When communicating with customers, we often hear such feedback:
“This button feels uncomfortable to press.”
“This strap of the watch feels rough to touch.”
“This product doesn't feel very premium when held in hand.”
What the customers are saying is all about “feel”, but upon further questioning, each person is actually referring to a different thing.
The word “feel” in the silicone industry encompasses three completely different dimensions. Today, let's break it down - when customers say “feel”, exactly what are they referring to?
Dimension 1: Pressing Feel (for key-type products)
Simply put: What does it feel like when you press it down?
If your product is a remote control, phone button, or car dashboard button, what the customers say is usually the feedback sensation when pressing it. In the industry, this is called the paragraph sense or click value.
What determines the feel of pressing?
1. The elasticity level
How much force is needed to press the button? Some people prefer a lighter and softer touch, where pressing is effortless; others prefer a heavier and harder touch, where pressing gives a "confirmation" sensation.
Elasticity is usually measured in grams (g). People in different regions have different preferences - the pressure levels preferred by Europeans and Americans may differ by about 100 grams from those of East Asians.
2. The rebound speed
After pressing, can the button quickly return to its original position? If the rebound is too slow, it feels like pressing on something; if it's too fast, it appears stiff. A good button should have a clear confirmation sensation when pressed and quickly return to its original position after release.
3. The travel distance
The distance that the finger moves from the start of pressing to the end is the travel distance. A short travel distance feels like not pressing at all; a long travel distance makes it tiring to press. The travel distance of the button is usually controlled between 0.2mm and 1.5mm.
Dimension 2: Touch Feel (for all silicone products)
In simple terms: What does it feel like when you touch it?
If your product is a watch strap, phone case, or kitchenware handle, the "feel" that customers refer to usually means the tactile sensation when your fingers touch it - is it smooth or rough? Is it slippery or sticky? Is it delicate or rough?
Untreated silicone feels rough. The feel of silicone rubber buttons is relatively rough, with poor texture and prone to wear and tear.
What determines the touch feel?
1. Surface Treatment (Most Critical)
The vast majority of high-quality silicone products on the market will undergo spray treatment for touch feel.
After the touch feel oil is sprayed on, the surface of the product becomes smooth and fine, smooth and non-sticky. It can also reduce static electricity and make the product less likely to attract dust. Products without the spray oil have low gloss and feel uneven when touched, especially products with low hardness, which will become very sticky over time.
2. Surface Texture
The fineness of the mold surface will directly replicate it on the product. A mirror mold produces a smooth effect, while a sandblasting mold produces a matte effect. Different textures give people completely different touch sensations.
3. Material Formula
The same silicone can have different hand feels depending on the formula. Some formulas produce a rough feel, while others are slippery. This is why experienced factories will adjust the formula for different products
Dimension 3: Grip Feel (for handheld products)
In simple terms: How does it feel when you hold it?
If your product requires long-term holding - such as handles, tool grips, fitness equipment - the "feel" that customers refer to is the overall feeling when the palm contacts the product.
What determines the grip feel?
1. Softness and Hardness
The hardness directly affects the comfort of holding. Too hard a product will feel uncomfortable to hold, while too soft a product lacks support. Different products require different hardness - sealing rings need to be soft to fit well, industrial accessories need to be hard and wear-resistant.
2. Anti-Slip Properties
The anti-slip properties of silicone come partly from the friction coefficient of the material. However, overdoing it can result in a sticky feeling when touched, which is not good.
3. Thickness and Shape
The thickness, curvature, and edge treatment of the product will affect the feeling when held in the hand. This belongs to the category of industrial design, but the selection of materials and the realization of the process are equally crucial.
How can good feel be achieved?
Good feel is achieved through production, not through description.
At Hongxianda, we help customers control the feel like this:
First, clarify the requirements. Are you referring to pressing feel, touch feel, or grip feel? The corresponding solutions for these three are completely different. The more specific the customer's requirements are, the more accurately we can achieve them.
Second, hardness first. Determine the appropriate hardness range. Hardness is the foundation of the feel. Choosing the wrong hardness makes it difficult to adjust later.
Third, sample verification. Even the best design drawings are not as direct as a physical sample. Through sampling, customers can personally feel the pressing feedback of the buttons, the smoothness of the surface, and the comfort of holding.
Fourth, surface treatment. Choose whether to spray touch feel oil, and which type of touch feel oil (shiny, matte, or sandblasted), to achieve the best touch feel.
One last thing:
The word "feel" sounds simple, but it involves multiple fields such as materials science, structural mechanics, and surface engineering.
The same sentence "The feel is not good" could be due to the wrong selection of hardness, problems with the structural design, or poor surface treatment - the reasons are different, and the solutions are also completely different.
Over the past 15 years, Hongxianda has accumulated rich experience in feel adjustment. Whether you are looking for a crisp and precise button feedback, a smooth and delicate surface touch, or a comfortable and snug grip experience, we can help you find the "just right" solution.
If you are developing silicone products and unsure about the feel, feel free to come and chat with Hongxianda.