Switches boast a pleasant tactile feel
Categories: Human/Machine Interfaces, Keyboards and SwitchesKMX series switches are suited to a multitude of applications requiring a comfortable, miniature, robust keypad with a long life.
A new range of low-profile keypad tact switches is available from ITT Electronic Components. Combining high performance, usability and robustness, the KMX series offers users a pleasant, tactile feel together with a very fast switching response. At only 0.58mm thick, the KMX series employs an extremely slim switch design.
Normally open, the switches close with an audible click, a robust mechanism that is certified for 250,000 cycles.
The long travel distance also supports a better feeling for the user than a standard keyboard.
With area dimensions of 4.3 x 4.1mm, the KMX series also saves PCB space compared to dome array- and keyboard-style interfaces.
Each KMX series switch attaches to the board via four gullwing terminals, providing good coplanarity and reliability.
The KMX switches also use standoff terminals, which leaves a lot of space under the switch for PCB traces.
Switches are available with or without an actuator built-in to the assembly (the KMX1 and KMX2 parts, respectively), a feature that provides a better-centred actuation.
Each switch incorporates a ground pin for ESD protection.
Gold and silver contact plating options are supported and the device is compliant with the RoHS Directive.
The KMX series switches are suited to a multitude of applications requiring a comfortable, miniature, robust keypad with a long life.
These include: PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, cameras and keyfobs.
It can also be used in systems requiring a custom keyboard interface.