Panasonic’s Versatile and High Quality Light Touch Switches
Today, we’ll be discussing the features and benefits of Panasonic’s Light Touch Switches.
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Many of us press tactile switches dozens of times every day and never think twice about them—as long as they work. Yet an unresponsive switch or one with the wrong force characteristics will certainly be noticed – and not in a good way. Though they seem like minor components on a smartphone, automotive dashboard or other consumer electronic device, tactile switches have the ability to greatly influence perceptions of quality. True or not, a bad switch equals a bad device in the minds of many consumers.
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So selecting the right switch is crucial, but what exactly makes a tactile switch right for the job? For one thing, it needs actuation force and deflection characteristics that meet the application requirements and it has to work reliably for the life of the electronic device.
The main features of Panasonic’s Light Touch Switches are their: small size, sharp tactile feel, ESD protection, IP67 rated, high contact reliability and high peel off strength.
The main benefits of using these switches are: suitable for small applications, saves PCB, improves the market perception of the set device, ground terminals are available in certain series, improves life of the switch under dust and water conditions, high performance and strong solder strength that endures typical consumer handling.
Tactile switches for consumer electronics and medical applications increasingly require IP 67 protection against the ingress of liquids and other contaminants. And that’s a good thing since sealed tactile switches will have a much better chance of reaching their maximum lifecycle. Traditionally, an adhesively bonded silicone membrane has been used to seal the switch, as shown here in Figure 1.
Panasonic’s new manufacturing method for IP67 rated tactile switches use a patented laser welding process to sealing the switches with a thin nylon film that goes over the actuator, rather than under it, as illustrated in Figure 2.
This new method offers a couple of advantages over the silicone membrane.
The first advantage is that it preserves the crisp feel of the switch. The laser welded nylon film has only a negligible effect on actuation force and click ratio. To take one example, the click ratio changed from 70.15% without the laser-welded film to 68.28% with it—for a minor two percent change.
The second is that it protects the switch against side loads. Placing the thin film over the actuator has the side benefit of offering some protection against side loads, which helps prevent damage to the switch actuator.
The recommended applications for Panasonic’s Light Touch Switches include: Portable Electronics, Wearable Devices, Medical, Industrial, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Industrial, Lighting Controls, Home Appliances, Thermostats and Handheld.
Panasonic’s Light Touch Switches are high quality tactile switches that are versatile and can be used in almost any user interface application. Designed in various shapes, sizes, terminals and push forces, Panasonic’s Light Touch Switches offer customers the opportunity to select the perfect switch for their application needs. Each switch is engineered for low contact resistance, small bounce noise, high contact reliability and a sharp tactile feel.
To view and purchase these Light Touch Switches from Panasonic, visit our website at www.FutureElectronics.com.