About Tactile switch
Basics of Tactile Switch
Switch that enhance the operability of electronic devices with a "positive click feel"
From automotive equipment, cameras, and office automation (OA) equipment to industrial and medical devices, countless electronic devices surround our daily lives.
In operating these devices, the sensation of "knowing with your fingertips that a button has been pressed" is an essential element for comfortable operability and the prevention of misoperation.
The electronic component that embodies this operational feel is the "Tactile Switch."
Tactile switches are adopted in numerous electronic devices as switches that provide a reliable click feel despite their compact size.
Structure of Tactile Switch
A tactile switch is a momentary switch that provides a click feel (tactile feedback) the moment the button is pressed. It remains ON only while being pressed and returns to its original state when the finger is released.
Inside, a metal dome or leaf spring is incorporated. When a load exceeding a certain threshold is applied, it inverts and closes the contact.
Because a "click" sensation is generated at this exact moment, users can recognize the operation without having to visually confirm it.
※A momentary switch is a switch whose contact state changes only while the button is pressed, and automatically returns to its original state when the operation is stopped.
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Internal Structure of Tactile Switch
A typical tactile switch consists of the following components
Cover
Plunger
Metal dome
Base
Fixed contact
Terminal
Although the structure is extremely simple, the tactile feel varies significantly depending on the combination of
The properties and shape of the metal dome
The contact structure and stroke. -
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About Metal Dome (Reversing Spring)The metal dome is the heart of a tactile switch. When the operating load reaches a certain threshold, it inverts, simultaneously generating
Electrical continuity (Contact closure)
Tactile feel (Click feel)
Click sound
The operating feel varies significantly depending on the metal dome's material, thickness, diameter, and curvature. -
What Determines the Tactile Feel of a Tactile Switch?
Operating Force
Operating force refers to the pushing force required to actuate the switch.
Too light→Prone to misoperation
Too heavy→Causes finger fatigue
There is an optimal value for each specific application.
Stroke
Stroke refers to the distance the push button moves when the switch is pressed.
Long stroke→Provides a strong "pressed" sensation
Short stroke→Ideal for high-speed input
Click Ratio
The click ratio is a numerical value indicating the strength of the tactile feel experienced when pressing the switch.
Click Ratio＝(Peak Load−Bottom Load)÷Peak Load×100
A higher click ratio results in a sharper, more distinct "click" sensation.
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What is an F-S Curve (Operating Force-Stroke Curve)？
Vertical Axis･･･Operating Force
Horizontal Axis･･･Stroke
By looking at this curve alone, you can understand the operating characteristics such as operating force, stroke, and click ratio.
Shinmei Electric proposes the optimal F-S curves (tactile feel) tailored to your specific applications. -
Why Tactile Switches Are Chosen
１．Distinct Tactile Feedback
Users can confirm the operation with their fingertips, which helps reduce misoperation.
This contributes to improved safety, especially in automotive and industrial equipment.
２．Compact and Low-Profile Design
In recent years, electronic devices have become increasingly compact and low-profile.
Tactile switches can be mounted even in limited spaces and are well-suited for high-density mounting.
３．Long Operating Life
Depending on the product, an operating life ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of cycles can be achieved.
They can be used with confidence even in devices subject to frequent operation.
４．Ease of Mounting
They support a variety of mounting methods, such as surface-mount device (SMD) types and through-hole (insertion) mounting types.
Main Applications of Tactile Switch
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1．Automotive Equipment Shift levers, center consoles
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2．Consumer Electronics Cameras, audio equipment, remote controls
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3．OA Equipment Printers, POS terminals
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4．Industrial Equipment Control boards
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5．Medical Devices Various operation panels
Key Considerations for Selecting Tactile Switch
When selecting a product, it is important to check the following items
Operating force
Stroke
Click ratio
Contact resistance
Rated current and voltage
Operating life
Operating temperature range
Waterproof performance (Sealing performance)
Mounting method
Mounting space
Selecting the optimal specifications according to the application leads to improved overall product quality and operability.
Tactile Switch by Shinmei Electric
Shinmei Electric develops and manufactures tactile switches designed for a wide variety of applications.
Leveraging our expertise cultivated across a broad range of fields—including the high reliability required for automotive equipment, as well as consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and OA equipment—we provide products tailored to our customers' needs.
In addition to standard products, we also accommodate custom requests tailored to customer specifications, such as operating force, stroke, tactile feel, terminal shape, and mounting method.
We are capable of proposing solutions that match the specifications required by our customers, including product miniaturization, high durability, and high reliability.
Contact Us for Tactile Switch Inquiries
Shinmei Electric has been developing and manufacturing various switches for many years.
To achieve the operational feel desired by our customers—such as click feel, operating force, and stroke—we propose optimal specifications starting from the design stage.
In addition to standard products, we also support custom designs dedicated to our customers.
Leveraging our technology cultivated across a wide range of fields including automotive equipment, cameras, OA equipment, industrial equipment, and medical devices, we provide high-quality and highly reliable tactile switches.
From selecting standard products to custom designs, please feel free to contact us with any inquiries regarding tactile switches.