Sequentially operated snap action membrane switches

An elastomeric keypad dome type switch assembly comprising:

• a board device which includes a board, and first and second pairs of contacts mounted on said board;
• an electrically conductive snap dome which has a vertical axis, a radially outer portion that engages one of the contacts of said first pair and a radially inner portion that lies over the other of said contacts of said first pair;
• a keyboard actuator which includes a keypad formed of elastomeric material and which includes an elastomeric cap having a vertical axis and having a middle lying over said first pair of contacts and a radially outer part, said keypad including an elastomeric mount mounted on said board device and an elastomeric coupling portion supporting said outer part of said cap in vertical movement on said mount;
• said keyboard actuator including a depending portion coupled to said middle of said cap and lying over said snap dome so as said cap middle moves down said depending portion depresses said snap dome inner portion to cause it to snap and engage said first pair of contacts;
• an electrically conductive element mounted on said radially outer part of said cap over said second pair of contacts so when said cap is pressed downwardly said conductive element engages said second pair of contacts, said conductive element being positioned to engage said second pair of contacts before said depending portion snaps said snap dome.