C&K is aiming at vehicle interiors with a tactile switch optimised for low sound, long travel and positive-but-soft tactile feedback, according to the company.

Called the TLS (tact low sound) series, they have J-leads to reduce pcb footprint – which is ~8 x 8mm and 4mm tall.

“The IP54 sealed switch offers protection against dust, liquid and humidity,” said C&K. “Rated to 500,000 cycles [in most cases], the TLS Series switch is available in two versions.”

THe versions are ‘STD’ with ‘50%’ tactile feeling and ‘low-tactile’ with 30% tactile feeling. In both cases there is 0.9mm of travel and a choice of actuation force of 4, 7 or 10N – the 10N versions are only rated for 300,000 operations.

Pre-travel is included to ease the stack-up of tolerances in the end application.

Operation is over:

• -40°C to 90°C
• 10μVA to 800mVA
• 1V to 16V
• 10μA to 50mA
• Initial contact resistance is 100mΩ while insulation resitance is 100MΩ.

Applications are foreseen in consoles, control panels, on steering wheels, in automatic gear shift paddles, controlling window lifters and adjusting seats.