What is a Tactile Switches ?

A tactile switch allows electricity to flow in an electrical circuit by manually pressing the operating section. The switch is used to supply input signal to actuate a device or equipment. It is designed with a small footprint suited for mounting onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCB) made to connect electronic components to form electronic circuits. The switch activates when pressed and then turns off when released. This action is called ‘momentary action’ and can only be performed at low voltage and low current. There are many different types of tactile switches, also known as tactile push switch or custom push button switches, used in a variety of applications including household appliances, office equipment, commercial equipment, and industrial machinery.

Switch manufacture Models

There are many types of tact switches: ultra-small, membrane switches, smd tact switch 6x6 , dip type switches, switches with brackets, switches with lights, and switches with waterproof and dust-proof.

Basic structure

In general, typical tactile switch consists of: a cover (1), a plunger (2), a contact dome (3), and a base (4)

Applications

■Condition settings and operation of commercial equipment and industrial machinery Tactile switches are used in operating units of devices and equipment to enable setting of operating modes and operating conditions as well as to start and stop the operation. Devices and equipment include temperature controller, air conditioning systems, inverter control panels, and measuring instruments and medical devices.

■ Mode settings and operation of household appliances and office equipment Tactile switches are used in control panels of devices such as printers and multifunction printers to enable setting of operating modes and operating conditions as well as to start and stop the operation. Sealed tactile switches, which are water resistant, are used in dishwashers and washing machines.