Cool Components VII: Hall Effect Pushbuttons

Maybe, just maybe, I’m finished writing about buttons for a while.   But first I want to mention a last few groovy pushbuttons.

Hall Effect Pushbuttons

Hall effect pushbuttons are cool because they have a stroke, like a mechanical pushbutton, but can last for millions of cycles.

• ITW Switches has a wide variety of hall effect pushbuttons, including metal and illuminated large panel mount switches, such as the Series 48SS, the 48M-SS, 57M-SS, and 58M-SS.  However, availability is poor; for example at Mouser I only found a few 48SS models (but they were all less than $20).
• C&K has the HP series.
• APEM has the IH Hall Effect Switches.  The IHS models are panel mount switches start at ~$40.  The IHL models are unique: they have a linear 0.5->4.5V analog output over the switch’s 4mm travel, and cost ~$60.  However, I think a T-Bar or one axis joystick would be a lot easier to use, although they would typically be larger and more expensive.

Finally, I have to mention Schurter’s MSM CS series: they are mechanical vandal-resistant switches with a ceramic actuator.  The ceramic material makes for a very cool looking button; see the PDF datasheet for pictures.  Prices start ~$25.

Related posts:

1. Cool Components IV: LCD Pushbuttons
2. Cool Components VI: Non-Moving Metal Buttons
3. Cool Components II: IDEC Flush Push Buttons
4. Cool Components V: ESD Safe Buttons
5. Cool Components I: Industrial Piezo Motors