PART2OMRON Switches
Tactile Switches
Definition
These small sized switches are placed on PCBs and are used to close an electrical circuit when the button is pressed by a person.
When the button is pressed, the switches turn ON and when the button is released, the switches turn OFF.
A tactile switch is a switch whose operation is perceptible by touch.
Features
Click Response | The click response of the button lets the user feel the response of the operation from the switch. |
---|---|
High Durability | The contact dome, which also acts as a moving contact, has specific materials, surface processing and shape properties to maintain a stable contact over a long period of use. |
Most uses of Tactile Switches are to input an ON/OFF signal to devices.
Models
There are two types of Tactile Switches: Tactile Switches and Sealed Tactile Switches.
They are further sub-categorized into PCB Insert Hole Terminals Types or PCB Surface Mounted Terminals Types, depending on how the switch is mounted to a PCB.
Other product variations include small sized and Low-profile Types, Long and Medium-stroke Types, switches packaged on tape and more.
Tactile Switches | |||
---|---|---|---|
PCB Insert Hole Terminals | ![]() Standard Types |
![]() Horizontal Pushbutton Types |
![]() Hinge Lever Types |
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals | ![]() Standard Types |
![]() Ultra Subminiature Types |
![]() Long-stroke Types |
Sealed Tactile Switches | |||
---|---|---|---|
PCB Insert Hole Terminals | ![]() Standard Types |
![]() Radial Taping Packaging |
|
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals | ![]() Standard Types |
![]() Low-profile Types |
![]() Medium-stroke Types |
Structures
Tactile Switches
Standard Tactile Switches consist of four components: cover, plunger, contact dome and base.
The base combines the contacts and terminals into a single component.

- 1
- Cover
- The cover is utilized along with the base to protect the internal mechanisms of the switch.
It is made by pressing a metal plate.
- 2
- Plunger
- The plunger relays the force of the person pressing the switch to the contact dome.
It is generally made of resin, but sometimes rubber is used for larger strokes.
- 3
- Contact Dome
- The contact dome is a circular part made of metal.
It reverses when force is applied, and allows current to flow between the contacts to turn the switch ON. When the force is removed, the contact dome returns to its original shape and the switch turns OFF.
- 4
- Base
- The base is made of resin and both the contacts and terminals are combined into a single component.
It forms the base to which all other components of the switch are attached.
- 5
- Contacts and Terminals
- There are two types of terminals: ones that are inserted into insert holes on a PCB and ones that are mounted on the surface of a PCB.
Sealed Tactile Switches
Sealed Tactile Switches contain all the components of the Standard Tactile Switches, in addition to a pushbutton and film to create a sealed design.

- 1
- Cover
- 2
- Pushbutton
- The pushbutton is a resin component designed that is pressed by a person.
The force it receives from a push is relayed to the plunger through the film.
- 3
- Film
- The film is a thin resin sheet.
It seals the contact dome and contacts to prevent any moisture or foreign objects from reaching these components.
This component is required to seal the switch.
- 4
- Plunger
- The plunger relays the force received through the film to the contact dome and causes it to reverse.
- 5
- Contact Dome
- 6
- Base
- 7
- Contacts and Terminals
Product Lineup
6 × 6mm | 12 × 12mm | Other sizes | |
---|---|---|---|
Tactile Switches | |||
PCB Insert Hole Terminals | B3F Standard Types ![]() |
B3J Hinge Lever Types ![]() |
|
B3M Long-stroke Types ![]() |
B3W-9 Illuminated Types ![]() |
||
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals | B3FS Standard Types ![]() |
B3U Ultra Subminiature Types ![]() |
|
B3AL Long-stroke Types ![]() |
6 × 6 mm | 12 × 12 mm | Other sizes | |
---|---|---|---|
Sealed Tactile Switches | |||
PCB Insert Hole Terminals | B3W Standard Types ![]() |
B3WN Radial taping packaging ![]() |
|
PCB Surface Mounted Terminals | B3S Standard Types ![]() |
||
B3SN Low-profile Types ![]() |
|||
B3SL Medium-stroke Types ![]() |
Applications Examples
Operating Parameter Settings and Operations for Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Control panels on vending machines and security alarms
- Control panels on measuring devices
![]() Vending Machines |
![]() Security Alarms |
![]() Measuring Devices |
Operating Settings and Start/Stop Operations on Consumer Electronics and Office Automation Equipment
- Control panels on printers and copiers
- Control panels on washing machines
![]() Printers |
![]() Copiers |
![]() Washing Machines |