is equalized thereby improving the switching action an outstanding feature of this membrane keypad 1 or more specifically the contacts 2 which are separated by a cushion of air or gas is the long service life several million switching operations and the low cost of manufacture moreover embedded in the membrane keypad 1 in fig1 but not illustrated are printed conductors which are led out from the contacts 2 and their contact surfaces 3 via a tongue 4 so that the signals can be processed in an electronic or control unit by being sealed against moisture and triggering of the contact being insulated the contacts 2 and the electrical connections taking the form of for example printed conductors or circuits are protected against contamination by dirt and against corrosion or oxidation so that the membrane keypad 1 can be precisely positioned in a carrier or case 5 as shown in fig3 a and fig3 b openings 6 are provided these openings 6 are positioned so that they fit over pins located on the case 5 and the membrane keypad 1 is thereby fastened in place fig2 a shows a front view and fig2 b a side view of a keypad base 10 which preferably is formed.