8 Pin Slide Knob Switch 2P3T Horizontal DIP — SK-23E01 SK Series 3-Position Dual-Pole Slide Switch for Audio, Instruments & Consumer Electronics
The SK-23E01 is an 8 pin slide knob switch 2P3T horizontal DIP from the SK series — a 3-position, 2-pole through-hole PCB slide switch rated 0.3A/DC 50V, 10,000 operating cycles. Ideal for 3-way input selection, mode switching, and signal routing in audio equipment, electronic instruments, and consumer devices. RoHS 3 & REACH compliant. Bag/Tray packaging. MOQ 1,000 pcs. Free sample available.
8 Pin Slide Knob Switch 2P3T Horizontal DIP — SK-23E01 Product Overview
The SK-23E01 is an 8 pin slide knob switch 2P3T horizontal DIP from Vistar Electronics’ SK series of horizontal slide switches. This 3-position, 2-pole through-hole PCB mount slide switch delivers reliable three-way circuit selection across two independent poles simultaneously, making it the preferred choice for 3-position input source selection, 3-mode function switching, and dual-channel signal routing in audio equipment, electronic test instruments, consumer electronics, and industrial control panels.
The 2P3T (2-Pole 3-Throw) circuit function distinguishes the SK-23E01 from the more common 2-position (2-throw) slide switches. With three throw positions per pole, the actuator can be moved to one of three distinct positions — each connecting the two common terminals to one of three different output pairs. This enables three-way selection functions that are impossible with a standard SPDT switch: selecting between three input sources, three frequency ranges, three gain settings, or three operating modes — all switched simultaneously across two independent signal poles with a single actuator movement.
The 2 pole 3 throw slide switch PCB horizontal orientation of the SK-23E01 positions the switch body flat on the PCB surface with the slide knob actuator extending toward the board edge, accessible through a slot in the product’s side panel or front panel. This horizontal (right-angle) layout is the standard configuration for panel-mounted slide switches on audio equipment, desktop instruments, and consumer electronics where the PCB is mounted vertically inside the chassis and the controls face the user on the front or side panel.
The SK-23E01 slide knob switch features an 8-pin DIP through-hole configuration (2 poles × 4 pins per pole: T1, COM, T2, T3 — or equivalent assignment depending on the throw configuration). The 8 through-hole pins are wave-soldered or hand-soldered through the PCB, providing strong lateral force resistance against the sliding actuation force applied by the user over the switch’s 10,000-cycle operating life.
According to the IEC 61058 standard for switches for appliances, multi-throw slide switches are classified by pole count, throw count, current rating, and voltage rating. The SK-23E01 2P3T configuration is particularly valuable in audio applications — for example, selecting between three EQ presets (flat, bass boost, treble boost) simultaneously across both left and right channels, or switching between three impedance settings across a balanced signal pair — where a 2P2T switch provides only two options and three separate switches would be required for three-way selection on dual channels.
The SK series 3-position slide switch 0.3A rating at DC 50V makes it suitable for signal-level switching of audio line signals, logic-level control circuits, and low-voltage DC selection circuits. Gold-plated copper alloy contacts across all positions provide stable, low contact resistance throughout the rated cycle life — essential in audio signal path switching where even small variations in contact resistance can affect signal level and noise performance.
For 2-position (2P2T) dual-pole slide switches, see our full slide switch range. For higher pole-count applications (4P2T), see the SK-42D02 12-pin 4P2T slide switch. All SK-23E01 switches are manufactured in Vistar Electronics’ ISO 9001:2015 certified Shenzhen facility and comply with RoHS 3 and REACH SVHC regulations.
2 Pole 3 Throw Slide Switch PCB Horizontal — SK-23E01 Full Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part Number | SK-23E01 | Standard catalog item — SK series |
| Switch Type | Slide Knob Switch | Manual linear actuator with knob |
| Circuit Function | 2P3T (2-Pole 3-Throw) | 2× SP3T, simultaneous 3-position switching |
| Number of Pins | 8 pins | 2 poles × 4 pins (COM + 3 throws) |
| Number of Positions | 3 positions | Latching, holds each position |
| Mount Type | Through-Hole DIP | Wave or hand soldering |
| Orientation | Horizontal (Right Angle) | Actuator parallel to PCB, exits board edge |
| Current Rating | 0.3A per pole | Signal-grade switching |
| Voltage Rating | DC 50V | Maximum operating voltage |
| Operating Life | 10,000 cycles | Mechanical actuation cycles |
| Contact Material | Copper Alloy, Gold Plated | Low, stable contact resistance |
| Actuator Type | Slide Knob | Ergonomic knob grip for easy actuation |
| 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 SK-23E01 SK Series 3-Position Slide Switch 0.3A for Precision Signal Selection
2P3T — Three-Way Selection Across Two Simultaneous Poles
Three distinct latching positions per pole enable three-way selection functions impossible with standard 2-throw switches. Both poles switch simultaneously with one actuator movement — essential for stereo three-way input selection (switching both L and R channels to one of three sources), dual-rail three-range frequency selection, and any application requiring three circuit states across two signal paths at once.
Slide Knob Actuator — Ergonomic 3-Position User Interface
The SK-23E01 features a slide knob actuator — a larger, more ergonomic grip compared to a standard flat lever actuator. The knob profile provides a positive, tactile grip for the user’s fingertip, enabling precise actuation to each of the three positions without accidentally overshooting to an adjacent position. The knob also extends further above the panel surface, making it easier to operate through thicker panel cutouts.
Horizontal DIP — Standard Side-Panel Access Configuration
The horizontal body orientation positions the slide knob at the board edge, accessible through a side or front panel slot. This is the canonical layout for slide switches on audio equipment, test instruments, and consumer electronics control panels — the switch body lies flat on the PCB while the knob protrudes through the panel, providing clean side-access actuation without increasing the PCB’s height profile.
Gold-Plated Contacts — Clean Audio Signal Switching Across All 3 Positions
Gold-plated copper alloy contacts on both poles at all three throw positions provide consistently low contact resistance with no oxidation-related degradation over time. In audio signal path switching, gold contacts ensure clean switching with no perceptible level change, added noise, or increased distortion compared to silver or tin-plated contacts — critical for line-level audio routing in mixers, preamplifiers, and audio interfaces.
8-Pin DIP Through-Hole — Lateral Force Resistant Anchoring
Eight through-hole pins distributed along the switch body provide strong resistance to the lateral sliding force applied by the user’s finger during actuation. Wave or hand soldering anchors the switch from both sides of the PCB, preventing rocking, lifting, or solder joint fatigue over the 10,000-cycle operating life — a reliability advantage over SMT mounting for a component subject to repeated manual force.
RoHS 3 & REACH Compliant — Global Export Ready
Fully compliant with RoHS 3 (EU Directive 2015/863) and REACH SVHC substance regulations. Compliance declarations and substance statements available on request for EU CE marking, supply chain qualification, and customer audit documentation. Suitable for all major regulated global export markets including EU, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Where to Use the SK-23E01 2P3T Toggle Switch 8 Pin Through-Hole — Application Guide
SK-23E01 8 Pin 2P3T Slide Knob Switch — Frequently Asked Questions
What does “2P3T” mean and how is it different from SPDT or 2P2T?
2P3T stands for 2 Pole, 3 Throw. The switch contains two independent switching circuits (poles), each with one common terminal and three throw contacts (T1, T2, T3). Both poles switch simultaneously to the same throw position when the actuator moves.
Compared to common alternatives:
- SPDT / 1P2T: 1 pole, 2 throws — selects between 2 options on 1 circuit. The simplest slide switch.
- 2P2T (DPDT): 2 poles, 2 throws — selects between 2 options on 2 circuits simultaneously. Standard for stereo signal switching.
- 2P3T (SK-23E01): 2 poles, 3 throws — selects between 3 options on 2 circuits simultaneously. Required when three-way selection on dual-channel or balanced signals is needed.
See the IEC 61058 standard for the full switch circuit function classification system.
What is the pin assignment for the SK-23E01’s 8 pins?
The SK-23E01 has 8 pins arranged as two groups of four — one group per pole. Each pole group follows the SP3T (single pole, 3 throw) pattern:
- T1 — connected to COM in Position 1
- COM — common terminal, always connected, routes to T1, T2, or T3
- T2 — connected to COM in Position 2 (centre)
- T3 — connected to COM in Position 3
Pole 1 pins (1–4) and Pole 2 pins (5–8) are arranged in sequence. The exact physical pin pitch, spacing, and dimensional drawing are available in the product datasheet — contact sales@vistarelectronics.com to request it for your PCB layout.
What is the difference between a “slide knob switch” and a standard flat lever slide switch?
Both are slide switches that move linearly between positions, but they differ in actuator design:
- Slide knob switch (SK-23E01): the actuator features a taller, rounded knob profile that extends further above the panel surface. The knob provides a more ergonomic grip and is easier to actuate through panel cutouts, particularly in thicker panel materials. The knob profile also makes it visually easier for users to identify the current switch position at a glance.
- Flat lever slide switch: a lower-profile flat tab actuator, typically used where panel clearance is very tight or where a more discreet, flush appearance is required.
The SK-23E01 knob design is preferred for front-panel audio equipment and instruments where users frequently interact with the switch and positive grip is important.
Can the SK-23E01 be used for stereo 3-way input selection?
Yes — this is one of the primary applications. A stereo signal has two channels (Left and Right), each requiring one switching pole. With the SK-23E01’s 2 poles and 3 throw positions, you can route both the Left and Right audio channels simultaneously to one of three input sources (e.g. Phono, CD, AUX) or three output destinations.
For unbalanced stereo (standard RCA connections): use Pole 1 for the Left channel and Pole 2 for the Right channel. For balanced mono (XLR): use Pole 1 for the + signal and Pole 2 for the − signal across three source options. The gold-plated contacts ensure no audible level change or noise addition when switching between positions.
Is the centre position (Position 2) a make-before-break or break-before-make transition?
The SK-23E01 uses a break-before-make transition between positions — when moving the actuator, the current contact (T1, T2, or T3) opens before the next contact closes. This ensures that no two throw contacts are momentarily connected through the common terminal during the transition, preventing short-circuit or mixing conditions between signal sources during switching — important for audio and signal-routing applications where source mixing during transition would be undesirable.
If break-before-make behaviour is a critical requirement for your application, please confirm with the product datasheet or contact Vistar sales to verify the specific mechanical transition characteristics of the SK-23E01.
What assembly process is recommended for the SK-23E01?
The SK-23E01 supports two through-hole assembly methods:
- Wave soldering: insert the 8 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 SK-23E01 is not compatible with SMT pick-and-place reflow production lines. When installing, ensure the slide knob actuator aligns with and protrudes through the panel cutout slot, with adequate travel clearance for all three positions before final chassis assembly. The switch is supplied in bag or tray packaging.
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, and part number (SK-23E01), or click the “Get a Quote” button at the top of this page.
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