Dome switch touts higher tactile ratio, small size

Historically, 4-mm and smaller domes are round in shape. The advantage of the 3-leg dome is it allows for a higher tactile ratio to be achieved, giving the switch a more crisp "snap" feel, said the company. For example, Snaptron offers a round 4-mm dome that has a tactile ratio between 30% and 45%, however, the WT04170 has a much higher tactile ratio of between 60% and 75%. Another advantage of the 3-leg design is it allows the domes to fit closely to each other and other components for applications where board space is limited.

The WT series domes are constructed of stainless steel. Key specifications include a switching voltage of .1 to 50 Vdc, a switching current of .005 to 100 mA DC, and a switching capacity of 1 watt. The dome offers 170 grams of force and is specified to 500,000 cycles. The operating temperature range is -45°C to 100°C.

The WT series domes can be used anywhere a momentary switch with tactile feedback is required. This includes printed-circuit-boards, flex circuits and membrane applications. Typical applications include automotive, portable communications, discrete switch, qwerty keypads, medical devices, instrumentation controls, computer/peripheral, and consumer electronics. Click the link for more information about the WT series.

Snaptron also plans to release two domes to accompany the WT04170. These are the WTD06540 (3-leg, with dimple, 6 mm, with 540g of force) and the WTD07500 (3-leg, with dimple, 7 mm, with 500g of force). Both of these products will be available in August 2006.

Pricing for the raw dome is $.102 in quantities of 100,000. Delivery is from stock to two weeks.

Snaptron Inc., 1-970-686-5682, www.snaptron.com