Ideal illumination and comfortable haptics from new SMT key switch

C&K has expanded its K12S series with the K12S High Brightness SMT Key Switch Cold White. The cold-white illuminated key switch is flexibly adaptable for various application areas such as joysticks, off-road transportation, or automotive. It is highly robust for usage in harsh environments, and particularly ideal for switching circuits with low current signal. The SMT switch is available now from Rutronik.

The tamper-proof design provides a high level of user comfort, even with off-centre actuation. Consequently, the switch is safe to operate even while wearing gloves and provides an excellent tactile feel. Thanks to the design, electrical and mechanical functions stay separate so that an overload of up to 10kg is manageable. The gold plating of the contacts makes them self-cleaning and extends the life of the switch to 1,000,000 operations. The unique SMT switch for HMIs is RoHs-compliant and offered in different versions.

The new switch is compatible with a lead-free SMT soldering process and may be sealed to IP40 or IP67. This makes it excellent for employment in nearly any automotive, industrial, or medical environment. It is also ideal for applications on motorcycles or other applications that provide dedicated electrical circuitry for circuits needing CAN-BUS.