Tact switches are used to close an electrical circuit when pressed. They’re a type of momentary switch used in devices to provide tactile feedback (a physical click) to the user when actuated. They’re a fundamental component in many products — providing a reliable and user-friendly way to interact with the device — but what are the best tactile switches 2024?
Best Tactile Switches 2024
Select any product to look at the detail specifications; continue below for more information on each and to purchase online.
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12VDC LIFE EXPECTANCY: 100,000 Cycles Typical CONTACT RESISTANCE: 20mΩ Max. Initial @ 2-4VDC, 100mA INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000 Vrms at Sea Level ACTUATION FORCE: 160gf ± 50gf; 260gf ± 50gf OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 70°C
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA ELECTRICAL LIFE: 100gf: 1,000,000 cycles; 160gf: 500,000 cycles; 250gf: 200,000 cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 200mΩ Initial Max. INSULATION RESISTANCE: 50MΩ Min. at 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC OPERATING FORCE: 100gf ± 30gf; 160gf ± 50gf; 250gf ± 50gf TRAVEL: 0.20mm OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 70°C STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 80°C
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12V DC LIFE EXPECTANCY: 200,000 cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. at 500V DC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250V AC for 1 min. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 70°C STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -30°C to 80°C OPERATING FORCE: 100 gf ± 50 gf; 160 gf ± 50 gf; 260 gf ± 50 gf TRAVEL: 0.2mm ± 0.1mm CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPST, Normally Open
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 32VDC ELECTRICAL LIFE: up to 5,000,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 10MΩ Min. @ 100VDC DIELECTRICS STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40 to 85°C OPERATING FORCE: 160gf ± 50gf; 200gf ± 50gf; 350gf ± 100gf TRAVEL: 160gf: 0.3mm; 200gf: 0.35mm; 350gf: 0.5mm DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP67 FUNCTION: SPST, Off-(On)
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA, 12VDC CONTACT RESISTANCE: 500mΩ Max. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. at 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 85°C OPERATING FORCE: 160gf ± 50gf OPERATING LIFE: 100,000 cycles TRAVEL: 0.20mm ± 0.10mm FUNCTION: SPST, Off-(On) BOUNCE: 10msec Max. CONTACT MATERIAL: Silver or Gold PACKAGING: Tape and Reel (1,400 pieces/reel)
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12VDC CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 90°C TRAVEL: 0.25mm + 0.15mm DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP67 LIFE EXPECTANCY: 160gf ± 50gf: 1,000,000 cycles; 260gf ± 50gf: 500,000 cycles PACKAGING: Tape and Reel (1,500 pcs/reel)
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12VDC LIFE EXPECTANCY: 50,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500VAC ACTUATION FORCE: 160gf ± 50gf OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 70°C TRAVEL: 0.20 ± .01mm
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12VDC LIFE EXPECTANCY: 100,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. Typical at 2-4VDC; 100mA for Both Silver and Gold Plated Contacts INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. at 100VDC for 1 Minute DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC OPERATING FORCE: 100gf ± 50gf; 160gf ± 50gf; 250gf ± 50gf OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -20°C to 70°C BOUNCE: <10m Second
ELECTRICAL RATING: 20mA @ 15VDC ELECTRICAL LIFE: 300,000 cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 500mΩ Max INSULATION RESISTANCE: 50MΩ Min @ 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 85°C TRAVEL: 0.13mm CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPST ACTUATION FORCE: 160gf
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA @ 12VDC ELECTRICAL LIFE: 160, 240gf: 500,000 Cycles; 100, 330gf: 300,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 500mΩ Max. Initial INSULATION RESISTANCE: 50M Ω @ 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 min. OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 85°C OPERATING FORCE: 100, 160, 240, 330 gf TRAVEL: 0.13mm CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPST
ELECTRICAL RATING: 50mA, 12VDC CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. at 100VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute LIFE EXPECTANCY: 100,000 cycles OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 85°C TRAVEL: 0.25mm +0.2mm / – 0.1mm CONTACT MATERIAL: Silver OPERATING FORCE: 260gf ± 50gf FUNCTION: SPST, Off-(On) PACKAGING: Tape and Reel; 1,000 pieces/reel
ELECTRICAL RATING: 12VDC @ 50mA MECHANICAL LIFE: 500,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE (Initial Max.): 100mΩ @1.5VDC INSULATION RESISTANCE (Min. at 500V): 100MΩ Min. @ 500VAC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH (1 Minute): 500VAC FORCE: 180gf ± 50gf OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40°C to 85°C TRAVEL: 0.2mm ± 0.1mm
#1. TL3342 Series
The TL3342 Series switch has a 1.5mm low profile design and a positive tactile response. This tact switch has two operating force options to choose from: 160gf or 250gf. Both offer a life expectancy of 100,000 cycles. These tactile switches are operational at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C. They’re sized 5.2mm x 5.2mm and are surface mountable with gull wing contacts. Applications for this low profile tact switch include:
- Medical equipment
- Testing/instrumentation
- Consumer electronics
- Telecommunications
#2. TL3315 Series
The TL3315 Series tact switch features a 0.55mm profile and is surface mountable, making it great for applications requiring a tight fit. The TL3315 has three different operating force options: 100gf, 160gf or 250gf. The switch measures 4.5mm x 4.5mm and operates at -20°C to 70°C. The three different operating forces result in different life expectancies. The 100gf version comes with the longest life expectancy: 1,000,000 cycles. The 160gf option has a life expectancy of 500,000 cycles, and the 250gf version results in a 200,000-cycle life expectancy. Applications for this ultra low profile tact switch include:
- Consumer electronics
- Audio/visual devices
- Medical devices
- Testing/instrumentation
- Telecommunications
- Computers/peripherals
#3. TL3240 Series
The TL3240 Series is a surface mountable switch that offers LED illumination in blue, red, green and yellow. Cap options are offered (offered in square or round) but are ordered and shipped separately. Cap color choices include black, red, blue, ivory, green and yellow. These switches come in tactile tape and reel packaging at 450 pieces per reel. They have a life expectancy of 200,000 cycles and operate in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 70°C. Operating force options include 100gf, 160gf and 260gf. Applications for this switch include:
- Audio/visual
- Computer peripherals
- Consumer electronics
- Instrumentation
- Telecommunications
- Medical equipment
#4. TL6150 Series
The TL6150 Series is an SMT tactile switch available with either gull wing or J-lead termination. This SPST momentary tact switch is rated IP67 for protection against dust and moisture. This series has three different actuation forces available: 160gf, 200gf and 350gf. The life expectancy for the TL6150 Series varies depending on the actuation force option, but all are long life switches. The 350gf has a long life expectancy of 350,000 cycles, the 200gf option lives approximately 500,000 cycles and the 160gf option has a life expectancy of five million cycles. The travel also varies and ranges from 0.3mm to 0.5mm. This product also has an industrial operating and storage temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. These switches are delivered in tactile tape and reel packaging. Applications for this switch include:
- Audio/visual
- Computer peripherals
- Consumer electronics
- Instrumentation
- Medical equipment
- Telecommunications
#5. TL3275 Series
The TL3275 Series tactile switch is a right angle, surface mount switch with 15 illumination options, including 10 dual-LED color combinations. The switch can also be ordered without illumination, and silver or gold contacts are also available. This is a Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST) switch with Off-(On) functionality and an electrical rating of 50mA, 12VDC. The TL3275 Series is expected to last up to 100,000 cycles and operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. They’re shipped in tape and reel packaging ready for automated installation, with 1,400 pieces on each reel. Possible applications for this illuminated, right angle SMT tact switch include:
- Audio/visual
- Computer peripherals
- Consumer electronics
- Instrumentation
- Medical equipment
- Telecommunications
#6. TL6800 Series
The TL6800 Series tactile switch is sealed to an IP67 rating and features a long life expectancy of up to a million cycles. Two actuation force options are available for this surface mount tact switch: 160gf and 260gf. The TL6800 Series can handle temperatures ranging from -40°C to 90°C. They’re silver plated, with a SPST circuit and an electrical current rating of 50mA @ 12VDC. These sealed, long life tactile switches are ideal for applications like:
- Telecommunications
- Medical equipment
- Instrumentation
- Consumer electronics
- Computer peripherals
- Audio/visual
#7. TL1260 Series
TL1260 Series through-hole tactile switches are illuminated and have a right angle termination. They’re available with a variety of LED illumination and cap color options. The TL1260 Series is manufactured with highly reliable tactile dome technology. These tact switches are rated for 50,000 life cycles and handle 50mA of 12VDC electrical current. They’ll operate at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C. Applications include:
- Telecommunications
- Consumer electronics
- Audio/visual
- Medical equipment
- Testing
- Instrumentation
#8. TL1105 Series
The TL1105 Series comes with a right angle option, many actuator lengths and multiple operating forces. These tact switches feature reliable dome contact technology and a strong tactile feedback. The TLE1105 Series is the TL1105 Series but with an earth ground terminal. We also offer a long life version of this series. The life expectancy of this series is 100,000 cycles, and they operate in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 70°C. Applications for this through-hole tact switch include:
- Telecommunications
- Consumer electronics
- Audio/visual
- Medical devices
- Testing/instrumentation
- Computer peripherals
#9. TL4110 Series
The TL4110 Series tact switch is surface mountable with an extremely low profile of 2.0mm x 2.8mm with a life expectancy of 300,000 cycles. This switch mounts along the edge of the PCB for right angle actuation. These 20mA, 15VDC electrically rated tactile switches provide Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) momentary function with an actuator force of 160 grams. They’ll operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Applications for the TL4110 Series low profile tactile switches include:
- Wearable electronics
- Internet of things
- Handheld devices
- Medical/dental
- Smart home
- Telecommunications
#10. TL3780 Series
The TL3780 Series tactile switch is ultraminiature, a mere 2.0mm x 3.0mm in size, with a very low profile of 0.60mm. There are four operating force options: 100gf, 160gf, 240gf and 330gf. The TL3780 Series has a life cycle of 300,000 to 500,000 actuations depending on the operating force and is electrically rated for 20mA of 15 VDC current. These tact switches operate at temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, so climate shouldn’t be a concern when installing these switches. With its small footprint, low profile and SMT design, this ultraminiature tact switch can be used for many small applications, including:
- Wearable technology
- Medical devices
- Audio/visual
- Other products where space is at a premium
#11. RT3301 Series
The RT3301 Series is a top-actuated, reverse surface mount tact switch that measures 6mm x 6mm in size and features a long life expectancy of up to 100,000 cycles. The actuator requires 260 grams force to actuate, and the switch has a Single-Pole, Single-Throw (SPST) circuit with Off-(On) functionality. The RT3301 Series reverse SMT tactile switch is also great in the elements, operating in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C. This switch has an electrical rating of 50mA @ 12VDC and is delivered in tape and reel packaging for automated installation, with 1,000 pieces per reel. Applications for the RT3301 Series reverse surface mount tactile switch include:
- Audio/visual
- Computer peripherals
- Consumer electronics
- Instrumentation
- Medical equipment
- Telecommunications
#12. TL1220 Series
The TL1220 Series has multiple illuminated cap options, including custom graphics, and features a sharp tactile response. Single or double LED color options are available. These tact switches have a long life expectancy of 500,000 cycles, and they operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, making them ultra durable and ideal for rough environments. Applications for this illuminated tactile switch include:
- Telecommunications
- Consumer electronics
- Audio/visual
- Medical
- Computers/servers