What kind of switch is a tactile switch?

Electromechanical Switches
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Question:

What kind of switch is a tactile switch?

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Answer:

A tactile switch is a switch whose operation is perceptible by touch. These small-sized switches are placed on PCBs and used to close an electrical circuit when someone presses the button. When the button is pressed, the switches turn ON and when the button is released, the switches turn OFF.

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Explanation:

The two types of tactile switches are standard and sealed. The basic structure is as follows:

Standard type

  1. Cover
    The cover is utilized along with the base to protect the internal mechanisms of the switch. It is made by pressing a metal plate.

  2. Plunger
    The plunger relays the force of the person pressing the switch to the contact dome. It is generally made of resin, but sometimes rubber is used for larger strokes.

  3. Contact dome
    The contact dome is a circular part made of metal. It reverses when force is applied, and allows current to flow between the contacts to turn the switch ON. When the force is removed, the contact dome returns to its original shape and the switch turns OFF.

  4. Base
    The base is made of resin and both the contacts and terminals are combined into a single component to which all other components of the switch are attached.

  5. Contacts/terminals
    Contacts/terminalsThere are two types of terminals: those inserted into through holes on a PCB and those mounted on the surface of a PCB.

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Sealed type

  1. Cover
    The cover is utilized along with the base to protect the internal mechanisms of the switch. It is made by pressing a metal plate.

  2. Pushbutton
    The pushbutton is the resin component that is pressed by a person. The force it receives from a push is relayed to the plunger through the film.

  3. Film
    The film is a thin resin sheet. It seals the contact dome and contacts to prevent any moisture or foreign objects from reaching these components. This component is required to seal the switch.

  4. Plunger
    The plunger relays the force received through the film to the contact dome and causes it to reverse.

  5. Contact dome
    The contact dome is a circular part made of metal. It reverses when force is applied, and allows current to flow between the contacts to turn the switch ON. When the force is removed, the contact dome returns to its original shape, and the switch turns OFF.

  6. Base
    The base is made of resin and both the contacts and terminals are combined into a single component to which all other components of the switch are attached.

  7. Contacts/terminals
    There are two types of terminals: those inserted into through holes on a PCB and those mounted on the surface of a PCB.

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For more information, see “What is a Tactile Switch?”

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Product category

Switches Tactile Switches

Classification

Selection, Characteristics

Related keywords

Tactile Switch
Tact Switch
Structure
Sealed Type
Plunger
Contact Dome

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Switches | DigiKey Electronics


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What kind of switch is a tactile switch? | FAQ | OMRON Device ＆ Module Solutions - Americas