12 Pin Push Switch 4P2T DIP Vertical — PB-42E37 Self-Lock & Momentary 4-Pole Double Throw Pushbutton for Audio, Instruments & AV Equipment
The PB-42E37 is a 12 pin push switch 4P2T DIP vertical — a 4-pole double throw pushbutton switch with both self-lock (latching) and momentary operating modes, rated 0.3A/DC 30V, through-hole PCB vertical mount. Simultaneously switches four independent signal circuits with one button press. RoHS 3 & REACH compliant. Bag/Tray packaging. MOQ 1,000 pcs. Free sample available.
12 Pin Push Switch 4P2T DIP Vertical — PB-42E37 Product Overview
The PB-42E37 is a 12 pin push switch 4P2T DIP vertical — a 4-pole double throw (4P2T) pushbutton switch designed for vertical through-hole PCB mounting. Manufactured by Vistar Electronics, this multi-pole push switch delivers simultaneous four-circuit switching at the press of a single button, in both self-lock (latching) and momentary operating modes. It is the preferred choice for input source selection, mode toggling, and multi-channel signal routing in audio mixing equipment, electronic test instruments, AV switching systems, and professional broadcast equipment where reliable multi-pole push switching is required.
The PB-42E37 pushbutton switch 4 pole design contains four fully independent SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switching circuits within a single body — all four poles actuated simultaneously by a single push button. Each pole has one Common (COM) terminal connected to either Throw 1 (T1) or Throw 2 (T2) depending on the button state. With 12 pins total (4 poles × 3 pins each: COM, T1, T2), the PB-42E37 simultaneously routes four independent signal paths between two states with one mechanical operation — a capability that is critical for applications such as balanced stereo audio switching (L+, L−, R+, R−), multi-bus signal selection, and complex mode toggling where all four circuits must change state together with no timing offset between poles.
A key differentiating feature of the PB-42E37 is its dual operating mode support: both self-lock (latching) and momentary modes are available within the same switch series. In self-lock mode, the first button press moves the four poles to Position 2 and the switch latches in that state — it remains there until pressed again. This is the standard operating mode for input source selection and mode switches where the selected state must persist after the user releases the button. In momentary mode, the four poles move to Position 2 only while the button is held down and return to Position 1 (default) when released — used for trigger functions, temporary bypass switching, and push-to-enable circuit activation.
The self-lock push switch 4P2T PCB design of the PB-42E37 uses vertical DIP through-hole mounting — the switch body stands upright on the PCB with the push button facing upward, accessible from the top of the assembly or through a panel cutout. This vertical orientation is the standard configuration for top-panel push switches on desktop equipment, rack-mount audio processors, and bench instruments where the user presses buttons from above the panel surface. The 12 through-hole pins provide robust mechanical anchoring that resists the repetitive downward push force applied to the button over the switch’s operating life.
According to the IEC 61058 standard for switches for appliances, pushbutton switches are classified by pole count, throw count, operating mode (self-lock vs momentary), current rating, and voltage rating. The PB-42E37 4P2T self-lock pushbutton is the standard multi-pole switching solution for professional audio and AV equipment — providing in a single component what would otherwise require four ganged SPDT pushbuttons with a complex mechanical latching mechanism, at a fraction of the cost and PCB area.
The PB-42E37 is rated at 0.3A / DC 30V — appropriate for signal-level switching of audio line signals, logic-level control circuits, and low-voltage DC selection circuits typical of audio equipment, electronic instruments, and consumer electronics control panels. Gold-plated copper alloy contacts on all four poles provide stable, low contact resistance across both T1 and T2 throw positions throughout the rated operating cycle life.
For the 4P2T slide switch equivalent, see the SK-42D02 12-pin 4P2T horizontal slide switch — which offers the same four-pole double-throw circuit function in a slide actuator form factor. For lower pole-count pushbutton switches, see the full push switch range. All PB-42E37 switches are manufactured in Vistar Electronics’ ISO 9001:2015 certified Shenzhen facility and comply with RoHS 3 and REACH SVHC regulations.
PB-42E37 Pushbutton Switch 4 Pole — Full Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | PB-42E37 | Standard catalog item |
| Switch Type | Push Switch (Pushbutton) | Manual vertical push actuator |
| Circuit Function | 4P2T (4-Pole 2-Throw) | 4× SPDT, simultaneous switching |
| Number of Pins | 12 pins | 4 poles × 3 pins (COM, T1, T2) |
| Operating Mode | Self-Lock (Latching) & Momentary | Two modes available in this series |
| Mount Type | Through-Hole DIP | Wave or hand soldering |
| Orientation | Vertical (Upright) | Button faces upward from PCB |
| Current Rating | 0.3A per pole | Signal-grade switching |
| Voltage Rating | DC 30V | Maximum operating voltage |
| Contact Material | Copper Alloy, Gold Plated | Low, stable contact resistance |
| Actuator Material | Thermoplastic | Standard push cap |
| Body Material | High-Temp Thermoplastic | Wave-solder compatible |
| Operating Temperature | −25°C to +70°C | Consumer & light-industrial |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to +85°C | — |
| Packaging | Bag / Tray | Through-hole assembly |
| Compliance | RoHS 3, REACH SVHC | EU & global export ready |
| Certification | ISO 9001:2015 | Factory quality management |
Why Engineers Choose the PB-42E37 Self-Lock Push Switch 4P2T PCB for Professional Audio & Instrument Design
4P2T — Four Independent Circuits Switched With One Button Press
Four completely independent SPDT circuits inside one body, all actuated simultaneously by a single push button. This guarantees that all four signal poles switch at exactly the same mechanical instant — essential for balanced stereo audio routing (L+, L−, R+, R−), differential signal path switching, and multi-bus selection where poles must switch in perfect synchrony with zero timing offset between circuits.
Self-Lock (Latching) Mode — State Persists After Button Release
In self-lock mode, the first button press moves all four poles to Position 2 and the switch mechanically latches there — it holds this state indefinitely without requiring power or electronic memory. A second press returns all poles to Position 1. This is the definitive behaviour for input source selection, A/B signal routing, and mode switches in audio and AV equipment where the user’s selection must remain active after they release the button.
Momentary Mode — Temporary Four-Pole Activation
In momentary mode, all four poles move to Position 2 only while the button is held down, returning immediately to Position 1 when released. This enables push-to-monitor (cue bus), push-to-talk, temporary bypass, and trigger functions — where a brief four-pole circuit change is needed only during active button depression, not as a persistent state change.
Vertical DIP Mount — Top-Panel Button Access
The vertical mounting orientation positions the push button facing directly upward from the PCB — the standard configuration for top-panel push switches on desktop equipment, rack-mount units, and bench instruments. The button is accessed from above the PCB through a panel cutout, providing intuitive upward-press user interaction aligned with how users naturally interact with equipment on desk or rack surfaces.
Gold-Plated Contacts — Clean Signal Switching for Audio Applications
Gold-plated copper alloy contacts on all four poles maintain consistently low contact resistance at both T1 and T2 throw positions across the switch’s operating life. In audio signal path applications, gold plating eliminates oxidation-related resistance drift that can introduce signal level variation or noise over time — ensuring transparent, repeatable signal switching performance in professional audio equipment.
RoHS 3 & REACH Compliant — Global Export Ready
Fully compliant with RoHS 3 (EU Directive 2015/863) and REACH SVHC substance regulations. Compliance declarations of conformity and REACH SVHC substance statements are available upon request for EU CE marking, supply chain qualification audits, and customer documentation requirements.
Where to Use the PB-42E37 4 Pole 2 Throw Push Switch Through-Hole — Professional Applications
PB-42E37 12 Pin 4P2T Push Switch — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between self-lock (latching) and momentary modes in the PB-42E37?
The PB-42E37 is available in two distinct operating modes:
- Self-Lock (Latching) mode: the button mechanically latches in its pressed position. First press → all four poles switch from Position 1 to Position 2 and remain there. Second press → all four poles return to Position 1. The switch holds its state without any power or electronic memory — ideal for persistent input source selection, A/B signal routing, and mode switches.
- Momentary mode: the button returns to its rest position when released. Four poles switch to Position 2 only while the button is actively pressed; they return to Position 1 as soon as the button is released — ideal for push-to-talk, push-to-monitor (cue), temporary bypass, and trigger functions.
Specify which mode you require when ordering. If you need both modes on different channels, contact Vistar sales to discuss custom configurations. See the IEC 61058 standard for switch operating mode classification terminology.
What does “4P2T” mean for a push switch? Why not use four separate SPDT pushbuttons?
4P2T stands for 4 Pole, 2 Throw. The switch contains four independent SPDT circuits in one body, all actuated simultaneously by a single button press. This guarantees that all four circuits switch at precisely the same mechanical moment — impossible to achieve reliably with four separate pushbuttons, even if ganged mechanically.
Using four separate SPDT pushbuttons would require a complex mechanical ganging mechanism to synchronise them, and would occupy approximately four times the PCB footprint. The PB-42E37 4P2T single-body design is the standard engineering solution for applications requiring simultaneous multi-pole switching — particularly for balanced stereo audio (4 conductors: L+, L−, R+, R−) where all four signal lines must switch simultaneously with no inter-channel timing difference.
What is the pin assignment for the 12 pins?
The PB-42E37 has 12 pins arranged as four groups of three — one group per pole. Each group follows the SPDT pattern:
- T1: connected to COM in rest/default position (Position 1)
- COM: common terminal — always connected, routes to T1 or T2
- T2: connected to COM in actuated position (Position 2)
The four pole groups (Pole 1 through Pole 4) are arranged in sequence across the 12-pin footprint. The precise physical pin pitch, spacing, and PCB footprint drawing are provided in the product datasheet — contact sales@vistarelectronics.com to request it for your PCB layout.
What is the difference between the PB-42E37 push switch and the SK-42D02 slide switch — both are 4P2T?
Both the PB-42E37 and SK-42D02 provide 4P2T circuit function (4 independent SPDT circuits switching simultaneously), but differ in actuator mechanism, mounting orientation, and operating characteristics:
- PB-42E37 (Push Switch): vertical mount, button faces upward, top-panel access. Available in self-lock AND momentary modes. Push action provides a click/press user experience. 0.3A / DC 30V. Used when push-button panel aesthetics and momentary option are required.
- SK-42D02 (Slide Switch): horizontal mount, actuator faces sideways, side-panel access. Slide action only (always latching). 0.5A / DC 50V. Used when slide-style panel control and higher voltage/current ratings are required.
Choose based on your desired panel interface style (push vs slide), PCB orientation, and whether momentary mode is needed.
Can the PB-42E37 be used for balanced stereo audio signal switching?
Yes — this is one of the primary applications. A balanced stereo signal has four conductors requiring simultaneous switching: Left+ (L+), Left− (L−), Right+ (R+), and Right− (R−). The PB-42E37’s four independent poles switch all four conductors simultaneously with one button press.
In self-lock mode, a single press latches all four balanced conductors to the selected input source — the switch holds the selection until pressed again. This provides the classic “source select” push button behaviour found on professional audio preamplifiers and mixing consoles. Gold-plated contacts ensure clean, low-noise signal switching with no audible artefacts at line-level audio signals (typically <2V RMS, <1mA).
What assembly process is recommended for the PB-42E37?
The PB-42E37 supports two through-hole DIP assembly methods:
- Wave soldering: insert the 12 pins into the PCB holes and pass through the wave solder machine. The high-temperature thermoplastic body withstands standard wave soldering profiles.
- Hand soldering: solder each pin individually — suitable for prototyping, low-volume production, and rework.
The PB-42E37 is supplied in bag or tray packaging and is not compatible with SMT pick-and-place reflow lines. When installing, ensure the button cap protrudes through the panel cutout with adequate vertical travel clearance for both actuated and rest positions. The switch is vertical-mount — ensure the PCB is positioned horizontally inside the chassis so the button faces the user through the top panel.
What is the MOQ and can I get a free sample?
Standard MOQ is 1,000 pieces with a 2–4 week production lead time. Free samples are available for qualified engineering and product development projects. Contact sales@vistarelectronics.com with your company name, project application, required operating mode (self-lock or momentary), and part number (PB-42E37), or click the “Get a Quote” button at the top of this page.
