This time, we'll introduce Panasonic Industry's tactile switches (Light Touch Switches).
This article contains useful information for engineers involved in user interface design around switches. If you're looking to gain terminology and basic information about tactile switches, this article is for you.
(This article can be read in approximately 4 minutes.)
Table of Contents
What is a Tactile Switch (Light Touch Switch)?
Panasonic's Light Touch Switches
Key Points for Selecting a Switch
User Feedback on Light Touch Switches
Want to Know More About Light Touch Switches?
・What is a Tactile Switch (Light Touch Switch)?
A tactile switch is a momentary micro-current switch that turns ON only when pushed, and is characterized by providing tactile feedback (a "click" sensation) upon pushing. They are used as input switches for operating signals in various electronic devices.
The name "Light Touch Switch" is Panasonic's unique product name, which is generally called a tactile switch or push momentary switch.
Reference Articles
What are tactile switches? Structure and operating principles
Introduction to Switches - What Are Switches?
・Panasonic's Light Touch Switches
Panasonic Industry's Light Touch Switches are electronic components with a long history within Panasonic, with mass production starting in the 1970s. In 2023, cumulative shipments reached 110 billion units. They are globally deployed, shipped to 39 countries and regions, primarily in Europe, America, and China, and are used in many applications such as smartphones, automobiles, and home appliances.
Panasonic Industry's Light Touch Switches offer a wide range of variations in size, tactile feel, and mounting methods for circuit boards, and are used in many devices. You might have even pressed one yourself!
Now, let's look at what kinds of devices Light Touch Switches are used in.
・Application Examples
Light Touch Switches are used in various applications such as ICT equipment, automotive, and industrial uses. They hold a top-class share in switches mounted in smartphones. The switch you press every day might just be a Panasonic Industry Light Touch Switch.
・Key Points for Selecting a Switch
The main points for selecting a switch are: ① Size, ② Travel ③ Operating force. Let's briefly look at each point.
① Size
Choosing a size that matches the design of the housing where the switch will be mounted is crucial. Select the appropriate switch from variations in mounting area and switch height. Panasonic Industry's tactile switches offer a wide range, from ultra-small types with a width of less than 2 mm to 6 mm square types suitable for home appliances and automotive applications.
② Travel
In switches, "travel" refers to the "depth of push (=length)" when turning the switch ON, meaning the travel distance from the unpressed state to the fully pressed state.
Travel is categorized into three types based on its depth: short, medium, and long. Short travels are used in small electronic devices such as wearables, while medium and long travels are used in home appliances and automotive applications.
Reference Articles
What is the travel of tactile switches?
How to select the travel of tactile switches
③ Operating Force
You can choose the operating force according to your desired application, from types that turn ON with a slight force of 1.0 N to types around 3.0 N that provide a firm click sensation to the user. Panasonic Industry's Light Touch Switches achieve low to high loads and soft to sharp operating feels by adjusting the number of movable contacts, among other factors.
・User Feedback on Light Touch Switches
Here are some comments from users who have used our long-history Light Touch Switches:
"They achieve miniaturization and thinning of products, offering a reliable switch with a crisp operating feel and durability."
"In addition to high technology, they have prompt technical support and a stable supply system, and with two-site production considering risk management, they are a trustworthy partner."
"Support services, such as proposing the optimal switch for the customer's application, are extensive.
・Want to Know More About Light Touch Switches?
Did you learn anything new about Panasonic Industry's Light Touch Switches?
We hope this article has deepened your understanding of Light Touch Switches, even if just a little.
If you want to know more about Light Touch Switches or see more application examples, please refer to our selection guide.
