Gallery View: Expected 5G device rollouts drive miniaturization in tactile switches

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

As adoption of 5G technology in mobile and wearable devices accelerates, the market for ultrasmall and low-profile tactile switches increases. Mass production of 2.6x1.4x0.55mm variants for smartphones, wireless earphones, and smart watches and glasses is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2021.

In China, mini tactile switches as small as 2x3x0.6mm and with -25 to 80 C operating temperatures have been rolled out. But mainstream DIP and SMD units are mostly in sizes of 4.5x4.5mm, 6x3.5mm, 6x6mm, 6.6x6.6mm, 8x8mm, 10x10mm and 12x12mm. These have an operating temperature of -20 to 70 C and a life span of 100,000 to 1 million cycles. Water-resistant types are rated IP65 to IP68. Products follow CE, cUL, GS, RoHS, TÜV and UL standards. Applications include household appliances, computers and peripherals, office automation systems and other electronic devices.

Key materials, such as copper, nickel, silver, gold and PVC, usually come from domestic sources. Fluctuating input and labor costs led to a price increase of 5 percent in 2020. These, however, are expected to stabilize in the coming months.

Normally open, IP67 rating

This normally open tactile switch from Shenzhen Weilichuang Electronic Co. Ltd, the TSTP-6.2X6.2X5-WP, has IP67 water-resistance rating. Dimensions are 6.2x6.2x5mm.

An order of at least 1,000 units is delivered within 10 days.

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SMD gull-wing package, vertical top-actuated

In an SMD gull-wing package, this vertical top-actuated tactile switch from Shenzhen Weilichuang Electronic Co. Ltd, the B3U-1000P-1.7, has 12VDC rated voltage, 50mA minimum rated current, 100mohm insulation resistance at 100VDC and 250VAC/min withstand voltage. The 1.7x3x2.5mm unit lasts 30,000 or 50,000 cycles. Its operating temperature is -30 to 85 C.

The minimum order of 1,000 units is delivered within 10 days.

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2 to 24V, 25 to 100mA

Xiamen Mingcai Electronics Technology Co. Ltd's PMS002-5 tactile switch has 2 to 24V voltage, 25 to 100mA contact current, and less than 1ohm/cm on and ≥500Mohm insulation resistance.

The 100-unit minimum order has a seven-day delivery lead time.

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≤35V, ≤100mA rating

This MK003-16 tactile switch from Xiamen Mingcai Electronics Technology Co. Ltd has ≤35V and ≤100mA operating voltage and current, and 0.5 to 1,500ohm contact and ≥500Mohm insulation resistance. Its operating temperature is -40 to 70 C.

The minimum order is 100 units. Delivery is within seven days.

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800,000-cycle life span

In a water-resistant SMD package, this TS-1187-015E tactile switch from Yat Shun Electronic Co. Ltd has 12VDC, 50mA rating, 100 to 250gf operating force and 100mohm maximum contact resistance. It lasts 800,000 cycles.

The minimum order of 10,000 units is delivered within seven days.

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100 to 250gf operating force

The TSA-3 model offered by Yat Shun Electronic Co. Ltd is a water-resistant SMD tactile switch with 12VDC, 50mA rating, 100 to 250gf operating force and 100mohm maximum contact resistance. Life span reaches 800,000 cycles.

An order of at least 10,000 units is for delivery within seven days.

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