Tactile switches come in a handful of types that differ by how they mount, how they are sealed, and how the actuator is reached. The main ones are through-hole and SMD surface-mount formats, sealed and IP67 versions, illuminated switches with a built-in LED, right-angle and side-actuated switches for edge mounting, and size and force variants from 4.5 mm parts to long-life bodies. Each suits a different board layout and environment.
A tactile switch, or tact switch, is a momentary push button that closes a signal-level circuit and gives a defined click when pressed. Within that one function, the format changes with the job. A remote control and an outdoor keypad both use tact switches, but one is a tiny surface-mount part and the other a sealed IP67 body. Swiclick builds its KAN tact series across six sub-families, from 4.5 x 4.5 mm SMD parts up to sealed IP67 bodies, with operating forces of 100, 160 or 260 gf and a rated life selectable from 100,000 to 1,000,000 cycles. Picking a type comes down to three questions: how it mounts, what it has to survive, and how the user reaches the button.
An open tact switch may be suitable for protected indoor electronics, while sealed constructions are used when the application needs additional resistance to dust or moisture. Selected tactile switches are available with defined ingress-protection ratings such as IP67.
Do not treat IP67, process sealing and PCB washability as the same requirement. IP67 describes ingress protection under defined test conditions; it does not automatically confirm compatibility with board washing, cleaning chemicals, ultrasonic cleaning or every soldering process. Check the exact model datasheet and manufacturing-process requirements separately.
For applications where ingress protection is a design requirement, see IP67 vs IP68 for Switch Selection .
By mounting: SMD vs through-hole
Surface-mount tact switches reflow onto the board with the rest of the components and suit automated lines and dense layouts; the smallest are ultra-small SMT tact parts for space-constrained boards. Through-hole parts have leads that pass through the board for a stronger mechanical anchor, useful where a button takes repeated hard presses. For SMD parts, the reflow soldering profile is worth checking against the datasheet before you set the oven.
By feedback: illuminated
An LED-illuminated tact switch puts a light in the button itself, so the control shows status without a separate indicator. These suit instrument panels, front panels and interfaces where the operator needs to see state at a glance.
By actuation direction: top, right-angle and side
Most tact switches press from the top, down into the board. Right-angle and side-actuated tact switches press horizontally, parallel to the PCB, so the button reaches the edge of a device housing. That format is the usual choice for edge-mounted buttons on a case.
By size and feel: force, travel and life
Body size runs from 4.5 x 4.5 mm up to 12 x 12 mm, and the click is set by operating force and travel: 100, 160 or 260 gf against a short defined stroke. Rated life is a separate choice, selectable from 100,000 to 1,000,000 cycles, so a duty cycle pays for the life it needs rather than headroom it will not use.
How to choose
How to Choose a Tactile Switch Type
Start with the PCB and enclosure. Board space and assembly method determine whether SMD or through-hole mounting is more appropriate. Then define actuator direction and height so the switch works correctly with the enclosure, keycap or side button.
Next, define the operating environment. Dust or moisture may require a sealed construction or a model with a specified IP rating. If the board will be washed after soldering, verify process compatibility separately rather than assuming that an IP-rated switch is automatically washable.
Finally, select the operating force, travel, tactile feel and required cycle life for the actual user interface.
For a deeper comparison of operating force and travel, see Tactile Switch Operating Force and Travel . If you are deciding whether the product should use a PCB tact switch or a broader push-button architecture, see Tactile Switch vs Push Button .
For an existing competitor part number, compare the exact footprint, actuator height, operating force, mounting style, electrical rating and life rather than matching only the general switch type.
FAQ
What is the difference between a tactile switch and a push button?
A tactile switch usually refers to a compact PCB-mounted switch designed to provide tactile feedback during actuation. “Push button” is a broader term and can include momentary, latching, PCB-mounted and panel-mounted switch designs. For the engineering differences, see Tactile Switch vs Push Button.
Are all tactile switches momentary?
Yes. A tact switch makes contact while pressed and opens when released. A button that stays latched after one press is a self-locking push button, a different part.
Which type of tactile switch is best for outdoor use?
A sealed or IP67 waterproof type, because the actuator seal keeps out dust and water that would reach the dome on an open switch.
Standard tactile-switch families are generally designed for momentary operation and return to their normal state after release. Product naming is not completely standardized across manufacturers, so the switching action of the exact model should always be confirmed from its datasheet.
Talk to an engineer
Tell us the type you need and the part you are cross-referencing, and our engineers will confirm a form-fit-function match across the KAN tact range and ship 1 to 50 free samples before volume.
Written by Eric Chen, Application Engineer, Swiclick.
