What are the main differences between illuminated and non-illuminated push buttons?

The main differences between illuminated and non-illuminated push buttons lie in their functionality, construction, and applications.

What is a illuminated push buttons？

An illuminated push button is a type of electrical switch that includes a built-in light source — typically an LED or small lamp — which lights up the button or its lens.

Here’s a breakdown:

🔹 Definition

An illuminated push button is a mechanical switch with a built-in light indicator. When pressed, it completes (or breaks) an electrical circuit, while the illumination provides visual feedback about the button’s status or function.

🔹 Main Components

Actuator/Cap – The part you press (often transparent or translucent).
Lamp or LED – Provides illumination.
Lens – Distributes or colors the light.
Switch Contacts – Open or close the circuit when pressed.
Housing/Body – Encloses and protects internal parts.

Differences Between illuminated and non-illuminated Push Buttons

The main differences between illuminated and non-illuminated push buttons lie in their functionality, construction, and applications. Here’s a clear comparison:

Aspect	Illuminated Push Button	Non-Illuminated Push Button
Lighting Feature	Has an internal light source (usually LED or incandescent lamp) that lights up when activated or as an indicator.	No built-in lighting; relies on external indicators or labels.
Purpose of Illumination	Provides visual feedback — can indicate power status, operation mode, fault condition, or simply make the button visible in low-light areas.	Purely mechanical actuation; no visual status indication.
Construction	Includes extra components such as a lamp/LED, lens, and sometimes a separate circuit for illumination.	Simpler design — only the switch mechanism without any light source.
Wiring	Requires additional wiring for the lamp circuit (power supply and sometimes control circuit).	Only has switch terminals; simpler wiring.
Cost	More expensive due to added light source and complexity.	Cheaper and easier to install.
Maintenance	Lamp or LED may need replacement over time (especially older incandescent types).	Minimal maintenance; fewer components.
Typical Applications	Control panels, machinery, industrial systems, automotive dashboards — where visual indication is needed.	Basic control applications, simple devices, or where indication is not necessary.