Illuminated membrane switch

An the electroluminescent lamp/membrane switch assembly comprises:

• a membrane switch including:
• at least two electrodes arranged so that upon bringing a flexible conductive layer in contact with said electrodes, the electrodes are shorted;
• a flexible conductive layer covering at least two of the electrodes;
• a spacer interposed between the conductive layer and the at least two electrodes, the spacer being adapted to hold the conductive layer away from the at least two electrodes while allowing the conductive layer to come into contact with the at least two electrodes upon the application of pressure by a user;
• an electroluminescent lamp comprising:
• a rear electrode;
• a substrate layer juxtaposed over the rear electrode wherein a phosphor layer and dielectric layer are interposed between the rear electrode and a substrate layer;
• wherein the rear electrode of the electroluminescent lamp and the conductive layer of the membrane switch superimposed on opposite sides of the same element.