Swiclick is a custom switch manufacturer for OEM and ODM programs, covering tact, micro, slide, DIP, self-lock and rotary encoder families. Send a drawing, datasheet or incumbent part number, and the engineering review tells you whether your requirement needs a standard part, a controlled platform modification, or a new custom variant, before you commit tooling budget or change your PCB.
No obligation. Our technical team reviews your file and responds with a route recommendation.
Custom Switch Development Starts With the Requirement
Swiclick supports OEM and ODM switch projects when a standard catalog part does not fully meet the electrical, mechanical, environmental or assembly requirements of the finished product.
The first step is not tooling. It is defining what the switch has to do in the application, then deciding whether that requirement can be solved with an existing platform, a controlled modification, or a new custom variant.
For many OEM programs the fastest route is to start from an existing Swiclick platform and change only the details that affect integration. Depending on the switch family and the feasibility review, those details may include:
- actuator geometry and height
- operating force and travel
- terminal style and pitch
- mounting orientation
- contact configuration and contact material
- sealing level
- marking, colour and cap options
If your design already has a reference switch or an existing drawing, send the part number, datasheet, PCB footprint, mechanical envelope, annual volume and operating conditions. Swiclick compares the requirement against current product families and identifies the shortest realistic development path.
Three Routes for Custom Switch Development
Most requests described as custom are not level three. A useful engineering review sorts the project into one of three levels before anyone commits engineering time or changes the PCB.
Level 1 Standard Configuration
The required function already exists in the catalogue and only the correct model needs to be selected. Fastest route, lowest qualification burden, no tooling dependency.
Level 2 Platform Modification
The core switch mechanism is suitable, but a controlled change is required. Examples include a different actuator length, terminal configuration, operating-force option, mounting orientation, or another family-supported modification. Moderate lead time, limited qualification scope, no new architecture.
Level 3 Custom Variant Development
The requirement cannot be met by a standard configuration and needs engineering feasibility work. This route may involve a new mechanical part, tooling, a controlled drawing, a sample build and a defined validation plan before production release.
The engineering review confirms which level applies before you commit engineering time or change the PCB. If a standard part already solves your application, Swiclick recommends the standard part instead of opening a custom project.
What Swiclick Can Customize
Customization should be tied to a real engineering requirement, not a cosmetic preference. Available options differ by switch family, so every project is confirmed against the exact construction.
| Area | Engineering question | Direction after feasibility review |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical envelope | Does the switch fit the existing PCB, enclosure or panel space | Existing body size, alternative footprint, or custom mechanical variant |
| Actuator | What height, shape and direction are required | Actuator height, geometry, cap, lever or direction options |
| Operating force | What force window gives the required feel and margin | Standard force option or model-specific force tuning |
| Travel | How much movement is available in the mechanism | Standard stroke or compatible travel modification |
| Contact form | Is the circuit SPST, SPDT, NO or NC | Supported contact arrangement within the family |
| Electrical load | What voltage, current and load type is carried | Match the exact rated construction and contact system |
| Terminal style | How does the part connect to PCB, harness or panel | SMD, through-hole, solder lug, quick-connect or bent terminal |
| Mounting orientation | Is the actuator top-push, side-push or right-angle | Closest compatible package orientation |
| Environmental protection | Is there dust, moisture, wash or contamination exposure | Sealed family selection or protection review |
| Marking and appearance | Is identification, colour or differentiation needed | Model-specific marking, colour or cap options |
| Packaging | How does the part enter your assembly line | Tape-and-reel, tray, tube or bulk |
A requirement is sometimes simple enough to solve with a standard switch the customer had not considered. In that case Swiclick recommends the standard part rather than opening a custom project.
Switch Families Available for OEM Projects
Swiclick manufactures multiple miniature electromechanical switch families for OEM and EMS programs. Start with the family closest to the required function, then define only the changes that are actually necessary.
Tact Switches
For human-interface and PCB control applications, Swiclick offers SMD and through-hole tact switch families with multiple sizes, actuator heights, operating-force options and sealed constructions. Review the tact switch range and KAN-series configurations before requesting a custom variant, because many requirements are already covered.
Micro Switches
For snap-action detection, interlock and position-sensing applications, start with the micro switch range for OEM applications. Key custom-development inputs are contact form, actuator lever, terminal style, operating force, travel, electrical load and mechanical envelope.
Slide Switches
For maintained signal selection and compact PCB switching, Swiclick supports multiple poles, throws, actuator lengths and mounting orientations. See the MSK, SK and SS slide switch families.
DIP Switches
For configuration, addressing and PCB setting functions, start with the DIP switch range. The engineering review defines pole count, pitch, actuation style, mounting format and assembly process.
Self Lock Switches
For latching pushbutton functions, evaluate the self-lock switch range and define latch behaviour, terminal format, actuator dimensions and load requirements before requesting a special build.
Rotary Encoders
For incremental mechanical encoding, the rotary encoder range including EC11 and EC12 form factors covers miniature options. Resolution, detent count, shaft style and integrated push-switch requirements belong in the initial specification.
Already have an incumbent part from another brand? If your goal is an alternate source rather than a new design, start with switch second source solutions for OEM procurement instead.
What to Send for a Custom Switch Review
A complete first inquiry can reduce unnecessary back and forth. Send as much of the following as you have.
Essential
- Existing manufacturer and part number, if there is one
- Existing datasheet or drawing
- PCB footprint or mechanical envelope
- Circuit voltage and current
- AC or DC load
- Load type such as resistive, inductive, lamp, motor or signal
- Contact configuration
- Annual volume and project stage
Helpful
- Required actuator style
- Operating force and travel target
- Mounting orientation
- Terminal style
- Operating temperature range
- Dust, moisture, wash or sealing requirement
- Expected mechanical and electrical life
- Required certifications for the destination market
- Sample quantity and validation timing
A photo alone is enough to start a conversation, but not enough to approve a production switch. The engineering decision is ultimately based on drawings, ratings, test conditions and real application requirements.
Custom Switch Development Workflow
Each stage has a defined output.
| Stage | What happens | What you receive |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Requirement review | Swiclick reviews the application, not only the competitor part number | Confirmation of which of the three routes applies |
| 2 Existing platform check | The requirement is compared with current Swiclick families | Candidate part numbers and datasheets |
| 3 Feasibility and delta review | Engineering defines what stays standard and what must change | An explicit list of differences |
| 4 Drawing and sample definition | Drawing, sample plan and test conditions are agreed | Controlled drawing and sample schedule |
| 5 Validation | You validate samples in the real assembly or a fixture | Test support and available test data |
| 6 Production release | The production specification is frozen | Frozen spec and change-notification agreement |
Stage 1 covers electrical load, mechanical fit, actuation, environmental exposure, assembly method, compliance and production volume. Stage 3 produces an explicit difference list rather than a general statement that the part is custom. Stage 6 freezes part number, drawing, critical characteristics, packaging, quality requirements and change control.
Timing note: custom timelines depend on scope. Swiclick confirms the schedule after the feasibility review rather than quoting a generic lead time.
How to Validate a Custom Switch Before Production
A switch can fit mechanically and still fail electrically or operationally. Qualification should cover every dimension that matters to the application.
| Validation area | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Mechanical fit | Body dimensions, mounting holes, PCB footprint, actuator position, clearance |
| Actuation | Operating force, release force, total travel, pretravel, overtravel, tactile response |
| Electrical function | Contact form, terminal mapping, rated voltage, current and load type |
| Contact performance | Initial contact resistance, minimum applicable load, stability after life testing |
| Environmental performance | Temperature, humidity, vibration, contamination and sealing |
| Assembly process | Reflow, wave, hand soldering, cleaning and packaging compatibility |
| Reliability | Mechanical life, electrical life and application-specific endurance |
| Compliance | Product approvals, material compliance and customer documentation |
For mechanical switches used in appliances and related equipment, the current IEC framework is IEC 61058-1:2026. The applicable standard and certification scope still depend on the actual product and destination market.
Model-specific documentation is available through the Swiclick datasheets hub.
Quality and Production Control
Custom switch development is only useful if the approved configuration can be reproduced at volume.
Swiclick operates under ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality management systems. ISO describes ISO 9001 as a framework for organisations to establish and maintain processes that consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements. See the official ISO 9001 overview.
For an OEM project, the practical quality discussion goes beyond certificates. Before production release, define:
- drawing revision and critical characteristics
- incoming inspection criteria
- in-process controls and traceability
- sampling plan and test method
- change-notification expectations
Standard Samples and Custom Samples Are Different
Do not write a standard-stock lead time into a custom-development schedule. This is a common sourcing mistake.
Swiclick currently offers 1 to 50 free samples with a four working day sample lead time for qualifying standard parts on its core product pages. That timing does not extend to custom variants.
A custom project may require engineering review, modified components, tooling or a dedicated sample build. The sample timeline is therefore confirmed after the customisation scope is defined.
When a Custom Switch Is the Wrong Choice
The engineering objective is not to maximise customisation. It is to use the least-custom solution that fully satisfies the product.
Customisation adds engineering and qualification work. It is not automatically better.
A standard switch is normally preferable when it already meets the mechanical, electrical, environmental and compliance requirements. Standard parts simplify qualification, reduce tooling dependency and make future sourcing easier.
A custom variant becomes justified when it removes a real design constraint, such as an unavailable actuator geometry, an impossible mechanical envelope, a required force window, a terminal orientation, or a sealing requirement.
Applications and Industries
Miniature electromechanical switches are specified across a wide range of equipment. The table below summarises the requirements that typically drive a custom switch project in each sector.
| Sector | Typical switch requirement |
|---|---|
| Home and kitchen appliances | Interlock and door detection, sealed constructions, IEC 61058-1 scope |
| Power tools and garden equipment | Higher-force micro switches, vibration and contamination resistance |
| Consumer electronics and audio | Low-profile SMD tact switches, defined tactile feel, encoder with push |
| Industrial control and instrumentation | DIP switch addressing, slide switch selection, long electrical life |
| Automotive and e-mobility accessories | IATF 16949 process discipline, temperature range, terminal robustness |
| Medical and laboratory equipment | Cleaning process compatibility, contact stability at low signal energy |
| EMS and contract manufacturers | Multi-family supply, tape-and-reel packaging, controlled change notification |
Swiclick also publishes application and customer-project examples, such as the Swiclick and Foxconn tact switch project, where customisation options and OEM ODM support are described in the context of a real application.
Start a Custom Switch Review
Send the existing part number, drawing, datasheet or application requirement. The engineering review answers four questions first:
- Is there already a standard Swiclick part that meets the requirement
- If not, what can be modified on an existing platform
- What must be validated before the part is approved
- What information is still missing before a responsible recommendation can be made
Send Your Switch Requirement
Include a part number, drawing, PCB footprint, electrical load, annual volume and target application wherever available.
FAQ
Can Swiclick Manufacture a Custom Switch From My Drawing
Yes, starting with an engineering review. Swiclick reviews drawings and application requirements for custom switch projects. Feasibility depends on the switch family, mechanical structure, electrical requirement, expected volume and validation needs. The review determines whether a standard part, a platform modification or a custom variant is the right route.
Can I Customise Only the Actuator or the Terminal
Often, yes. Many projects do not require a completely new switch. Depending on the family, supported options may include actuator geometry, terminal configuration, mounting orientation, operating force or other model-specific changes. The exact option is confirmed against the selected platform.
What Is the Minimum Order Quantity for a Custom Switch
Standard parts follow the normal MOQ for the selected model and do not require a custom-development MOQ. A platform modification and a custom variant carry different minimums, because they involve dedicated components or tooling. Swiclick confirms the applicable MOQ with the quotation after the feasibility review, so you can compare it against your annual volume before committing.
Who Owns the Tooling and Is There a Tooling Charge
Tooling cost and ownership terms depend on the project scope and are confirmed in the quotation before any tooling work starts.
Will My Drawings and Part Numbers Stay Confidential
If your company requires an NDA, send it with your inquiry so it can be reviewed before the technical discussion begins. Customer drawings, part numbers and application details are not used in Swiclick public content without written permission.
Can Swiclick Match an Existing Competitor Switch
Yes, as an engineering review. A reference part number is a useful starting point, but matching must include electrical rating, contact form, terminals, mechanical fit, force, travel, certifications and real application conditions. For alternate-sourcing projects specifically, see switch second source solutions.
Do Custom Switches Use the Same Four Day Sample Lead Time
No. The four working day sample statement applies to qualifying standard samples. Custom samples can require engineering changes, tooling or a dedicated build, so timing is confirmed after the feasibility review.
What Is the Minimum Information Needed for an RFQ
At minimum, send the reference part or required switch type, electrical load, mechanical envelope, mounting method, annual volume and application. A datasheet, drawing or PCB footprint makes the review significantly more precise.
How Long Does a Custom Switch Project Take From Inquiry to Production
It depends on the route. A standard-part selection can be resolved quickly. A platform modification is driven by the sample build and your qualification schedule. A custom variant requiring tooling is driven by tooling lead time plus validation. Swiclick provides a project-specific schedule after the feasibility review rather than a generic figure.
How Should an OEM Approve a Custom Switch
Approve the exact drawing, part number, material and contact options, critical dimensions, electrical conditions, test methods, packaging and change-control requirements. Then validate samples in the actual assembly or a representative fixture before production release.
