6×6 Tact Switch with Ground Pin (TS-1102P): Snap-in Tactile Push Button for PCB Keypads and Handheld Devices

Most 6×6 tact switch with ground pin only have signal terminals. The TS-1102P adds a ground pin, so the switch body can be tied to board ground. In products that are handled a lot, such as remote controls, test meters and hand tools, static charge from a fingertip reaches the button before it reaches anything else. A grounded body gives that charge a defined path instead of leaving it to find its own way through the circuit.

This is a 6mm snap-in tactile switch, which means the switch clips into the PCB holes and stays in position before soldering. That keeps it upright and flat on the board while the assembly moves through the line, and it removes the need for tape or fixtures on small production runs. Inside, a metal dome closes the contact when the actuator is pressed and springs back on release. Travel is 0.2±0.10mm, and the click is clear enough that users know the press registered.

Vistar builds its tactile switches under ISO 9001:2015 and tests every unit for operating force and electrical performance. To compare this type with other formats, start with the tactile switch selection guide or browse the full tactile switch range.

The table lists the rated values for this 6×6 tactile switch at 50mA 12VDC, taken from the Vistar product data.

A 50mA, 12VDC rating is a signal rating. It suits inputs to a microcontroller, a keypad matrix or a logic line, and it is not intended for motors, relays or other power loads. The tactile switch specifications guide explains how force, travel and life ratings relate to each other and how to read them on a datasheet.

A 6×6 tactile switch for PCB use is the standard button for panels that need a finger-sized key with a clear click. The grounded version is chosen where users touch the buttons directly and static discharge is a realistic risk.

If your board does not need a ground connection, the standard 6x6mm through-hole tact switch is the simpler part. If you assemble on an SMT line, the 4 pin SMD tact switch 6.2×6.2 avoids the through-hole step altogether. For products used where click noise is a problem, the 6x6x5mm silent tactile switches are worth a look.

Static protection is not a substitute for good board design, but it helps. The ground pin is most useful when the switch body is connected to a solid ground pad and the traces are short. If you want background on how static damage happens, the overview of electrostatic discharge and the ESD Association are useful references.

When ordering, the two decisions are force and life. Use 180gf for keypads that are pressed often and 260gf where buttons can be touched by accident. Use 100,000 cycles for products that stay in service for many years, and 50,000 cycles where use is occasional. If a smaller or side-facing switch is needed, see the 3×6 SMD tactile switch or the 2 pin side push tact switch.

Standard MOQ is 1,000 pieces. Free samples are available for qualified projects. To request samples of the 6×6 tact switch with ground pin, email your application, expected volume and preferred force and life options to sales@vistarelectronics.com, or use the contact page. Ask for the drawing at the same time so you can check the hole pattern and ground pad against your layout.

Vistar tactile switches comply with RoHS 3 and REACH. If you want to know what the RoHS directive restricts, the linked summary is a good starting point. The Vistar catalog (PDF) covers the wider range, and the tactile switch troubleshooting guide is useful when you write incoming inspection criteria.