Why are remote controls mostly silicone buttons?

Market factors:

In before the advent of "smart TV", basic is the accessory of the television remote control, TV towards "big (screen) thin (thickness) (function)" the trend of development, there is little with the remote control as a selling point, especially the domestic household appliances market competition is intense, profit thin, most manufacturers use the lowest cost to achieve it, cause product drab. Specifically, why silicone buttons? The main thing is cost performance.
product Factors:

1. In the early era of TV function machines, product functions were very complex. Buttons were numerous and the palm was just so big. (In order to ensure the feel and tactile force feedback, the single button should keep a certain clearance and height) Such product forms result in fewer technical options.

2. The TV belongs to durable consumer goods, and the remote control as the standard matching material has high durability requirements. Before, I used the Nokia mobile phone with a full keyboard and the paint was worn out in three years. Therefore, simple structure, stable quality, low maintenance rate is also a major reason.