Omron Tact Switch

Omron Tact Switch is a micro electromechanical switch developed by Omron Corporation, which achieves circuit on/off through short-range pressing. Its core adopts a mechanical contact mechanism between elastic metal contacts and conductive bases, which has the characteristics of high sensitivity, long life, and compact structure. It is widely used in consumer electronics, industrial control, automotive electronics and other fields.

Parameters

Structure and driving performance

Operating force and stroke: Operating force range is 1.6N-3.2N (error ± 10%), triggering stroke is 0.2mm ± 0.1mm, reset stroke is 0.1mm ± 0.05mm.

Example: The B3F series has an operating force of 2.5N ± 0.5N, balancing tactile feedback and anti misoperation requirements.

Contact lifespan: Gold plated/silver alloy contacts have an electrical lifespan of 100000 to 500000 cycles (such as the B3W series which can reach 500000 cycles at 12V/50mA) and a mechanical lifespan of over 1 million cycles.

Electrical performance

Rated parameters:

Voltage: 12V DC to 50V DC (some models support 250V AC).

Current: 10mA~50mA (expandable contact capacity).

Example: The B3F-1000 series can withstand 50mA at 12V DC with a contact resistance of ≤ 100m Ω (initial value).

Insulation and withstand voltage: Insulation resistance ≥ 100M Ω (500V DC), withstand voltage ≥ 250V AC (1 minute), in compliance with EMC safety standards.

Environmental adaptability

Temperature and humidity range: working temperature -25 ℃~+85 ℃ (extended to -40 ℃~+105 ℃ for industrial grade models), humidity 5%~95% RH (no condensation).

Protection level: IP67 model can be dustproof and waterproof (such as B3S series), anti impact 50G (11ms half sine wave), vibration durability 10Hz~55Hz (1.5mm double amplitude).

Technical Advantages

Optimized Tactile Feedback

Tactile sensation is determined by pressing force and stroke, and OMRON ensures consistency through streamlined production and precision quality control. A characteristic inspection machine is integrated into the spring component production process—if the component load deviates by 0.01mm from the central value, the mold automatically adjusts. Some models adopt stainless steel reverse springs, which not only produce a sharper metallic click compared to traditional phosphor bronze springs but also shorten the distance from maximum load to spring reversal. Even when operated with gloves, users can obtain clear tactile feedback, meeting the operational requirements of diverse scenarios.

Superior Durability and Environmental Adaptability

Material and structural design are the keys to its high durability. Stainless steel reverse springs, with their high-strength properties, reduce contact wear. Combined with silver contacts, gold-plated contacts, and other designs, the contact resistance can be as low as 100mΩ or less. Additionally, the heat resistance of this material prevents spring force attenuation during reflow soldering, ensuring stable switch tactile feedback. Moreover, the double upper and lower sealing structure enables many models to achieve an IP67 protection rating, effectively resisting dust, moisture, and other intrusions. Most models can work stably in environments ranging from -25℃ to +70℃, adapting to complex scenarios such as high-temperature working conditions and low-temperature high-humidity environments.

Diverse Specifications for Versatile Needs

The product range includes 17 series and approximately 320 variants, with a wide span of sizes. There are ultra-small models like the B3U series (3mm×2.5mm×1.2mm) as well as conventional 12mm square sizes. Mounting methods include surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole mounting, and more. Among them, the B3FS series with integrated keycaps eliminates the manual work of keycap installation, significantly improving assembly efficiency. It adapts to different installation needs from portable electronic devices to large industrial panels.

Consumer Appliances

It is a core component for refrigerator door closure detection, washing machine program buttons, microwave oven start-stop switches, etc. For example, the B3F series, with its stable tactile feedback and long lifespan, adapts to the high-frequency daily operations of home appliances.

Industrial Automation

Widely used in the operation panels of industrial robots, servo inverters, and valve positioners. The B3FS series, for instance, can adapt to high-temperature and dusty factory environments, ensuring the accurate transmission of equipment control commands.

Portable Electronics and Office Equipment

Commonly found in mobile phone side buttons, tablet function keys, and printer paper jam detection components. Ultra-small models like the B3U series and long-stroke models like the B3AL series meet the strict space and tactile requirements of such devices.

Special Fields

Medical instruments use RoHS-compliant variants, ensuring safety through lead-free processes. Game controllers rely on their short 5ms bounce time and precise tactile feedback to meet the low-latency needs of players' high-frequency operations.

Q: What is the service life of OMRON Tact Switches, and what factors will affect it?

A: The mechanical life of typical models like the B3F series can reach more than 500,000 times. Factors affecting its service life include frequent excessive pressing force, which will wear the internal moving parts and deform the spring. Besides, harsh environments such as high temperature, high humidity, and a large amount of dust will accelerate the oxidation of contacts and the aging of sealing components. Moreover, using it beyond the rated current and voltage range will easily cause contact melting and shorten its service life drastically.

Q: Why does the OMRON Tact Switch have poor contact or malfunction during use? How to solve it?

A: Poor contact is usually caused by dust and impurities adhering to the contacts, the formation of an insulating film on the contact surface due to harmful gases in the environment, or flux intrusion during soldering. You can clean the switch interior or replace it with a switch with gold - plated contacts that have strong environmental adaptability. Malfunctions are often due to contact disconnection caused by vibration and impact. In this case, you can replace it with a switch with strong contact force.

Q: Can OMRON Tact Switches be used in humid or dusty harsh environments?

A: Many models adopt an upper - lower double sealing structure, which can achieve an IP67 protection rating. Such switches can effectively resist dust and moisture intrusion and work stably in environments ranging from - 25℃ to + 70℃. However, models like the B3F series only have an IP40 protection rating, which is dust - proof but not waterproof and is more suitable for indoor environments. It is necessary to select the corresponding model according to the specific environmental conditions.

Q: Why does the key of the OMRON Tact Switch get stuck or sink and fail to rebound?

A: This is mainly due to two reasons. One is that the internal shrapnel of the switch is stuck by debris, and the other is the damage of the internal spring. If it is caused by debris, you can disassemble the switch and clean the internal impurities. If the spring is damaged, since it is inconvenient to repair the internal spring of the light - touch switch, it is recommended to replace the spring or the whole switch directly to ensure the normal use of the switch.

Q: Is the OMRON Tact Switch suitable for high - frequency operation scenarios?

A: Yes, it is very suitable. Its mechanical structure design is mature. When pressed, the contacts close quickly and rebound crisply without a weak and soft feeling. Meanwhile, its key components such as stainless - steel reverse springs and precious metal contacts are wear - resistant. Models like the B3F series have a mechanical life of more than 500,000 times, which can fully meet the use needs of high - frequency operation scenarios such as air conditioner remote controls, game controller buttons, and microwave oven operation panels.

Q: What precautions should be taken during the welding process of OMRON Tact Switches to avoid damage?

A: First, control the welding temperature and time. Excessively high temperature and too long welding time will cause the deformation of the plastic parts of the switch and the attenuation of the spring force. Second, avoid flux immersion into the switch, which will lead to contact failure. You can choose a switch that is not easy for flux to immerse and standardize the welding operation method. In addition, do not apply excessive force to the key or the shell of the switch during welding to prevent damage to the internal structure.