Key Topics

Tactile Switches

Tactile switches, also known as tact switches, are on/off switches that are only “on” when under pressure, such as when a button is pressed. Once the pressure is removed from the switch, the circuit is broken. Given the way they work, tactile switches are reliant on user interaction, although may also be operated by a machine. Most tactile switches are used with printed circuit boards (PCB).

What is a tactile switch?

Tactile switches are electromechanical switches typically designed for use in automotive, industrial, and telecommunications machines and products. There are several types of tactile switch available depending on the context in which they are needed.

What are tactile switches good for?

Tactile switches are used in keyboards, keypads, instruments that require intermittent use, and interface control panel applications. The way in which tactile switches work means they’re suitable for use in a range of environments and consumer products, as well as industrial processes.

What is the difference between linear and tactile switches?

Tactile switches typically require a higher level of pressure to close a circuit the closer they get to doing so, although in a consumer electronics context, users may not notice this. In contrast, linear switches close a circuit whether weak or strong pressure is applied.

Are tactile switches quiet?

Some tactile switches are quieter than others. For example, computer keyboards produced for use in offices may have a different type of tactile switch to reduce keyboard noise, although the force applied by users is often the most significant factor in the noise made.

Top Tactile Switches Products
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5GSH92022
Apem
Illuminated Tactile Switches 5G Through hole 2.0N, Green LED
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5GSH935
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Flush Round Button Gull Wing 0.05A 24VDC 10000000Cycles 3.5N SMD Automotive
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5GSH93501
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Button Gull Wing 0.05A 24VDC 10000000Cycles 3.5N SMD
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5GSH93561
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Button Gull Wing 0.05A 24VDC 10000000Cycles 3.5N SMD
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5GSH93582
Apem
Tactile Switches 50mA 24VDC 3.5N Red SMT IP67
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5GSH96522
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Flush Button Gull Wing 0.05A 24VDC 10000000Cycles 6.5N SMD
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5GTH92022
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Flush Button PC Pins 0.05A 24VDC 2N Thru-Hole
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5GTH920Q
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Flush Round Button PC Pins 0.05A 24VDC 10000000Cycles 2N Thru-Hole
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5GTH9358222
Apem
Tactile Switches Switch TH 3.5N. Red Led
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M83723/77W1404Y
TE Connectivity
Miniature connectors with bayonet or threaded coupling mechanisms
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D16202
Apem
Switch Tactile N.O. SPST Round Button Gull Wing 0.05A 12VDC 1.6N SMD T/R
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EVP-AA702W
Panasonic
Tactile Switches Swtch Lite Touch SMD 1.7mm ht J-bent 3.5N
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EVP-ADK04K
Panasonic
Tactile Switches Swtch Lite Touch SMD 6term 4.6mm ht
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EVP-AEBB2A
Panasonic
Tactile Switches Side Operational 1.6N 4.5x2.2mm Edge
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EVP-AEGE2A
Panasonic
Panasonic Tactile Switches 4.5x2.2mm 1.6N Lbent Terms 0.15mm travel
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EVP-AF5B65
Panasonic
Panasonic Tactile Switches SPST-NO Force 3.4 N OFF-(ON) .65mm H
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EVP-AFFG65
Panasonic
Tactile Switches SPST-NO Force 160 gf OFF-(ON) .7mm H
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EVP-AFGB65
Panasonic
Panasonic Tactile Switches SPST-NO Force 1.6 N OFF-(ON) .7mm H