C&K: Clear, Cold White Illuminated Key Switch
April 4, 2022
C&K has extended its Key Switch product family to include a cold white illuminated switch version. The K12S Bright White key switch expands upon the popular and robust K12S switch series. The newly added cold white illumination option addresses the growing need for a high-quality switch with brighter illumination for high-volume industrial and automotive manufacturing.
By employing an advanced material that provides better transparency, while withstanding high reflow temperatures, C&K has enhanced the luminosity of the K12S Series switches. Available in seven standard LED colors, the K12S can be customized to accommodate specific customer application requirements.
The K12S Series key switches include a sealed version for use in outdoor applications such as automotive door locks, trunk openers, motorbike handles, and other environments likely to encounter harsh conditions. An IP40 version of the switch is also available for less demanding environments.
C&K offers the K12S Series switches in DPST, dual-contact versions with a double-step actuation of 6/12N.
“With the growing demand in brightly illuminated switches, K12S delivers performance and practicality for your design” explained Cedric Garropin, Product Manager at C&K Components. “By configuring different combinations of spring mechanisms and cam designs, we are able to customize the switches’ travel distance, actuation force, and contact position to meet a variety of different customer requirements within the same form factor.”
The entire line of K12S Series key switches feature gold-plated, self-cleaning contacts with low contact resistance (<100mΩ), 100N overload resistance and life cycles of 1,000,000. The switches’ low PCB-mounted profile makes them ideal for mechatronics design engineers to integrate into complex sub-assemblies requiring precise control for joysticks, remote controls, vehicle cabins and forklift/crane controls.
In the DPST configuration, the K12S Series meets safety requirements for demanding applications in medical, military, avionics or industrial equipment.
