differences in tact switches

[Ruffsta]

on ebay, i am noticing tact switches that are all different...

some have 4 pins while others have 6 pins.. and they have different sizes too.

6 x 6 x 5mm (which i have 50 of)

then i am seeing:

7 x 7 x 16mm
8.5 x 8.5 x 14mm
8.5 x 8.5 x 21mm
12 x 12 x 9mm

and so on.. what are the differences of the pins 4 and 6 and why so many sizes?

thanks

[franklin97355]

what are the differences of the pins 4 and 6 and why so many sizes?

As to the pins you would have to check the pinouts or schematics. The sizes are so they fit the product design parameters.

[Syn7]

Have you considered reading a switches tutorial?


http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Switches+turtorial

[Zener]

I never saw any 6 pin ones, mostly 4, and some 2. They are generally square which is why the first two dimensions are the same. The last dimension is usually the height, since they have different length buttons on them, necessary for different applications.

[Ruffsta]

I never saw any 6 pin ones

@zener

here's some, but there are more..

[Zener]

In my experience a tact switch refers to a SPST NO switch with tactile feedback and no maintained or alternating action.

Those 6 pin ones are probably DPDT pushbutton switches.