Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

Capacitive, Magnetic, and Piezo Switches are types of electronic switches that operate based on different principles. Let's explore each of them:

  1. Capacitive Switches: Capacitive switches use the principle of capacitance to detect touch or proximity. They typically have a touch-sensitive surface that acts as one plate of a capacitor, while the other plate is usually a ground plane or a separate electrode. When a conductive object, such as a finger, comes close to or touches the touch-sensitive surface, it changes the capacitance, which is then detected by the switch's electronics. Capacitive switches are commonly used in touchscreens, touch-sensitive buttons, and proximity sensors.
  2. Magnetic Switches: Magnetic switches, also known as magnetic reed switches, use the presence or absence of a magnetic field to control the switch's operation. They consist of two metal reeds that are hermetically sealed within a glass tube. Each reed contains magnetically sensitive material. When a magnetic field is applied near the switch, the reeds are attracted to each other, and the switch closes, allowing current to flow. When the magnetic field is removed, the reeds separate, and the switch opens. Magnetic switches are often used in applications such as security systems, door and window sensors, and proximity sensors.
  3. Piezo Switches: Piezo switches utilize the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical stress or pressure into an electrical signal. They consist of a piezoelectric material, such as certain crystals or ceramics, that generates an electric charge when subjected to mechanical deformation. When pressure or force is applied to the switch, it causes the piezoelectric material to deform, generating an electrical signal. This signal can be used to trigger a switching action. Piezo switches are commonly found in applications where a robust and reliable switch is required, such as industrial control panels, medical equipment, and automotive applications.

Each type of switch has its own advantages and limitations. Capacitive switches offer touch-sensitive and non-mechanical operation but may be affected by moisture or dirt. Magnetic switches are highly reliable and can operate in harsh environments but require the presence of a magnetic field. Piezo switches are durable and can withstand high forces, but they require mechanical pressure to operate and are typically more expensive.

Capacitive Switches
Capacitive Switches
Hall Effect Switches
Hall Effect Switches
Piezo Switches
Piezo Switches
Reed Switch Magnets
Reed Switch Magnets
Reed Switches
Reed Switches
Thumbwheel Switches
Thumbwheel Switches

1017 Products showing for Capacitive, Magnetic and Piezo Switches

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Last RS stock
RS PRO Capacitive switch Latching NC Illuminated, White, Blue, IP68 Brass
  • RS Stock No. 823-2747
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR186.48
MYR186.48/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Piezo Switch, Momentary (NO), SPST, IP69 Flexible Wire, 200mA, 75 °C, -20 °C Red
  • RS Stock No. 259-1144
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR270.71
MYR270.71/unit
Limited stock
Assemtech CO PCB Reed Switch 1 A 400 V
  • RS Stock No. 909-2825
  • Mfr. Part No. GC1917 (80-100AT)
Subtotal (1 bag of 10 units)
MYR551.79
MYR55.179/unit
In Stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0806
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD3-80M
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR28.23
MYR28.23/unit
In Stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0818
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD3-40M
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR28.23
MYR28.23/unit
In Stock
Bulgin Capacitive switch Latching NO Illuminated, Red, Green, On-Off, IP68 Black Anodised
  • RS Stock No. 208-8329
  • Mfr. Part No. MC19LOBGR
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR286.49
MYR286.49/unit
In Stock
RS PRO Illuminated Piezo Switch, Momentary (NO), SPST, IP69 Flexible Wire, 1A, 75 °C, -20 °C Natural
  • RS Stock No. 259-1149
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR658.02
MYR658.02/unit
In Stock
RS PRO SPCO Surface Surface Mount Reed Switch 300 mA 30 V
  • RS Stock No. 265-2263
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR22.01
MYR22.01/unit
In Stock
RS PRO SPCO Surface Surface Mount Reed Switch 300 mA 30 V
  • RS Stock No. 265-2273
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR22.01
MYR22.01/unit
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 500 mA 140 V ac
  • RS Stock No. 188-0921
  • Mfr. Part No. TRS5-100BLRU
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR73.17
MYR73.17/unit
Currently unavailable
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 100 mA 30 V dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0497
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD5R-110B
Subtotal (1 tray of 100 units)
MYR2,497.90
MYR24.979/unit
Currently unavailable
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 100 mA 30 V dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0487
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD5R-60B
Subtotal (1 tray of 100 units)
MYR2,389.60
MYR23.896/unit
Stocked by manufacturer
Omron End Plate A7BL Series Thumb Wheel Switch, A7BS Series Thumb Wheel Switch
  • RS Stock No. 748-2780
  • Mfr. Part No. A7B-M-1
Subtotal (1 pair)
MYR17.16
MYR17.16/pair
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 500 mA 140 V ac
  • RS Stock No. 188-1001
  • Mfr. Part No. TRS5-25BLRU
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR61.18
MYR61.18/unit
In Stock
Bulgin Capacitive switch Latching NO Illuminated, Red, Green, On-Off, IP68 Stainless Steel
  • RS Stock No. 208-8251
  • Mfr. Part No. MC22LOSGR
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR283.39
MYR283.39/unit
In Stock
Bulgin Capacitive switch Latching NO Illuminated, Red, Green, On-Off, IP68 Stainless Steel
  • RS Stock No. 208-8334
  • Mfr. Part No. MC19LOSGR
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR285.75
MYR285.75/unit
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0789
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD1-50M
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR30.76
MYR30.76/unit
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0816
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD1-65M
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR31.35
MYR31.35/unit
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0822
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD1-120M
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR31.35
MYR31.35/unit
Temporarily out of stock
KEMET SPST Through Hole Reed Switch 300 mA 110 V ac/dc
  • RS Stock No. 188-0782
  • Mfr. Part No. OHD1-105B
Subtotal (1 unit)
MYR30.51
MYR30.51/unit
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