Tactile, Rocker, Toggle, Push Button & Limit Switches

PCB and panel switches for control, input and position detection

This collection includes tactile, rocker, toggle, push-button, slide, DIP and snap-action limit switches in PCB-mount, panel-mount and inline-cable formats. Products differ in contact circuit, maintained or momentary action, actuator, mounting geometry and electrical rating, so select from the exact product drawing and variant rather than the switch family name alone.

Switch types in this collection

• Tactile switches: 3×4mm, 3×6mm, 4×4mm, 5.8×5.8mm, 6×6mm, 7×7mm, 8×8mm, 8.5×8.5mm and 12×12mm formats, with selected SMD, DIP, side-actuated, right-angle, 2-pin, 4-pin, momentary and latching options.
• Micro and limit switches: compact mouse-style switches plus KW11 and V-series snap-action switches with pin, arc lever, straight lever or roller-lever actuators and selected NO/NC contact arrangements.
• Rocker switches: round and rectangular KCD1, KCD11, KCD15 and KCD4 formats, including 2-pin or 3-pin, illuminated or non-illuminated, ON-OFF and ON-OFF-ON variants.
• Toggle switches: MTS miniature models and larger E-TEN-style switches with selected 2-position or 3-position, SPST, SPDT or DPDT arrangements and optional protective cap.
• Panel push buttons: PBS-11, PBS-33B, PBS-110 and R13-507 styles in momentary or latching versions and multiple actuator colors.
• DIP switches: 2.54mm-pitch red or blue PCB arrays, including mixed kits and individual 1- to 10-position options depending on the listing.
• Slide switches: SS12F15 and SK12D07 miniature PCB slide-switch kits.

How to choose a switch

1. Choose the action: momentary contacts return when released; maintained or latching contacts stay in the selected state. “Self-reset” usually indicates momentary action, but confirm the product variant.
2. Match the circuit: verify poles, throws and center position. SPST, SPDT and DPDT switches are wired differently, and pin count alone does not prove the circuit.
3. Check contact state: for limit switches, identify common, normally open and normally closed terminals from the product diagram or continuity test.
4. Verify the rating: match voltage, current, load type and duty. AC resistive-load ratings do not automatically apply to DC, motors, lamps, capacitive loads or inductive loads.
5. Match mounting: compare PCB footprint, SMD pad layout, pin spacing, panel cutout, thread or snap-in diameter, body depth and terminal clearance.
6. Select the actuator: button height, lever length, roller position, rocker shape and toggle position affect mechanical operation.
7. Plan protection: illuminated switches may need separate lamp terminals and a compatible lamp voltage. Add suitable fusing, suppression, insulation and enclosure protection for the circuit.

PCB switches versus panel switches

Small tactile, DIP and slide switches are generally intended for PCB-level input or configuration. Rocker, toggle and round push-button products are generally installed through an enclosure or panel. Physical size does not establish load capacity: use only the product-level electrical rating and observe applicable safety spacing.

Momentary versus latching

A momentary switch changes state only while actuated, making it suitable for signal input when the circuit is designed for that behavior. A latching switch retains its state until actuated again. Neither action guarantees suitability for switching mains power, a motor or an LED load.

Mixed-product boundaries

The collection contains an EC320/C14 fused power-entry module with rocker switch, a 5.5×2.1mm DC extension cable with inline switch, and an EC11 rotary encoder with integrated push button. These are assemblies or input components, not interchangeable with standalone switches. The rotary encoder generates rotational input pulses and is not a multi-position power selector.

A 25-piece potentiometer knob-cap listing and an M2–M12 insulating-washer kit are accessories mistakenly grouped here; they have no switch contact function and do not inherit switch ratings. A listing option labeled only as a switch cap is also an accessory rather than a complete switch.

Electrical and environmental boundaries

No single voltage, current, mechanical-life, temperature, waterproof, automotive, marine, industrial or certification claim applies across this collection. Even where a switch includes a cap or is described as waterproof, system protection depends on the installed panel, seal, wiring and enclosure. Confirm ratings and approvals for the exact variant before safety-critical or mains use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I replace a 2-pin switch with a 3-pin switch?

Not by pin count alone. Confirm the circuit function, maintained or momentary action, dimensions and rating.

What is the difference between NO and NC?

Normally open is disconnected at rest; normally closed is connected at rest. Confirm terminals from the switch diagram.

Can a 250VAC-rated switch control a DC motor?

Not automatically. DC and inductive loads can be harder to interrupt, so use an explicit suitable rating and suppression where required.

Are illuminated rocker-switch lamps universal?

No. Lamp voltage and terminal arrangement vary. Match the exact product wiring diagram.

Is a rotary encoder the same as a rotary switch?

No. An encoder produces position-change pulses; a rotary switch directly selects discrete electrical contacts.