Tactile Feedback Is the Soul of a TenKey Pad: The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence by Its Developers
In convenience stores where a wide range of people use ATMs every day, providing "a sense of comfort in every interaction" is essential.
One example of that commitment is the numeric keypad, developed in collaboration with NEC and Topre.
This is the story of the passion and trial-and-error poured into a small but meaningful act of "customer service" — delivered at your fingertips.
In "A Journey to Weave Your Tomorrow", we share stories of people who came together to achieve what no single company could accomplish alone. In this second chapter, we explore the dedication and vision that went into developing the keypad.
In Pursuit of Safety and Comfort
"What matters is that customers can use it with peace of mind and feel comfort at their fingertips. When it comes to developing ATM keypads, achieving both smooth usability and advanced security is essential"
So says Mizumura, Executive Officer at Seven Bank.
Mizumura, Executive Officer at Seven Bank.
Mizumura
When you use an ATM, you interact with it by touching the screen and keypad. In that sense, it’s no different from customer service. That’s why we placed such importance on how it feels in that moment.
Another key element is security. We’ve carefully considered the design to prevent shoulder surfing from any angle—so that customers can feel completely at ease when using the ATM.
One of the companies that supported us in developing this keypad is NEC, whom we also featured in the first chapter of A Journey Toward Your Tomorrow. "A Journey to Weave Your Tomorrow"
This time, we spoke with Sakashita from NEC’s Industrial Infrastructure Division.
Sakashita, NEC Industrial Infrastructure Division
Sakashita
We carefully considered the keypad’s layout—where it would be easiest to operate, and how it would blend seamlessly into the overall design of the ATM. Every aspect was thoughtfully designed.
Mizumura
Starting with the third-generation ATMs introduced in 2010, features such as voice guidance and the adoption of UD fonts* were introduced to make the design more accessible for all customers—including those with diverse types of color perception.
With the fourth-generation ATMs introduced in 2019, we even adjusted the keypads to glow in sync with the soft lighting of the main unit. That level of detail really shows our dedication.
*UD (Universal Design) fonts are specially designed to be easy to read, recognize, and minimize misreading.
Sakashita
Even the way the keypad lights up reflects our commitment to usability. Simply making it transparent and lighting it up wouldn’t work, as the direct LED light could strain the eyes.
We had to figure out how to create a soft, gentle glow—how to make it glow "subtly," and how to keep it visually in harmony with the ATM body. We had countless discussions with Topre in meeting rooms, fine-tuning every detail.
A Trusted Keypad Partner Since the First-Generation ATM
Topre Corporation has supported the design and production of our keypads since the very first ATM.
Their keyboard business actually began in the financial sector, and today, they also develop consumer keyboards like REALFORCE.
For this feature, we spoke with three key members from Topre: Enomoto (Kazu), who has been involved in keypad development since the very first model; Enomoto (Ken), who oversees security; and Saito from the sales team.
From left to right: Kazu Enomoto, Ken Enomoto, and Saito from Topre Corporation.
Enomoto (Kazu)
To me, the tactile feedback of the keypad is everything. The weight of each press, how deep the key travels when pressed—we checked those subtle details over and over again to get it just right.
Mizumura
We really did try out a lot of sample keypads together with NEC, didn’t we?
Saito
Not only is it easy to press, but it also has a warm, comforting feel to it. Many ATMs overseas use metal keypads, which tend to feel cold and stiff. But with Seven Bank’s keypad, we made a conscious effort to ensure a softer, more comfortable touch both when you rest your finger on it and when you press it.
It’s completely different from the inexpensive keyboards you often see with regular PCs. This keypad was specially made just for Seven Bank. Honestly, you don’t see many companies who go to this level of detail.
Sakashita
What’s really impressive about Topre is how they managed to balance tactile comfort and security. It’s easy to prioritize one over the other—but achieving both at a high level is extremely difficult.
Enomoto (Ken)
When enhancing the security of keypads, we often make them physically thinner to prevent devices like hidden microphones or cameras from being installed.
But thinner keypads usually compromise the tactile feel. For Seven Bank, we had to maintain a deeper keystroke while also meeting the strict security standards required in the financial sector.
It took a lot of trial and error to design something that delivers both a secure and satisfying press.
Comfort Born from an Accumulation of Thoughtful Details
Each company continues to refine the keypad—not only meeting the demands of usability and security, but going beyond to make it even easier to use.
With every update, they fine-tune the design and features to accommodate a diverse range of users, steadily moving forward one thoughtful improvement at a time.
Mizumura
The ease of use of an ATM is built on many small details. For example, our machines support 12 languages to assist international visitors, and the operation sounds use a melody inspired by the koto, a traditional Japanese instrument—reflecting a sense of Japanese hospitality. The keypad, too, is full of subtle touches that most people might not even notice unless they were pointed out.
Sakashita
To guarantee a comfortable and reliable user experience, I believe the quality of the printing plays a crucial role.
With household keyboards, depending on the model, frequently used characters can sometimes fade over time. But with ATM keypads, if certain numbers become worn, they could unintentionally give away hints about someone’s PIN.
So we paid special attention to making sure the characters don’t fade.
Enomoto (Kazu)
No matter how much the keypad is used, the characters on Seven Bank’s keys will never fade.
At Topre, we also offer a product called REALFORCE—a keyboard series designed for customers who care deeply about typing quality. The feedback we've received from those users has been incorporated into the design of this keypad as well.
Saito
At one point, we received feedback asking if we could make the typing sound a little quieter.
Since then, we’ve paid close attention to noise reduction as well, making it another area of focus in our design.
Enomoto (Ken)
By the way, sounds that make it possible to identify numbers—like the "beep-boop" tones of push-button phones—are a security risk, so they’re a no-go for keypads.
To minimize any differences in physical sound between keys, we’ve also adopted a noise-reducing structure.
Mizumura
It really makes me happy to see that Topre shares the same spirit of valuing the small details, one by one.
Mizumura
Topre’s keypads are incredibly durable. In fact, we’ve never had to replace just the keypad due to wear and tear—not even once.
Sakashita
Digital touchscreens are becoming more common, but there’s still something deeply reassuring about physically pressing real keys.
Going forward, I want to keep working together with everyone to create something even better—something that feels truly user-friendly to our customers.
Mizumura
Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we’ve been able to focus on every little detail of the keypad—and that’s one of Seven Bank’s real strengths.
It would be amazing if people could develop an attachment to the keypad, just like they would to an original character!
Weaving Tomorrow Together, with the Same Dedication in Our Hearts
In an ATM, the keypad might not be the main feature. However, it still carries a variety of thoughtful details in its design, all in pursuit of a more comfortable experience.
Finally, we asked everyone involved in this journey to share their thoughts.
Enomoto (Kazu)
In an ATM, the keypad might not be the main feature. However, it still carries a variety of thoughtful details in its design, all in pursuit of a more comfortable experience.
Finally, we asked everyone involved in this journey to share their thoughts.
Enomoto (Ken)
There are so many little things about the ATM—not just the keypad—that make you think, "This just feels right."
That mindset, I believe, is what true craftsmanship is all about.
It’s incredibly inspiring, and I’m genuinely grateful that we’re able to move forward together, sharing the same vision.
Sakashita
When you try to create something great, you inevitably run into obstacles. But Seven Bank always approaches things positively, considering "what’s best for the customers," and striving for even higher goals. Thanks to that, this keypad was born. I hope we can continue to take on challenges together with the three companies moving forward
Mizumura
The keypad actually went viral on social media a little while ago, and we received so many kind comments about it.
Up until then, we’d been moving forward driven by the belief that "what we’re doing has to be right."
Hearing that kind of positive feedback really reassured us—we knew we were on the right track, and that felt amazing.
We regularly hold discussions with NEC about ATM functionality, and I think it would be really exciting to have Topre join those talks as well!
Saito
We’d love to be part of it! I’m really looking forward to continuing to create great things together.
More user-friendly, even better—our journey of craftsmanship will keep moving forward, into tomorrow.
This text has been translated using an automatic translation tool.
