Snap action switches, also called microswitches, are switch devices that can open and/or close an electrical circuit at a rapid speed. Triggered by an external force, either human or physical object, which is then applied to the actuator, requiring very little pressure to operate. They are characterized by their quick and decisive switching action, often producing a sharp “snap” sound when the contacts move from one position to another.
Reliability and long operating life make these switches ideal for many applications and devices, but what are the best snap action switches for 2024 markets?
Best Snap Action Switches 2024
Select any product to look at the detail specifications; continue below for more information on each and to purchase online.
ELECTRICAL RATING: Gold: 0.4VA Max. at 20VDC or VAC Max.; 15A @ 125/250VAC [UL, CUL] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 VAC [UL, CUL] MECHANICAL LIFE: 1,000,000 Cycles Typical INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,500VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 85°C (std)
ELECTRICAL RATING: Gold: 0.4VA Max. at 20VDC or VAC Max.; 5A at 125/250VAC [UL, CUL] ELECTRICAL LIFE: 50,000 Cycles Minimum MECHANICAL LIFE: 1,000,000 Cycles Typical INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 1,000VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 85°C (std) OPERATING FORCE: See Chart on Data Sheet / MATERIALS / SWITCH HOUSING: High Temperature PBT (UL94-V0) ACTUATOR BUTTON: High Temperature PBT (UL94-V0) CONTACTS: Silver (std) or Gold TERMINALS: Copper Alloy, Plated
ELECTRICAL RATING: Gold: 0.4VA Max. @ 20VDC or VAC Max.; 0.1A @ 125 VAC; 1.5A @ 250VAC; 3A @ 125VAC LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10,000 Cycles Typical MECHANICAL LIFE: 1,000,000 Cycles Typical INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500VDC OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 75°C OPERATING FORCE: See Chart in Data Sheet
ELECTRICAL RATING: 0.3A @ 6VDC MECHANICAL LIFE: 50,000 Cycles Typical INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 250VAC for 1 Minute OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 85°C STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -30°C to 85°C
ELECTRICAL RATING: 0.1A @ 125VAC or 48VDC MECHANICAL LIFE: 3,000,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE (Initial Max.): 300mΩ at 5VDC INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH (1Min.): 1,000V BOUNCE: 5m Second Max OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25°C to 85°C OPERATING FORCE: 70gf ± 20gf
ELECTRICAL RATING: 0.5A @ 42VDC; 1A @ 24VDC; 2A @ 12VDC; 3A @ 125/250VAC ELECTRICAL LIFE: 10,000 Cycles MECHANICAL LIFE: 1,000,000 Cycles CONTACT RESISTANCE: 100mΩ Max. Initial INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Min. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 600VAC OPERATING/STORAGE TEMPERATURE: -25 to 85°C DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP67 CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPDT ACTUATION FORCE: See Table on Data Sheet AGENCY APPROVALS: cURus
ELECTRICAL RATING: 01: 0.1A @ 48VDC or 0.1A @ 125/250VAC; 3: 3A @ 12VDC or 3A @ 125/250VAC CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPDT CONTACT RESISTANCE: 150mΩ Max. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ Max. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500VAC for 1 minute ELECTRICAL LIFE: 100,000 Cycles Min. MECHANICAL LIFE: 500,000 Cycles Min. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -40 to 85°C DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP67 OPERATING FORCE: 130gf Max. AGENCY APPROVALS: cURus
ELECTRICAL RATING: 2A @ 30VDC; 2A @ 250VAC CONTACT ARRANGEMENT: SPDT CONTACT RESISTANCE: 50mΩ MAX. (Initial) INSULATION RESISTANCE: 100MΩ MIN. @ 500VDC DIELECTRIC STRENGTH: 500VAC for 1 minute ELECTRICAL LIFE: 100,000 Cycles MIN. MECHANICAL LIFE: 500,000 Cycles MIN. OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -25 to 85°C DUST/MOISTURE PROTECTION: IP67 OPERATING FORCE: 183gf MAX. AGENCY APPROVALS: cURus
#1. LS Series
The LS Series snap action switch offers a mechanical life of up to one million cycles and is available in gold and 15-amp versions. Actuator options for this snap action switch include pin plunger, lever, roller or simulated roller. Terminal options include quick connect, right angle PCB pin, left angle PCB pin and solder lug. Our data sheet shows more information about these options. LS Series snap action switches operate in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C. They’re available with a Single Pole, Single Throw, Normally Open (SPST N.O.) circuit, a Single Pole, Single Throw, Normally Closed (SPST N.C.) circuit, or a Single Pole, Double Throw circuit (SPDT).
FEATURES
- 15A, 125VAC electrical rating with UL, CUL certifications
- Mechanical life expectancy up to a million cycles
- Available with gold contacts
- Multiple actuator and termination options
#2. MS Series
The MS Series miniature, snap action switch offers an operating life of up to one million cycles. Terminal options for this snap action switch include quick connect, right angle PCB pin, left angle PCB pin and solder lug. Actuator options include pin plunger, lever, roller and simulated roller. Check out the data sheet for more information. These miniature, snap action switches are available with gold or silver contacts, with the silver featuring a power rating of 5 amps of 125 or 250 VAC current. MS Series snap action switches operate in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C. Circuit options include Single Pole, Single Throw, Normally Open (SPST N.O.) and Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT).
FEATURES
- 5A, 125/250 VAC electrical rating
- Life expectancy up to a million cycles
- Available with gold contacts
- Multiple actuator and termination options
#3. SS Series
The SS Series subminiature, snap action switch is designed for higher reliability applications, with an operating life expectancy of up to one million cycles. Pin plunger, lever or simulated roller actuators are available for these snap action switches. Terminal options include PCB pin, PCB retention, right angle PCB pin, left angle PCB pin and solder lug. The SS Series subminiature, snap action switch is 12.7mm (W) x 6.5mm (H) x 5.75mm (D). It comes with a Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) circuit and is available with either silver or gold contacts that can handle direct and alternating currents.
FEATURES
- 3A, 125VAC electrical rating
- Life expectancy of a million cycles
- Available with gold contacts
- Multiple actuator and termination options
#4. TS Series
The TS Series subminiature, snap action switch comes with a vertical, left angle or right angle PCB pin termination in two different lengths (long or short). With a size of just 8.2mm (W) x 6.5mm (H) x 2.7mm (D), the TS series subminiature switch is a smart fit for most designs. TS Series snap action switches come with lever actuators and Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) circuits. The contacts are electrically rated for 300mA of 6VDC and the electrical life expectancy for these subminiature switches is 50,000 cycles. The mechanical life expectancy is 100,000 cycles. These snap action switches operate in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C.
FEATURES
- 300mA, 6VDC electrical rating
- Minimum 50,000 cycle electrical life
- Subminiature size
- Multiple termination options
#5. TS2 Series
The TS2 Series surface mount, snap action switch has a subminiature package size and is designed for higher reliability applications. These snap action switches feature electrical and mechanical life expectancies of three million cycles and operate in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C. TS2 Series subminiature, snap action switches come with pin plunger actuators and Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) circuits. Contacts offer electrical ratings of 100mA for both direct and alternating currents. These surface mount switches are 8.6mm (W) x 3.0mm (H) x 4.8mm (D).
FEATURES
- 3,000,000 cycle life expectancy
- 100mA, 125VAC or 48VDC electrical rating
- Subminiature size
- Surface mount design
#6. WS Series
The WS Series sealed, snap action switch has an ingress protection rating of IP67, making it totally protected from dust and the effects of temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This sealed switch operates in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C. It comes with the choice of a lever, pin plunger or simulated roller actuator. WS Series snap action switches have Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) circuits. Termination options include solder lug, PCB pins and wire leads. The series offers a mechanical life of one million life cycles and is UL certified, with electrical ratings for both direct and alternating currents.
FEATURES
- IP67 rated for dust and moisture protection; UL certified
- Multiple termination and actuator options
- Mechanical life of 1 million cycles
#7. WS1 Series
The WS1 Series sealed snap action switch is UL certified and has an ingress protection rating of IP67, making it totally protected from dust and the effects of temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This sealed switch operates in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85°C. WS1 Series sealed snap action switches have SPDT circuits, with a long mechanical life of at least 500,000 cycles. It comes in either 0.1A or 3A current rating and is compatible with both DC and AC. It has termination options of solder lug or wire leads.
FEATURES
- IP67 rated for dust and moisture protection
- UL Certified
- Multiple current rating options
- Solder lug or wire leads termination options
#8. WS2 Series
The WS2 Series sealed snap action switch is UL certified and has an ingress protection rating of IP67, making it totally protected from dust and the effects of temporary immersion up to one meter for 30 minutes. This sealed switch operates in temperatures ranging from -25 to 85°C and has termination options of solder lug, quick connect or PCB pin. WS2 Series sealed snap action switches have SPDT circuits, with a long mechanical life of at least 500,000 cycles. The electrical current rating is 2A, and is compatible with both DC and AC current: 2A@30VDC; 2A@250VAC.
FEATURES
- IP67 rated for dust and moisture protection
- 2A, 30VDC/250VAC electrical rating; UL certified
- Solder lug, quick connect or PCB pin termination options