What is a Tactile Switch?

Definition

These small sized switches are placed on PCBs and are used to close an electrical circuit when the button is pressed by a person.

When the button is pressed, the switches turn ON and when the button is released, the switches turn OFF.

A tactile switch is a switch whose operation is perceptible by touch.

Functions

Click Response	The click response of the button lets the user feel the response of the operation from the switch.
High Durability	The contact dome, which also acts as a moving contact, has specific materials, surface processing and shape properties to maintain a stable contact over a long period of use.

Most uses of Tactile Switches are to input an ON/OFF signal to devices.

Types

There are two types of Tactile Switches: Tactile Switches and Sealed Tactile Switches.

They are further sub-categorized into PCB Insert Hole Terminals Types or PCB Surface Mounted Terminals Types, depending on how the switch is mounted to a PCB.

Other product variations include small sized and Low-profile Types, Long and Medium-stroke Types, switches packaged on tape and more.

	Tactile Switches
PCB Insert Hole Terminals	Standard Types	Horizontal Pushbutton Types	Hinge Lever Types
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals	Standard Types	Ultra Subminiature Types	Long-stroke Types

	Sealed Tactile Switches
PCB Insert Hole Terminals	Standard Types	Radial Taping Packaging
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals	Standard Types	Low-profile Types	Medium-stroke Types

3D Models

Tactile Switches

Standard Tactile Switches consist of four components: cover, plunger, contact dome and base.

The base combines the contacts and terminals into a single component.

PCB Surface Mounted Terminals Type B3FS

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.
It forms the base to which all other components of the switch are attached.

5.Contacts and Terminals

There are two types of terminals: ones that are inserted into insert holes on a PCB and ones that are mounted on the surface of a PCB.

Sealed Tactile Switches

Sealed Tactile Switches contain all the components of the Standard Tactile Switches, in addition to a pushbutton and film to create a sealed design.

Sealed Type PCB Surface Mounted
Terminals Type B3SN

1.Cover

2.Pushbutton

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

3.FilmFilm

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

6.Base

7.Contacts and Terminals

Lineup

	6 × 6mm	Other sizes
Tactile Switches
PCB Insert Hole Terminals	B3F Standard Types	B3J Hinge Lever Types
PCB Insert Hole Terminals	B3F Standard Types	B3W-9 Illuminated Types
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals	B3FS Standard Types	B3U Ultra Subminiature Types
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals	B3AL Long-stroke

B3SL

	6 × 6mm	Other sizes
	Tactile Switches
PCB Insert Hole Terminals	B3W Standard Types	B3WN Radial taping packaging
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals	B3S Standard Types
	B3SN Low-profile Types
	B3SL Medium-stroke Types

Applications

Which types of commercial and industrial equipment use tactile switches to add functionality? From vending machines to measuring devices, tactile switches are ideal for enabling users to have the functions they need. Additional applications for tactile switches are as follows: