Cherry's USB keyboard incorporates the TCS1CD capacitive fingerprint sensor with TouchChip technology fromUPEK (ST-Micro)


Switches, relays & keyboards


year, ZF has spent a lot of time and resources stocking component level inventories to ensure supply, said Kirsch.


"Likemany of our customers that consume a lot of electronic


components we certainly have relationships with our suppliers and distributors in terms of securing and bonding inventory," said Kaliebe. "When we see thingsmoving in themarketplace, we take proactive steps to secure inventory tominimize any kind of exposure to our customers."


Cherry demoed a bundled solution that incorporates the


company's keyboard with a biometric fingerprint scanner along with Softex's OmniPass security solution. Cherry is setting up a bundled package for sale through its distributor SYNNEX Corp.


There also is a big push in gaming


applications for itsMX keyswitch technology. Cherry recently relaunched two of its mechanical switch keyboards -- the G80-3000 and smaller footprint G80-1865 -- in the U.S., which incorporate theMX switches.


Gamers, coders, touch typists, and


programmers are driving the demand, said Kaliebe. "The feel on those types of keyboards is just superior and you can type a lot faster on keyboards withmechanical keyswitches."


With sales growth of well over 20


percent last year, Cherry expects to achieve 15 percent growth in 2011 thanks to strong demand in key traditionalmarkets such as POS, security, health care and industrial, said Phillip Kirsch, computer input devices (CID) salesmanager, ZF Electronics.


Pricing trends vary across the


board. Prices for keyboards used by gamers are rising primarily due to new features while keyboards used in desktop computers follow the commoditization trend, which translates into lower pricing.


However, pricing does not play as


big a role in keyboard selection in sectors such as security andmedical markets where the biggest issue on theminds of buyers is choosing the right solution for their applications.


"If they are putting together an


expensive systemand performance is critical and timemeansmoney, a couple of pennies or dollars on a keyboard is probably not going to be as critical as the down time with an inferior product, said Kirsch. "They can't afford to have the systemcrash because the keyboard is not working."


Although there were parts shortages in themarket over the past


• Accommodates: A, 2/3A, 17335, 17450, 17500, 17650, 18500, 18650 cells


• Ideal for Lithium-Ion batteries 17-19mm Dia with built-in PCB protection circuits.


• Withstands multiple charging cycles • Low profile • Low contact resistance • Unique 3 legged THM design for enhanced strength & stability • Applications include: Mobile, Consumer, Industrial & Telecomm electronic devices


RoHS Compliant~ ISO 9001 Certified ® ELECTRONICS CORP .


(718) 956-8900 • e-mail: kec@keyelco.com • FAX (718) 956-9040 (800) 221-5510 • Website: keyelco.com


Available fromour global distributor network April 2011 | 19


www.cherrycorp.com www.nkkswitches.com www.components.omron.com www.ttiinc.com


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