' different materials! | |
| [* black] Based on comparison of the FTIR spectra to that of known materials, it's likely that the 2018 model uses polyacetylene with aromatic urethane side groups, while the 2019 model uses polyamide-6. | |
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| + | [* black] What does all that mean for key reliability? It's hard to say for sure. If you have any ideas, let us know! |