Key Tronic is a computer equipment manufacturer founded in 1969. Its core product group includes keyboards

Computer keyboard

In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches...

, mice and other input devices. They are considered to be one of the pioneers in ergonomic keyboard design. Key Tronic operates worldwide with activities in The United States, Mexico, and China.

Most of their keyboards are based on the 8048

Intel 8048

The MCS-48 microcontroller series, Intel's first microcontroller, was originally released in 1976. Its first members were 8048, 8035 and 8748....

 microcontroller

Microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor core, memory, and programmable input/output peripherals. Program memory in the form of NOR flash or OTP ROM is also often included on chip, as well as a typically small amount of RAM...

 to communicate to the computer. Their early keyboards used an Intel 8048 MCU, however as the company evolved, they began to use their own 8048-based MCUs.

In 1978, Key Tronic Corporation introduced keyboards with capacitive-based switches, one of the first keyboard technologies to not use self-contained switches. There was simply a sponge pad with a conductive-coated Mylar plastic sheet on the switch plunger, and two half-moon trace patterns on the printed circuit board below. As the key was depressed, the capacitance between the plunger pad and the patterns on the PCB below changed, which was detected by integrated circuits (IC). These keyboards were claimed to have the same reliability as the other "solid-state switch" keyboards such as inductive and Hall-Effect, but competitive with direct-contact keyboards. Prices of $60 for keyboards were achieved and Key Tronic rapidly became the largest independent keyboard manufacturer.

KeyTronicEMS At A Glance
Certifications:

• ISO 9002 Certified Worldwide Facilities
• ISO 14001 Certified Worldwide Facilities
• FDA Registered Manufacturing Facilities
• FCC, CE, UL and TUV In-House Certification Facilities

Worldwide Capacity:

• United States
• Mexico
• China

Competencies:

• Concept development
• Design
• Electrical Engineering
• Electro-mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Printed Circuit Board Assembly
• Flex Circuit Assembly
• Prototype
• Precision Tooling
• Injection Molding
• Assembly
• Global Procurement and Materials Management
• In-house Testing
• Worldwide Distribution
• Marketing

KeyTronicEMS serves a diverse group of customers, manufacturing a variety of products, including:

• Printers
• Laser printers
• Inkjet printers
• Impact printers
• Thermal receipt printers
• Thermal barcode printers
• Printer sub-assemblies

Telecommunications

• Telecommunication satellite unit
• Electronic dispatch unit
• Trailer tracking device
• Handheld wireless device
• Internet Appliance
• RF data transmission device

Computer and Peripherals

• Media storage devices
• Barcode scanners
• Multi-media display
• Biometric scanners
• Cable assemblies
• Keyboards

Consumer Household products

• Security systems
• Educational toys
• Projection TV subassemblies
• Livestock retinal scanner
• Gaming devices
• Digital camera sub assemblies
• Digital projector sub assemblies

Medical

• Ear check diagnostic device
• Diabetes glucose sensor
• Muscle training device

Automotive

• Automotive CD/Radio Console Panel
• Console Buttons