Precision contact switches triggered by pressing, used inside mechanisms: 10–20 mm class size, plastic housing, AC 125 V / 16 A contact rating, 0.5–2 mm travel and 50–300 gf operating force. Common uses are inside instruments, appliance buttons, travel sensing inside machines, contacts inside limit switches, paper detection in printers, and mouse buttons.
A micro switch is a small, low-cost mechanical contact switch. Its key feature is the snap-action mechanism: when the actuator reaches the trip point, an internal spring blade flips and changes the contacts in 1–3 ms, with no half-on state, which helps avoid contact arcing damage.
Micro switches are for precision use inside mechanisms. They are close relatives of limit switches (metal housing, IP65+, industrial) but serve a different purpose. Volume pricing is negotiable. Main brands are OMRON V series, Honeywell Micro Switch and ZF Cherry.
Specifications (typical industry reference)
| Item | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Snap action | Over-center spring blade switches instantly |
| Housing | Plastic (PBT / phenolic) | No protection rating (IP00) |
| Size | Standard V-15: 27 × 16 × 10 mm | Also short V-16 and subminiature D2F |
| Contact rating | AC 125 V / 16 A, AC 250 V / 5 A, DC 24 V / 5 A typical | Light-force types have lower ratings |
| Operating force (OF) | 50–300 gf standard | Light 25–50, heavy 300+ |
| Travel (OT) | 0.5–2 mm | 1.0 mm is most common within a model |
| Mechanical life | > 10^6 – 10^7 operations (general case) | See the maker’s datasheet |
| Electrical life | > 10^5 operations (rated load) | Up to 10^6+ at light load |
| Actuator | Pin plunger, lever, roller lever, spring, simulated lever | Choose by how the mechanism triggers it |
| Terminals | Solder / 6.3 mm quick-connect | Quick-connect common in appliances, solder in industry |
Applications
- Travel sensing inside machines: part-in-place and home-position sensing inside SMT machines and semiconductor equipment. Small enough to fit into gaps and low cost, so several can be used. Use lever or roller actuators.
- Contacts inside limit switches: industrial limit switches use a micro switch as the contact element, with a metal housing and various actuators outside.
- Paper detection in printers, copiers and ATMs: switches along the paper path detect the sheet when it pushes the lever. Light-force types (50–100 gf) avoid holding or jamming the paper.
- Vending and ticket machine buttons: buttons and internal sensing use micro switches rated for 10^6+ presses, at low cost and compact size.
Selection guide
| Application | Actuator | Operating force | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel sensing inside industrial mechanisms | Lever / roller lever | Standard 100–200 gf | OMRON V-15-1A4 / Honeywell V7-1A4 |
| Contacts inside limit switches | Pin plunger | Standard 100–200 gf | OMRON V-153-1A4 |
| Appliances / printer paper | Long lever | Light 50–100 gf | OMRON V-15G-3A4 / Honeywell V7 |
| Mechanical keyboard switches | Pin plunger (keycap press) | Light 45–60 gf | ZF Cherry MX series |
| Heavy feel (prevents accidental operation) | Pin plunger | Heavy 300+ gf | OMRON V-15 heavy-force version |
| Subminiature mechanisms (watches / medical instruments) | Pin plunger / simulated lever | Light 25–50 gf | OMRON D2F / Honeywell SS series |
The option listed on this page is V-215-1C6; other models are available on request.
Choosing the operating force
Light parts, small mechanisms and little vibration → light force. Heavy mechanisms, vibration or a need for clear feedback → standard or heavy force. Travel is usually 0.5–2 mm, with 1.0 mm most common. A model usually comes in 2–3 force ratings, so check the suffix letter when ordering.
Four actuator types
- Pin plunger: a small plunger. Simple, compact and low cost, for very tight spaces where the part touches the switch directly (common as the contact element inside limit switches).
- Lever: a short lever pushed by the object. Longer travel and lower force than a pin plunger, for travel sensing and appliance buttons.
- Roller lever: a lever with a small roller at the end, triggered as an object passes sideways. Smooth action and less lever wear.
- Spring rod: a flexible spring rod triggered from many directions. Less common, for objects that arrive at uncertain angles.
Request a quote
Tell us the model or the actuator, force and contact rating you need, and the quantity. Request a quote →