What Types of Switches and Keypads Are Available on the Market?

Exploring the Wide Range of Switches in the Market

An electronic component that is capable of controlling the flow of electric current in a circuit can be termed a switch. Basically, a switch serves the purpose of turning on and off the circuit. A variety of switches are available, like single pole single throw, single pole double throw, double pole single throw, and double pole double throw. These are all mechanical switches where physical contact is required for activation. Whereas power diodes, transistors, SCRs, MOSFETs, TRIACs, IGBTs, etc. are all electronic switches that do not require physical contact for activation.

The electronics market has a pool of switches to offer such as

• PCB switches :

• Anti-Vandal Switches :

• Panel Mount Switches :

• Sealed Switches :

1. Sealed toggle switches
2. Sealed rocker switches
3. Sealed tact switches

• Illuminated Switches :

1. Illuminated pushbutton switches
2. Illuminated antivandal switches
3. Illuminated side switches

• DIP switches :

• Rotary switches :

1. One pole rotary switch
2. Two-pole rotary switch
3. Three-pole rotary switch
4. Four-pole rotary switch

• Navigation switches :

• Keyboard switches :

• Toggle switches :

1. Standard toggle switches
2. Miniature toggle switches
3. Sub-Miniature toggle switches Illuminated toggle switches

• Tactile switches :

1. Standard tactile switches
2. Rectangular tactile switches
3. Right-angled tactile switches
4. Illuminated tactile switches

• Slide switches :

1. Miniature slide switches
2. Ultra-miniature slide switches
3. Standard slide switches

• Rocker switches :

1. Round rocker switches
2. Rectangular rocker switches
3. Inline rocker switches

Among these variants, you can choose the one which certainly suits your requirement.

Exploring the Wide Range of Keypads in the Market

If a user wants to enter any value into a computer, then there has to be an input device that would serve this purpose. and the keypad does exactly that. Keypads can be numeric as well as alphanumeric. They can be seen in calculators, aviation equipment, vending machines, ATMs, fitness equipment, digital door locks, healthcare instruments, security systems, etc. As per your requirements, you can choose the wired keypad or the wireless keypad.

Some of the available variants of keypads are:

Plastic keypads :

These keypads come in a variety of matte colors, different textures, coatings, etc. They also have the ability to resist scraping and wearing, and one can also select the provided option with or without a backlight solution.

Silicon rubber keypads :

These kinds of keypads can be witnessed in the healthcare industry, automobile industry, household appliances, etc. They are relatively inexpensive. They can be produced in a variety of textures, colors, prints, etc. And backlight keys can also be provided.

UV and ultra-thin keypads :

If you intend to buy a thin keypad, then you can surely go with these sorts of keypads. They also have the ability to resist scraping and wearing since the UV keypad is incorporated with a UV resin layer. They can surely have an exquisite appearance with quite good durability.

Tactile keypads :

These types of keypads are generally seen in mobile phones. They are quite cheap, and they are easy to use and repair. The keypads can also be classified into some other types, such as membrane keypads, capacitive keypads, scissor-switch keypads, dome switch keypads, mechanical keypads, buckling spring keypads, and hall effect keypads.

Modern keypads include light-emitting diodes that blink when input is provided from the keypad. To make keypads suitable for outdoor use, they can be made waterproof. Also, they can be made resistant to ultraviolet light. Sometimes the buttons on the keypad are programmed in a particular way so that they can be provided with an alternate meaning. This is done to improve the input versatility of the keypads.