TACT Switch™

TACT Switch™ – Middle-Stroke Types

Previously, we explained that the feel of Alps Alpine TACT Switch™ products is broadly divided into sharp feel and soft feel – models with a short travel produce a sharp feel, whereas long-stroke types result in a soft feel. In this article, we introduce the middle-stroke type of TACT Switch™.

View the previous article here.

What is a Middle-Stroke TACT Switch™?

In the context of Alps Alpine's TACT Switch™ lineup, a short stroke (travel) is roughly between 0.1 and 0.3mm, while a long stroke indicates a travel of 1mm or more. A travel somewhere in the middle, between 0.4 and 0.9mm, is a what we call a "middle stroke."

Feeling Curve

TACT Switch™ Structures and Over-travel

Before explaining the structure of a middle-stroke TACT Switch™, let us look at the structures of short- and long-stroke types.

Structure of a Short-Stroke TACT Switch™

Structure of a Short-Stroke TACT Switch™

The travel of a short-stroke type TACT Switch™ is basically restricted to the stroke of the metal dome (moving contact).
For that reason, there is no over-travel after the contact closes. And the stroke tends to be shorter with a metal dome of smaller diameter.



Structure of a Long-Stroke TACT Switch™

Structure of a Long-Stroke TACT Switch™

The travel of a long-stroke type TACT Switch™ is the stroke of the rubber spring plus the compression of the rubber.
This rubber compression creates an over-travel after the contact closes. The softer the rubber (the lower its hardness), the longer the over-travel.



Structure of a Middle-Stroke TACT Switch™

Structure of a Middle-Stroke TACT Switch™

A middle stroke is a mix between the above short and long strokes.
A rubber stem is used to press a metal dome. Even after the contact closes, the rubber flexes, creating over-travel.
By adjusting the hardness of the rubber, it is possible to retain the sharp feel of the metal dome while the additional over-travel alters the overall push feel.

Middle-Stroke TACT Switch™ Lineup

Alps Alpine currently supplies the following middle-stroke TACT Switch™ varieties.



  • Compact middle stroke type
    realizing a clear operating feel.


  • Middle stroke type realizing low
    operation sound and a clear
    operating feel.


  • Compact and quiet middle
    stroke type.


  • Switch with 0.9mm stroke
    realizing a refined operating
    feel.


  • Rubber stem helps to achieve
    travel of 0.3 to 0.55mm & over
    travel.

In this article, we explained the structure of a middle-stroke TACT Switch™. Next time, we will look at the kinds of feel and operating sounds that this structure can create.

For inquiries about the products above:

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