Push button switch terminology?

[RobL]

Hey all

 

I have a project or two which requite LEDs and small switches (that will fit through a hole as small as 5mm for example), but I'm stuck on what switches to buy because I don't know the correct terminology for what I'm looking for.

 

What I want is a push button switch that when you press it whatever is connected to it will come on, then when you press the button again, whatever is connected to it turns off.

 

I think what I'm looking for is a latching switch, but my searches so far for such parts haven't been very fruitful.

 

Would anyone here be able to point me in the right direction? 

 

Thanks in advance.

Edited January 9, 2021 by RobL

[Duncan B]

1 hour ago, RobL said:

Hey all

 

I have a project or two which requite LEDs and small switches (that will fit through a hole as small as 5mm for example), but I'm stuck on what switches to buy because I don't know the correct terminology for what I'm looking for.

 

What I want is a push button switch that when you press it whatever is connected to it will come on, then when you press the button again, whatever is connected to it turns off.

 

I think what I'm looking for is a latching switch, but my searches so far for such parts haven't been very fruitful.

 

Would anyone here be able to point me in the right direction? 

 

Thanks in advance.

You are looking for latching switches if you want the switch to stay pushed in when the circuit is on and then you push it again for it to pop back out and switch off or momentary switches if you want to push it to make the contact and then it returns to the "popped out" position (then you push it again to switch the circuit off).

 

Have you tried RS Components? You should find what you're looking for there I'd think, the link to their UK online shop is www.uk.rs-online.com

 

Duncan B

[lasermonkey]

Yes, latching switch is correct. 5mm might be a bit of an ask, the smallest mounting hole I have found is this one, which is 6mm.

Cheers,

Mark.

Edited January 9, 2021 by lasermonkey
typo

[RobL]

Thanks guys.  I'll continue looking, on eBay most items seem to be momentary or the body of the switch is too long/big for my need.

 

I've got some micro (and they really are micro) slide switches, but I failed at soldering them to wire last time I tried it, and I don't quite know which of the 3 pins to use anyway...

Edited January 10, 2021 by RobL

[lasermonkey]

Alternatively, you might consider a mini toggle switch. The physical size would likely be smaller than you'll get with a push button. I'm on my phone at the moment, but will give you a link later for the mini toggles I use on my guitar pedals.

 

The latching push buttons you have seen are probably the smallest you will find, as the latching mechanism will take up a good part of the switch itself. Non- latching switches can be considerably smaller.

[Mick4350]

Instead of a small switch, maybe you could incorporate a reed switch and use a small magnet to fill the hole with a removable replacement part to activate the electronic circuit.

[It's a disease]

https://www.rapidonline.com/sci-r13-81-red-micro-push-button-switch-78-0090

[lasermonkey]

1 hour ago, It's a disease said:

https://www.rapidonline.com/sci-r13-81-red-micro-push-button-switch-78-0090

That one is a momentary switch. Then again, you could always use one to trigger an electronic switch or relay if size is really that tight.

[It's a disease]

Forgive me!

 

rapid is the place to look.

 

they have several hundred options.

you may only find latching push button switches that suit stomp box sized openings, like guitar pedals.

 

regular toggles would probably be an easier option, or a tactile type.

 

if there is room for a circuit you could make something simple but it depends on the actual application?

 

you can do a bunch of stuff with 555 timers.

 

a bit more info on the exact usage may assist.

Edited January 10, 2021 by It's a disease
Additional info!