SWITCHES

A tactile switch is a momentary make or brake switch. We offer a variety of SMD and Through-hole switches.

Slide switches are commonly used in many applications, including consumer electronics, computer servers, instrumentation, test and measurement, among others.

A rocker switch is an on/off electronic switch that rocks (rather than trips) when pressed. This means that one side of the electric rocker switch is raised while the other side is depressed much like a seesaw or a rocking horse.

A push button is a momentary or non-latching switch which causes a temporary change in the state of an electrical circuit only while the switch is physically actuated. An automatic mechanism (i.e. a spring) returns the switch to its default position immediately afterwards, restoring the initial circuit condition. They come in two types: a push to make (NO) or a push to break (NC).

A miniature snap-action switch, also frequently known as a micro switch, is an electric switch that is actuated by very little physical force, through the use of a tipping-point mechanism, sometimes called an “over-center” mechanism.

Switching happens reliably at specific and repeatable positions of the actuator, which is not necessarily true of other mechanisms. They are very common due to their low cost and durability.

The defining feature of micro switches is that a relatively small movement at the actuator button produces a relatively large movement at the electrical contacts, which occurs at high speed (regardless of the speed of actuation).

A DIP switch is a manual electric switch that is packaged with others in a group in a standard dual in-line package (DIP).  This type of switch is designed to be used on a printed circuit board along with other electronic components and is commonly used to customize the behavior of an electronic device for specific situations.

DIP switches are an alternative to jumper blocks. Their main advantages are that they are quicker to change and there are no parts to lose.

A rotary switch is a switch operated by rotation. These are often chosen when more than 2 positions are needed, such as a three-speed fan or a CB radio with multiple frequencies of reception or “channels”.

A rotary switch consists of a spindle or “rotor” that has a contact arm or “spoke” which projects from its surface like a cam. It has an array of terminals, arranged in a circle around the rotor, each of which serves as a contact for the “spoke” through which any one of a number of different electrical circuits can be connected to the rotor.

Rolling Ball Tilt sensors allow you to detect orientation or inclination. They are small, inexpensive, low-power and easy-to-use. If used properly, they will not wear out. Their simplicity makes them popular for toys, gadgets and appliances.