Touch sensitive keypad

[threeandtwenty]

Hi, n00bie post here... I don't have an electronics background, so be gentle!

I need to understand a few things about nomenclature of what I call, 'touch sensitive key pads'. What I am referring to are those input pads, where the entire surface is covered in a flexible material, leaving the parts behind the sheet free from moisture ingress. That said, I have seen some touch sensitive pads that are very rigid, but still do the trick.

I could do with knowing the correct name for this 'stuff', if anyone can oblige, please.

The other thing, while I'm on, is that i would like to be able understand how the connections work from the pad to any components - is there simply some kind of wiring from the pad to the switches etc?

Many thanks if anyone out there can shed some light on the question...