Tactile Push Button Micro Switch (6x6x8mm)

Description

The Tactile Push Button Micro Switch (6x6x8mm) is one of the most widely used and fundamental components in DIY electronics and prototyping. This momentary switch features a standard 6x6mm square base with an 8mm height (measured from the bottom of the base to the top of the button actuator), providing a satisfying, tactile "click" feedback when pressed.

Available at Tomson Electronics, this 4-pin switch is designed with an industry-standard 2.54mm pitch, making it perfectly compatible with solderless breadboards and standard through-hole PCBs. It acts as a normally open (NO) single-pole, single-throw (SPST) switch, meaning the circuit is entirely open until the button is actively pressed down. It is the perfect choice for building custom user interfaces, resetting microcontrollers, or acting as simple limit switches in small robotic projects.

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Specifications

• Component Type: Tactile Push Button (Momentary)
• Dimensions: 6mm (Length) x 6mm (Width) x 8mm (Height)
• Circuit Type: SPST-NO (Single Pole, Single Throw - Normally Open)
• Pin Count: 4 Pins (Through-hole)
• Current/Voltage Rating: 50mA / 12V DC (Typical)
• Contact Resistance: ≤ 50mΩ
• Life Expectancy: ~100,000 cycles

Applications

• Microcontroller Inputs: Creating digital input signals for user menus and controls on Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi projects.
• Hardware Reset: Wiring a dedicated physical reset button to microcontroller boards or custom PCB shields.
• Custom Keypads: Assembling custom macro-pads, combination locks, or matrix keypads.
• Robotics: Functioning as a basic bump sensor or limit switch for miniature motorized mechatronics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does it have 4 pins if it's just a simple ON/OFF switch?
A: The four pins are for mechanical stability when mounted to a PCB, preventing the button from easily snapping off when pressed. Internally, the pins are connected in pairs (usually the two pins on the left are connected together, and the two on the right are connected together). Pressing the button bridges the gap between the left side and the right side.

Q: Do I need a resistor to use this with my microcontroller?
A: Yes. If you connect this switch directly to a digital input pin without a resistor, the pin will "float" and read random noise when the button is not pressed. You must use a physical pull-up or pull-down resistor (like a 10kΩ), or simply enable the internal pull-up resistor in your code (e.g., using pinMode(pin, INPUT_PULLUP); in the Arduino IDE).

Q: Does this button stay pressed down (latched) after I push it?
A: No, this is a momentary switch. A spring inside immediately returns the button to its original un-pressed state as soon as you remove your finger, breaking the electrical connection.

Package Includes

• 1 × Tactile Push Button Micro Switch (6x6x8mm)