VDC Report Finds North American Keyboard & Keypad Market Turned Corner

The ubiquity of these devices in all major sectors will fuel substantial growth in the market during 2006 and 2007. This will be most evident in the flat panel segment - those with switch activation closure distances less than 1.5 mm (0.06 inch).

Natick, Massachusetts - North American demand for keyboards & keypads used in multiple industries will increase, slowly through 2005.

Growth in the consumption of keyboards and keypads will continue to rebound, albeit slowly through 2003. Increasing rates of growth will ensue through 2005, as demand in aggregate continues and economies in general improve. The North American market for keyboards and keypads totaled $1.57 billion in 2002 and is forecast to reach $1.92 billion in 2007, growing at a compound annual rate (CAGR) of 4.2%.

The ubiquity of these devices in all major sectors will fuel substantial growth in the market during 2006 and 2007. This will be most evident in the flat panel segment - those with switch activation closure distances less than 1.5 mm (0.06 inch).

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To view the entire press release including charts go to:
http://www.vdc-corp.com/components/press/03/pr03-35.html

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- Conductive rubber technology - Global market segments fed mainly by those products utilizing elastomeric keypads will experience dependable growth throughout the forecast period.

- Mechanical switch keyboards - High-end product sectors continue to drive the segment - Exception: the increasing popularity of the scissors-type switch mechanism, expected to provide substantial growth to the notebook PC segment.

- Membrane switch market space - To remain cost-sensitive - Vendors need to focus on aspects of providing competitive advantage - other than pricing strategy.

In the near-term, exceptional growth rates of consumption will be had for medical, military/aerospace, and automotive applications.

About VDC

Founded in 1971, VDC is a technology market research and consulting firm that specializes in industrial and commercial electronics, computing, communications, software and power systems markets.

For further details contact:

John A. Gordon, Lead Analyst - jgordon@vdc-corp.com

Tim Callahan, Sales Manager - timc@vdc-corp.com

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