A surface-mounted tactile switch for smartphones and wearable devices is billed as being the world’s smallest. Shipment of samples of the switch will start in late October 2020, and mass production shipment will start in April 2021.

As the use of 5G is spreading rapidly, not only in smartphones and smartwatches, but also for wearables such as audio devices or smart glasses. 5G smartphones have higher functionality than ever before. The demand for reductions in the size of electronic parts has risen because more electronic parts must mount in the small space on the PCB substrate. The demand for reductions in size and thinner mounted parts is also rising for wearable devices.

Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd. has developed the world’s smallest class tactile switch in response to such demands. Size has been reduced by about 20% below that of the current model (volume ratio). Reductions in size have come through improved processing and assembly accuracy. The new product, called the LS165, is 2.6×1.4×0.55 mm (W × L × H). This compares with the current model, called the LS160, which is 2.8×1.6×0.55 mm.

The LS165 Series is a top-push type with an operating force of 2.4 N. Applications include smartphones, smartwatches, wearable devices such as wireless earphones, and smart glasses. Mass production shipment will start in April 2021. The switches comply with the dust-proofing and waterproofing standard IP67 by hermetically sealing the periphery of the spring. With the built-in actuator, the product has achieved enhanced strength against lateral pressure.