Hi everybody.
I never did a soft PCB before, I’m looking for a tuto or advises to realize this kind of thing:
no problem to design the library for the switches and the LED but the soft connector is a problem for me. it will have 6 wires and the pitch will be 2.54 (classic).
It’s probably simple but I can’t figure how to define the lenght of this sonnector and how to create it on the schematic and on the PCB.
Thank you for your time and your help
You mean an “ elastomeric” keyboard?
The schematic for a single key is just a SPST-momentary switch.
The footprint is whatever your manufacturer recommends - two pads, pins 1 and 2, one surrounding the other, like you have illustrated.
You may need to indicate selective plating of the contacts, possibly on a user layer.
Thank you 3Dogs,
yes, no problem for the schematic of the switch and the library, I will create a dome switch accordingly to the specification of the keyboard builder, but how to create the connector which is basically a part of the board ?
Thank you for your answer
It is not entirely clear to me what you want to make. Is this a “Flex PCB” which only has copper an mylar, or is it a “Ridgid Flex PCB” which is a combination of different techniques.
I don’t have much experience with this. I think Flex PCB is mostly an option during ordering, while Ridgid Flex is not fully supported by KiCad at the moment. It probably can still be made, but you will need to talk to your PCB manufacturer on how to prepare the data for them.
Another option is to design and order a “regular” FR4 PCB and use separate flex cables. These can be bought as standard parts with different lengths and different number of conductors. These flex cables can be either soldered directly to the PCB, or you can use connectors. You can see examples of both methods if you browse though the pictures on:
Hi Paul,
Tthank you for your answer and your time, I find a solution to my problems and this is what I was trying to do:
it’s just a simple membrane switch panel with 2 dome buttons and 2 diodes, I’ve created all the components and I was not sure about the connector as it’s a part of the board.
I will try to order a small quantity first to :
Membrane Switch Panels & Graphic Overlay Manufacturer - JRPanel
If it works as expected, I will increase the quantity.
Thank you for your help, I’m not really good with Kicad so, if you have any advises, do not hesitate. I really want to learn how to use this fantastic program.
Thank you again
PS, my main problem was the map with the connector, it’s basically the bord but it start 7 mm fefore the bottom of the display and it’s 6 cm long. therefore, I was not sure how to design the cutting hedge of this project. not sure if I make myself clear, I hope you will understand 
