GROWTH OF NORTH AMERICAN KEYBOARD/KEYPAD MARKET TO REMAIN POSITIVE

VDC: The North American market for keyboards and keypads is expected to grow 5-7% annually and reach $2.45 billion by 2008. After the 2001-2003 contraction, the market has recovered and all product segments covered in the study are expected to exhibit positive growth throughout the forecast period.

Product segments expected to exhibit highest growth include:

• Flat panel keyboards/keypads. The trend toward thinner products continues to drive the growth of flat panel keyboards and keypads – those with travel distances less than 1.5mm or 0.06in. VDC expects strong growth in consumption of these products within medical, industrial controls, and POS applications Membrane switch keyboards/keypads. As demand rises for higher resistance to harsh environments in several vertical markets, consumption of membrane switch keyboards and keypads will significantly grow due to their ability to be easily sealed. Applications within medical, commercial equipment, and industrial controls are forecasted to drive this growth. Rugged keyboards/keypads. An increasing number of applications are requiring more rugged designs in keyboard/keypad products. Rising demand for these products in industrial, military, medical, and security/access control applications will help drive growth of the overall North American keyboards/keypads market through the forecast period.

• Foldable keyboards for PDAs. As the trend toward miniaturization continues for mobile and handheld products, VDC observes an immediate and growing demand for more efficient and user-friendly input devices.

More: Keyboards and Keypads: North American OEM and Aftermarket Demand Analysis, Tenth Edition" Publ 20061220