Best DIP Switches for Controller Boards

The best DIP switches for controller boards are typically Surface Mount (SMT) Half-Pitch DIP switches for modern, high-density PCBs, or Piano-style (side-actuated) DIP switches for boards located in accessible enclosures. For industrial controller boards requiring frequent wash-downs or harsh environment protection, tape-sealed slide DIP switches with gold contacts are the industry standard. Selecting the right ... Read more

Best Long-Lifespan Tact Switches

The best long-lifespan tact switches are electromechanical components rated for 1 million to 10 million actuation cycles. Achieving this durability requires specific materials: look for switches utilizing stainless steel domes rather than phosphor bronze, as steel offers superior resistance to metal fatigue. Additionally, high-end durable switches often feature silver or gold-plated contacts to prevent oxidation ... Read more

How to Select Switches for IoT Devices

Selecting the right electromechanical switches for Internet of Things (IoT) devices requires balancing strict size constraints, energy efficiency, and environmental durability. To ensure optimal performance, you must prioritize components that offer low contact resistance to preserve battery life and compact footprints, such as SMT tactile switches, to fit dense PCBs. Additionally, the operating environment dictates ... Read more

Choosing Tactile Switches for Industrial Devices

Mastering how to choose tactile switches for industrial devices requires prioritizing environmental sealing (IP ratings), mechanical actuation force (for gloved operation), and vibration resistance. Unlike consumer electronics, industrial switches must withstand harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and millions of cycles without signal failure. I once audited a factory floor where a $500,000 CNC machine was sitting ... Read more

SMT vs Through-Hole DIP Switches: How to Choose

Knowing how to choose SMT vs through-hole DIP switches depends on your assembly process, board density, and mechanical stress requirements. Select Surface Mount (SMT) for automated high-volume production and compact PCBs, while Through-Hole (THT) remains superior for prototyping, manual assembly, and applications requiring high mechanical durability. I still recall a project early in my career ... Read more

How to Select Waterproof Tact Switches

Select the right waterproof tact switch by evaluating the IP rating (IP67 vs. IP68), actuation force (operating feel), and seal material durability. Prioritize switches with robust contact plating (gold or silver) and validated cycle life to ensure reliability in harsh environments like automotive or medical applications. What Defines a High-Quality Waterproof Tact Switch? A high-quality ... Read more

How to Choose a DIP Switch for PCB Design

The Dual In-line Package (DIP) switch is often one of the smallest components on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), yet it carries a disproportionate amount of responsibility. It is the gatekeeper of hardware configuration, dictating device addresses, operation modes, and testing protocols. For a PCB designer, choosing the right switch might seem trivial compared to ... Read more

How to Choose the Right Tact Switch

The tactile switch (or "tact switch") is often the most frequently used interface in modern electronics, yet it is also one of the most frequently underspecified components on a Bill of Materials (BOM). In consumer electronics and industrial controls, the switch defines the user’s perception of quality. A poor selection leads to "mushy" buttons, inconsistent ... Read more

How to Choose the Right Switch for Your Electronics Project

You’re staring at the Bill of Materials (BOM) for your latest PCB design. The microcontroller is chosen, the power management is sorted, and the enclosure is modeled. Now, you just need a switch. It sounds simple until you open a distributor catalog and are hit with 50,000 options: tactile, toggle, rocker, slide, DIP, illuminated, sealed, ... Read more

What Is a 2.54mm DIP Switch?

A 2.54mm DIP switch is the industry-standard version of the Dual Inline Package switch, characterized by the specific spacing between its connecting pins. The number 2.54mm (0.1 inches) refers to the "pitch"—the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next. This specific spacing is critical because it matches the standard ... Read more