Switches

DIP switches are an electronic package (circuit board) consisting of a series of tiny switches. Typically used in the configuration of computers and peripherals (e.g., circuit boards, modems, etc.). Actuator choices for DIP switches include slide actuators, rocker actuators, and side actuated levers (piano). A slide actuator configuration can have raised or recessed slides. A rocker actuator configuration can have raised or recessed rockers. A side actuated lever configuration is typically called piano style, the "keys" are pressed down to actuate. Piano DIP Switches are arrays of simple single pole, single throw (SPST) contacts, which can be either on or off. The number of positions available is equivalent to the number of actuators on the DIP switch.

Keylock switches have a key as the means of activation. The key is turned in a circle and can stop in several positions in its range. Important physical specifications to consider when searching for keylock switches are the angle between positions and the mechanical life.

Pushbutton switches are two-position devices actuated with a button that is pressed and released. Most pushbutton switches have an internal spring mechanism returning the button to its "out" or "unpressed" position for momentary operation. Some pushbuton switches will latch alternately on or off with every push of the button. Other pushbutton switches will stay in their "in" or "pressed" position until the button is pulled back out. This type of pushbutton switch is usually mushroom-shaped for easy push-pull action.

Pushwheel switches are rotary switches that operate using a rolling wheel. They are also known as thumbwheel switches.

Reed switches are magnetically actuated switches. They are typically manufactured with two ferromagnetic reeds (contact blades), which are sealed in a glass capsule. In the presence of a magnet, the blades (contacts) close. Reed switch types are dry reed switch or mercury wetted reed switch. A dry reed switch contains ferromagnetic contact blades sealed in a glass container with an inert gas. In a mercury wetted reed switch, mercury is contact material for electrical circuit, mercury-to-mercury.

Rocker switches are defined by the motion of their switch and maintained contact function. The switch moves like a rocking chair when pushed on either side to open or close the circuit. Rocker switches are often differentiated on by the difference in their actuators. Examples include: standard rocker, standard paddle, dual rocker, and other rocker actuators.

Rotary switches move in a circle and can stop in several positions in its range. Single deck rotary switches can control several circuits at one time. Actuator choices for single deck rotary switches include flush actuator, bare shaft actuator, knobbed shaft, and keylock. In a flush actuator configuration the actuator does not project above switch body. The flush actuator typically requires a screwdriver for operation. In a bare shaft actuator configuration, the shaft has no knob but may be notched to accept various knob configurations. A knobbed shaft comes with an integral knob. In a keylock configuration, the actuation is done with a key or other security or tamper-proof method.

Slide switches are defined by their method of activation and momentary contact function. The switch is a slider that moves or slides from position-to-position. The actuator on slide switches can be flushed or raised. A flush handle is recessed into the housing while a raised handle is raised above the housing.

Snap action switches are mechanical switches that produce a very rapid transfer of contact from one position to another. They are useful in situations that require a fast opening or closing of a circuit, such as a mouse button or appliance setting. Actuator styles available for snap action switches include lever, pushbutton, and roller. Lever actuators can be straight or formed levers. A pushbutton actuator is sometimes called plunger style. A roller style actuatory can be an actual roller or a simulated roller.

Toggle switches are actuated by a lever angled in one of two or more positions. The common light switch used in household wiring is an example of a toggle switch. Most toggle switches will come to rest in any of their lever positions, while others have an internal spring mechanism returning the lever to a certain normal position allowing for what is called "momentary" operation.