C&K Launches Clear, Cool White Illuminated Pushbutton Switches

     C&K, a leading manufacturer of high-quality electromechanical switches, has expanded its key switch product line with the introduction of a cool white illuminated switch. The K12S Bright White Key Switches are an evolution of the popular and durable K12S series of switches. The new cool white lighting feature was introduced to meet the growing demand for high-brightness, high-quality switches in high-volume industrial and automotive manufacturing.

     C&K uses an advanced material that improves clarity and withstands high reflow temperatures, resulting in increased brightness for the K12S series switches. The K12S series switches are available in seven standard LED colors and can be customized to meet the specific requirements of customer applications. The K12S series of key switches includes a sealed model for outdoor applications such as car door locks, trunk open buttons, motorcycle handles and other environments where harsh conditions may be encountered. For less demanding environments, switches in IP40 models can be used.

     The K12S series switch from C&K is a double pole single throw, double contact version with a double step operating force of 6/12N. Cedric Garropin, Product Manager at C&K, said, "As the demand for high-brightness illuminated switches continues to grow, the K12S series of switches can meet the performance and practicality requirements of your design. By configuring different combinations of spring mechanisms and cam designs, we are able to Switch travel, operating force and contact position can be customized to meet many different customer requirements in the same size.”

     All K12S series of key switches use gold-plated self-cleaning contacts with low contact resistance (<100mΩ), overload resistance of 100N, and service life of 1 million times. The small size of these switches in the PCB mount state makes them ideal for electromechanical design engineers to integrate them into complex sub-assemblies that require precise control, such as joysticks, remote controls, vehicle cockpits, and forklift/hoist controls. In a double pole single throw configuration, the K12S series switches meet the safety needs of demanding applications in medical, military, avionics or industrial equipment.