Dome Switches Deliver Extensive Tactile Feedback

For applications requiring extensive tactile feedback, the new BL12340 tactile dome switch features a hole in its center, which differentiates it from other tactile domes. Plus, the hole can be used for backlighting with an LED so products like cell phones can have the positive tactile feedback associated with dome switches and still incorporate back lighting technology. The 12 mm BL12340 is a four-legged momentary switch contact that, when used in conjunction with a PC board or membrane, becomes a normally-open tactile switch. Tactile domes are placed onto the PC board by means of pressure sensitive adhesive tape. In their relaxed state they rest on the outer rim of the primary pathway. When pushed, the center of the dome collapses, making contact with the secondary pathway and thereby closing the circuit. The BL12340 can also be used on a single-sided PC board. All domes are made of stainless steel with optional nickel, silver, or gold plating available. They have a contact life that exceeds 1 million cycles, and an operating temperature range from -45° C to +100° C. The new BL12340 domes are SPST and have a switching voltage of 0.1 to 50 Vdc, a switching current of 0.005 to 100 mA dc, and a switching capacity of 1W. The domes sell for $15 in volume.