The 6×6 tactile switch, despite its 6mm×6mm size, operates on the same principle as regular tactile switches. This principle mainly involves changes in electrical connections triggered by mechanical actions, as detailed below:
Structural Basis
The 6×6 tactile switch typically consists of components such as a button cap, a spring plate (or elastic sheet), pins, and a housing. The spring plate is a core component, usually made of a metal material with good elasticity and electrical conductivity, such as phosphor bronze. The pins are used to connect the switch to the circuit board, enabling the connection of the circuit.
Normal State (Open State)
When no external force is applied, the spring plate is in its natural state, and its contacts are separated from the connection points of the circuit. At this time, current cannot pass through the switch, and the corresponding circuit is in an open - circuit state, so the relevant electronic device or function does not work. For example, when the button on a remote control is not pressed, the signal transmission path between the battery and the control chip is disconnected due to the open tactile switch, and the remote control does not send out commands.
Pressing Action (Closed State)
When a certain external force is applied to the button cap, the pressure is transmitted to the spring plate through the button cap. Due to the action of the external force, the spring plate undergoes elastic deformation, causing the originally separated contacts to come into contact with the connection points of the circuit. This contact action is equivalent to building a bridge in the circuit, allowing current to pass through the switch smoothly, thus closing the circuit. For example, when pressing the power switch of an electronic device, the current flows from the power source through the tactile switch to the power management module of the device, and the device starts up.
Release and Reset (Return to Open State)
When the finger releases the button cap, the external force applied to the spring plate disappears. According to the elasticity of the spring plate itself, it quickly returns to its initial natural state, and the contacts and connection points separate again. The current path is cut off, and the circuit returns to the open - circuit state. For example, when releasing the mouse button, the corresponding circuit is disconnected, and the transmission of the mouse click command ends.