What is a Momentary Switch?
A momentary switch is a pushbutton or lever that only stays in its actuated state while being pressed. Once released, it returns to its default (normally open or normally closed) position via a spring or mechanism.
It provides a temporary electrical connection, used for actions like keyboard keys, doorbells, reset buttons, and control panels. Types include SPST, SPDT, tactile, and micro switches.
Advantages: quick user feedback, safety (no latching), durability. Consider actuation force, travel, contact rating, debounce, and environmental sealing.
Momentary Switch vs Maintained Switch
A momentary switch only stays on (or off) while you hold it; it returns to its default state when released. Think of a doorbell or keyboard key.
A maintained (latching) switch stays in its new state after you actuate it until you change it again—like a light toggle. Use momentary for signaling, resets, start/stop controls, and where safety requires automatic return.
Use maintained for power on/off, mode selection, or when continuous state without holding is needed. Variants include NO/NC contacts, pushbutton, toggle, rocker, and key types.
Momentary Switch Product Types
Momentary rocker switches are devices that return to their default position after being pressed. Our switches are known for their durability, precise actuation, and reliable performance. We offer a wide range of customizable options, ensuring compliance with international standards. Manufactured with high-quality materials, our switches provide excellent tactile feedback and longevity. Choose us for innovation and quality in every switch.
The Momentary Marine Rocker Switch is a durable, waterproof switch designed for marine environments. It ensures reliable performance in harsh conditions, with a sleek design and easy installation. Manufactured in China, our switches are rigorously tested for quality and longevity, offering competitive pricing and fast shipping. Trust our expertise to provide the best solutions for your marine needs. Click to learn more!
Our high-quality momentary electromagnetic switches offer reliable and precise control for various applications. Designed in China, we ensure superior durability, fast response times, and low power consumption. Our products are rigorously tested for safety and performance, providing unmatched value. Choose us for cutting-edge technology, exceptional customer service, and competitive pricing.
A momentary push button switch is a mechanical device used to make or break a connection in an electrical circuit when pressed. Our switches feature high durability, quick response, and robust design, ensuring reliable performance in various applications. Manufactured in China, we offer competitive pricing, customizable options, and strict quality control to meet international standards. Click to discover superior quality and innovation!
A Momentary Toggle Switch is a device that remains in an on/off state only while being pressed. Our switches are designed for durability and precision, ensuring reliable performance in various applications. Manufactured with high-quality materials, they offer excellent tactile feedback and ease of use. Choose our products for competitive pricing, quick delivery, and exceptional customer support.
A Momentary Micro Switch is a compact, precise device that opens or closes an electrical circuit with minimal pressure. As a leading Chinese , our switches offer exceptional durability, high sensitivity, and reliable performance for diverse applications. Manufactured with top-quality materials and advanced technology, our products ensure longevity and safety. Discover quality and innovation with us!
Our momentary tactile switches provide reliable, responsive input with a light touch. Ideal for various electronic applications, they offer a crisp, tactile feel and are tested for durability. As a leading Chinese , we ensure high quality, competitive pricing, and prompt delivery. Choose us for precision-engineered switches that meet your exact specifications. Click to learn more!
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FAQs
Momentary Switch are commonly used in various applications, and people often have questions about them. Here are five of the most popular FAQs for Momentary Switch:
Momentary switches return to their default position when released, while latching switches maintain their position until deliberately changed again. Momentary switches are ideal for temporary actions like doorbells or keyboard keys, while latching switches suit functions that remain active for extended periods, such as light switches or power controls.
Quality momentary switches can last from 50,000 to over 10 million actuations, depending on design and construction. Factors affecting lifespan include contact material, environmental conditions, electrical load, and actuation frequency. Premium switches with gold contacts in protected environments can exceed their rated lifecycle, while switches exposed to harsh conditions or electrical overloads may fail prematurely.
Momentary switches designed with appropriate environmental protection can perform reliably outdoors. Look for switches with IP65, IP67, or IP68 ratings, which indicate protection against dust and water ingress. Additionally, consider UV resistance, temperature range, and corrosion resistance for materials exposed to outdoor conditions. Marine-grade switches offer enhanced protection against salt spray and extreme conditions.
Select normally open (NO) switches when the circuit should be inactive by default and active only during actuation. This is common for most user interface buttons, signal inputs, and activation controls. Choose normally closed (NC) switches for safety-critical applications where the circuit must remain active until deliberately interrupted, such as emergency stops, safety interlocks, or alarm circuits where a wire break should trigger the safety function.
Contact bounce occurs when switch contacts physically “bounce” during state changes, creating multiple rapid make-break cycles instead of a clean transition. This can cause multiple trigger events in digital systems. Address bounce through hardware solutions (RC filters, dedicated debounce ICs) or software techniques (delay loops, state sampling). The appropriate solution depends on system requirements, with critical or high-speed applications often requiring hardware debouncing for reliable operation.
Yes, many momentary switches incorporate LED or other illumination sources. These illuminated switches can indicate system status, improve visibility in low-light conditions, or provide user feedback. Options include constant illumination, illumination only when actuated, or separate control of the illumination circuit. LED-illuminated switches typically require additional connections for the lighting circuit, which operates independently from the switch contacts.