Tact switches suit low-profile control panels

The 2006 Tact switch offers users a tactile 'feel' using haptic technology.

Haptics is a tactile feedback technology that takes advantage of the user's sense of touch to provide reassuring or relevant feedback on operation of the switch.

Common uses of haptics are arcade games and home games consoles and controllers, frequently taking the form of vibration or force-feedback in joysticks and control pads.

The key to the design of the 3006 Tact switch family is a damped snap-action disc, a mixture of switching mat and snap action disc, which allows very flat control elements with a fine tactile response and a clear user feedback signal with minimum travel.

The design of the LED illumination makes backlit symbols (pictograms) visible, even at night.

The 3006 series short-travel Tact switch has a low profile at 3.95mm while providing a 1.1mm actuator travel.

The SMD mountable switch has integrated LED illumination, damping and dust protection to IP50.

The contacts are single pole, normally closed and five colours of LED are available as standard with other colours and non-illuminated versions available on request.

The definition of the LED colour provides an exclusive low-ambient-light design.

Other features include: standard actuation force of 4N with other actuating forces available on request; user-defined tactile pressure point and a large actuation surface.

Switch life expectancy is greater than 500,000 cycles and the operating temperature range is -40C to +95C.

Applications for the Marquardt Mechatronik 3006 Tact switch family include: low-profile control panels; multi-function switches; car steering-wheel switching systems; medical products; and as individual switching elements.