Durability and Reliability
Off-road driving subjects vehicles to intense vibrations, impacts, dust, and moisture. Touch screens and LCD screens might not withstand the rigors of off-road use, with potential issues like sensitivity loss, cracking, or damage from debris. Switch-Pros™ switch panels are designed to solve these common issues by using the benefit of tactile switches with polycarbonate legends. The sealed tactile switch is rated at over 100,000 presses, equating to 5 presses every day for the next 55 years.
About the Material: Polycarbonate is a durable and versatile thermoplastic known for its toughness, impact resistance, and clarity. Polycarbonate stickers are resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and UV exposure, ensuring that the printed information remains clear and readable over time. Stickers or labels made from polycarbonate are highly durable and suitable for various applications where resilience and longevity are important.
Semi-Permanent Adhesive: The sticker is designed to be semi-permanent, meaning it can be firmly attached to a surface for an extended period but can also be removed without leaving significant residue or damage behind. This is ideal for use on a switch panel system where there is not frequent changing of accessories, but the user may make changes down the road.
Printing on the Back: The printing is applied on the adhesive side (the back) of the sticker. This technique allows for the printed design or information to be viewed through the transparent polycarbonate material once the sticker is applied to a surface. Printing on the back helps protect the printed design from wear and tear, ensuring its longevity and readability.
Ease of Use with Gloves
Off-road drivers often wear gloves for protection and grip. Touch screens can be difficult to operate with gloves on, leading to frustration and distraction while driving. The tactile-type of switch, used in Switch-Pros™ systems, on the other hand, are typically easier to use with gloves due to their physical nature providing tactile feedback when pressed.
Visibility in Various Conditions
Switch-Pros™ panels with polycarbonate legends are suitable for use in low-light or high-glare conditions often encountered off-road. Touch screens and LCD screens may become illegible or hard to use in bright sunlight, when covered in dust, or with glare.
Water and Dust Resistance
While some touch screens are designed to be water-resistant, they may not be fully waterproof against prolonged exposure to water or mud. The Switch-Pros™ polycarbonate overlay and legends offer a water-tight solution to the elements, with an IP 67 waterproof rating.
Programming Possibilities
Touch screen and LCD screen switch panels are limited in their feature capabilities, due to the nature of their appearance. With the Switch-Pros™ systems, the switch icon can be identified, whether the system is seeing an ignition signal or not, allowing the user to program Battery Input switches. This allows the switch to be operational without needing the vehicle’s ignition on. With touch screen and LCD screen panels, when they do not see power, the switch is not visible or useful to the user.
In summary, touch screens and LCD switches can introduce potential complications and risks that may not be suitable for demanding off-road driving conditions. Therefore, for many off-road enthusiasts, tactile switches with a polycarbonate legend is the preferred choice for controlling essential vehicle functions.
