Tactile switches feature side actuation for portable devices

C&K has added two new compact tactile switches to its PTS Series product offering. Both side-actuated PTS845 series and PTS850 series switches target a variety of portable device applications. These range from headsets, sports watches, and health-monitoring devices to Bluetooth accessories, black boxes, and navigation.

Giving designers greater flexibility in the design of their portable electronics, the PTS845 Series, measuring 4.5 x 3.4 x 3.3 mm, is available in three standard actuation forces: 80 gr, 160 gf, and 260 gf. The low-profile PTS850 Series, measuring 5.4 x 5.0 x 1.8 mm, is available in two standard actuation forces: 180 gf and 350 gf. The PTS845 and PTS850 tact switches offer lifecycles up to 100 K and 50 K, respectively.

The SMT tact switches provide full integration into reflow soldering standard processes. The bracket and peg design for the PTS845 can be used without the additional cost and integration associated with the peg for high solder strength, said C&K, while the boss design for the PTS850 helps customers easily locate the switch to the PCB before soldering.

Other recent PTS switch additions include the subminiature PTS636 and PTS526 tact switches for home automation and IoT designs. They also may be used in control systems for drones, e-bikes, and robot vacuum cleaners. These switches feature a large actuation surface for easier integration.