Four interesting new switches

Among the vast array of switches available to enhance your next design are a few new models with distinct advantages. The three pushbutton and one limit switch described here each offer unique advantages.

C&K SMT pushbutton

C&K Components has a new long-lifetime tactile momentary switch series, the KXT2. Targeting ultra-compact electronics, the miniature 3.9 x 3.0-mm footprint double-action devices are only 1.05 mm thick. They have a 1.2-mm diameter actuator and feature a 100,000-cycle lifespan.

The switches' single-pole, double-throw, normally open (SPDT NO) contact arrangement is rated for 12 Vdc at up to 50 mA dc and contact resistance is less than 500 mΩ. The switches' bounce time is less than 10 ms. Operating temperature for the series is −40°C to 85°C and they are available immediately. Approximately $0.29 ea/6,000.

Honeywell Microswitch limit switch

Honeywell’s NGC Series of cost-effective compact in medium-duty limit switches come in SPDT and DPDT versions. The NGC Series may be configured a remarkable 380,000 different ways, according to Honeywell.

They have snap-action, positive-break contacts, silver-alloy- or gold-plated contacts, UL, CE, cUL, and CCC approvals, and NEMA 1, 4, 12, 13 IP67 sealing. The switches are rated for −25°C to 70°C operation at 120 V, 6 A for silver-alloy contacts. Gold contacts are rated for low-level operation at 30 mVdc, 10 mA resistive. Example model NGCPA00NX01A1A is $20.99 ea/25.

Grayhill SMT pushbutton

Grayhill offers the new 14 Series of surface-mount pushbutton switches that combine an IP67 seal and LED illumination. The switches provide positive tactile feedback, have an operational life of over 1 million cycles at full power, are small enough to fit on handheld devices, and are tough enough for outdoor use in wet or dirty environments. They are available with or without the seal and with a variety of LED colors. 

Greyhill calls these a “key” switch, which is a confusing term — they don’t mean a key lock, but a keyboard-like switch. They are pushbutton switches, and the 0.49-inch diameter devices sit 0.366 inches off the PC board.

A Dynamic Dust Seal protects the switch against the ingress of dust even while it is being actuated. Rated to IP67S, the switch can even be submerged without water getting into the contact mechanism from the top-side. Operating temperature range is −40°C to 85°C and contact resistance is 50 mΩ maximum, initial, 250 mΩ at EOL. Actuation force is 14, 21, or 32 oz (4N, 6N, 9N). Rated load is minimum 10 mA, 2 Vdc resistive and maximum 100 mA, 30 Vdc resistive. From $2.79 ea/200.

e-switch panel mount pushbutton

The PV0 Series of front panel pushbutton switches from e-switch are anti-vandal and sealed to an IP65 rating. The switch takes a 12.2-mm panel cutout. With high aesthetic appeal, they fit kiosks, ticket dispensers, and industrial applications. They are rated for 2 A, 24 Vdc with a 50,000 cycle electrical life span and a SPST Off-(On) configuration.

The switches have an initial contact resistance of 50 mΩ maximum and operating temperature is −20°C to 55°C. You can specify stainless or black anodized finish on body and actuator and dot, ring, or no LED illumination, with six colors available. Actuator height is 0.59 inches and total height off the panel is twice that. From approximately $7.17 ea/250.