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C&K Introduces New Ultra-Soft Feedback Tactile Switch Series

May 28, 2020 by Stephanie Leonida

C&K released a range of tactile switches that provide enhanced haptic communication with ultra-soft feedback.

Since the company’s inception in 1928, C&K prides itself on providing its global customers with state-of-the-art, high-performance electromechanical switch technologies. The company offers 55,000 different switch products and 8.5 million switch combinations to companies producing and distributing electronic products. Industries utilizing C&K’s reliable and customizable switch solutions include automotive, aerospace, consumer products, telecommunications, and medical.

Recently, C&K introduced a new technological development, the TLS Series Soft Sound Tact Switch, ideal for automotive interiors.
 

C&K's Series of Switches

Prior to the release of the TLS Series, C&K provided its customers with the KSC SLT Series of switches. This series incorporates a dome-based switch that accommodates any possible travel and reduces the sound when pressed. The series has a form factor of 6.2 x 6.2 and electrical life of 200K.

Further, it comes with ingress protection (IP)40, which provides protection from tools and wires greater than 1mm, but unlike the TLS Series, it is not protected from liquids.

 

C&K switch family

A variety of C&K switches. Image used courtesy of C&K.

 

Another Series, the KSC XA, is built with the same form factor as the KSC SLT, and has a hard actuator and an extended cage. This design allows for a soft sound when pressed and can be used for applications ranging from automatic gear shift paddles, seat adjustment modules, and automotive interior and openings.

These are among some of C&K’s soft feedback switches. Although these designs are innovative and effective, the company’s new series incorporates low sound, long travel, and positive tactile feedback. 

 

C&K’s Latest Soft Feedback Tactile Switch Expansion

The companies latest switch design Series, the TLS, can be integrated into vehicle consoles steering wheels, panels, paddles, window lifters, seat adjusters, and other vehicle interior applications. It features reliable surface mount technology (SMT) with J leads that can help engineers to down-scale the size of the circuit boards or add functionality to the design.

 

TLS Series Soft Sound Tact Switch. Image used courtesy of C&K.

 

The series has a new form factor of 8.6 x 8.4 x 3.95 mm and utilizes a soft actuator and flat cage. This provides ultra-soft feedback that reduces sound when pressed. This feature can be customized to meet vehicle interior requirements. 

 

IP54 Rating

Another additional feature of the TLS Series includes IP54, which means the device is protected against dust, humidity, and water spray from any direction. Further, the switches within this series are able to operate between -40°C to 90°C and have an electrical lifespan of 500K ensuring high reliability and optimized performance.

The TLS Series is available as an STD model and low tactile version. The former delivers a tactile feeling of 50% with 0.9 mm travel and an actuation force of 4, 7, or 10N. In comparison, the low tactile version exhibits a tactile feeling of 30%. Together, the soft actuator and pre-travel enable easier tolerance management with possible pre-load.