Alps Alpine is vying for the title ‘Worlds smallest tact switch’ with one that measures 2.4 x 1.4 x 0.55mm, and is sealed to IP68.

AlpsAlpin SKUB smallest tact switch
The SKUB series has an actuating force of 1.6N and a switching travel of 0.11mm.

Switching is up to 12Vdc and 50mA, initial contact resistance is 500mΩ, and a service life of 500,000 switching cycles is claimed due to improvements to the spring structure.

AlpsAlpin SKUB smallest tact switch

“In today’s market for electronic devices such as wearable devices and smartphones, there is a growing demand for miniaturisation,” according to the company. “With experience in developing and manufacturing tact switches since 1976, Alps Alpine has utilised its expertise to develop this new product.”

Before this, its previous smallest offering was the 2.6 x 1.6 x 0.53mm SKTA series.

“As with our previous products, the housing of the SKUB Series is made from recycled materials,” it concluded.

Application is foreseen in phones, wearables including earphones and electronic cigarettes.