Littelfuse Enhances KSC2 Tactile Switch Series to Empower Designers with Precise Electrical Height

­Littelfuse, Inc., an industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, announced a product update on the C&K Switches KSC2 Sealed Tactile Switch product line. This surface-mounted, waterproof tactile switch series now incorporates the Electrical Height enhancement.

The KSC2 series of tactile switches for surface-mount technology (SMT) is an IP67-rated, 3.5 mm high momentary-action tactile switch featuring a soft actuator. The switches are available in several models and provide numerous electrical lifespans that can withstand various operating forces.

The latest KSC2 tactile switch, with its superior durability and extended lifespan, outperforms other switches in the market, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Its consistent performance over time instills confidence in users, ensuring reliable functionality. The KSC2 tactile switch provides clear tactile feedback, making it easier for users to know when an input has been registered. Using the redesigned KSC2 series results in a more reliable, user-friendly, and secure product, ultimately benefiting end users. 

The KSC2 series design gives users a positive, adaptable tactile feeling, ideally suited for a wide range of markets and applications, including:

• Medical: Surgical tools, healthcare wearables
• Transportation: Door handles, window lifters, steering wheel columns
• High-end consumer: Power tools, lawnmowers, snow blowers
• Industrial: Elevators, automation, machinery

The KSC2 Tactile Switches offer these key features and benefits:

• Electrical Height of Sealed Tactile Switch: Guarantees precise and reliable electrical connections by precisely defining the distance between the actuation point and bottom contact. 
• IP67 Rating: Ensures durability and reliability in harsh environments by providing resistance to dust and water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Compatibility with Lead-Free Reflow Soldering: Enables efficient, reliable, environmentally friendly manufacturing by withstanding high temperatures and thermal cycling in lead-free, RoHS-compliant soldering processes.
• Soft Actuator (3.5 mm high): Provides comfortable, improved user experience and precise operation via a soft actuator that offers gentle touch and consistent activation.

How it works: Electrical Height enhancement enables better precision on the electrical switching position compared to the printed circuit board (PCB) reference, which is necessary for stack-up tolerances. This new feature makes the KSC2 switch easier to integrate than other products on the market with Electrical Travel. Generally, designers need to determine the switching point position from the PCB and apply the formula: Product Height ±0.2 mm minus Electrical travel ±0.2 mm, giving a total tolerance of ±0.4 mm as a minimum. The target of dimensioning with the Electrical Height value is to avoid cumulated tolerances and to propose a functional value with tighter tolerance. Electrical Height is stable, and a standard tolerance at only ±0.15 mm or ±0.2 mm is recommended.

“This newly specified feature (Electrical Height) demonstrates the decades of experiences the Littelfuse engineers have when it comes to the integration of our products into the final application, as well as the level of control we have on our manufacturing capabilities,” said Jeremy Hebras, Vice President Digital & Technical Developments, Electronics Business Unit at Littelfuse. "By committing to the switch electrical height on this popular series, together with its tight tolerance, we are helping our customers to optimally design their products, obtain the most qualitative and consistent haptic and performance results, and ultimately enhance their product's quality."

The same Electrical Height enhancement is planned for additional tactile switch series in the Littelfuse/C&K Switches portfolio.  

Availability
The KSC2 Tactile Switches are available in tape and reel format in quantities of 2,000. Sample requests are accepted through authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. For a listing of Littelfuse distributors, please go here.