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Switch Types & Common I/O Connectors: A Quick Reference
Most products combine a handful of switches and input/output connectors. This is a quick reference to the common types and the terms you'll encounter on datasheets.
Switch types
| Switch | Operation / typical use |
|---|---|
| Tactile (tact) | Momentary on while pressed; keypad/control buttons. Rated by force (gf), travel and cycle life. |
| Slide | Slides between positions; mode/on-off selection, stays in place. |
| Push-button | Momentary or latching; power and function buttons. |
| Rotary / DIP rotary | Selects multiple positions by turning; settings and configuration. |
| DIP switch | Small bank of switches on a PCB for board-level configuration. |
- Confirm electrical rating (current/voltage), sealed or tactile version for dust/moisture, and required cycle life.
Common I/O connectors
| Connector | Typical use |
|---|---|
| HDMI | Audio/video to displays; standard / mini / micro versions. |
| DisplayPort | High-resolution video, common on PCs/monitors. |
| RJ45 | Ethernet networking; magnetics-integrated versions available. |
| DC jack / barrel | Low-voltage power input; horizontal/vertical, SMT/DIP. |
| Phone jack (3.5 mm) | Analogue audio; plugs and jacks. |
| FPC / FFC | Flat, flexible connections for displays, cameras and compact modules. |
| Mini DIN / circular | Robust multi-pin connections for industrial/AV. |
| Fiber optic mount | Optical adapters and mounting hardware. |
| Battery holder | Spring contacts/holders for coin and cell batteries. |
| Pin header / female header | General-purpose board connections and jumpers. |
When requesting a quote, provide the connector/switch family, mounting style (SMT/DIP, vertical/horizontal), pin count or positions, current, and any sealing or plating requirements.
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