22mm Select Push Button Switchone normally open and one normally close on off on

Nowadays, most computers use a mouse that have 2 clicking buttons and a middle scroll wheel, unless you are a hardcore gamer. The differentiation of the middle actuator is clearly reflecting its function, which is to enable us to scroll down an internet page or a document.

Similarly, on a machine control interface the choice of push buttons and switches are often linked to the ergonomics and the way the operator will be expected to use the machine. One of the simple choices is whether the actuating movement will be a rotation, with a selector switch, or a linear pressure, with the emblematic push button.  So, what are some of the reasons to choose one or the other?

Even with your machine not powered, it is easy to see the status of your control interface with a glance when using a selector switch: the left / right angle of the selector is indeed much easier to identify that the pressed status of a latching push button.

When wearing thick gloves, we kind of lose our feelings of touch. It becomes much more difficult to feel the spring of the push buttons and each end of its course. Gloves also make it difficult to push the smaller surface of a push button.

On the contrary, even gloves don’t prevent you from grabbing a handle and knowing if you have turned it or not.

Alternatively, there are push buttons with large heads dedicated to actuation while wearing gloves.

Another machine requiring an operator action: a manually controlled tank filling. Imagine that you are filling the tank and that you have to release your action to stop the water from flowing. Unless the push button is in your hand, releasing a pressure is not so natural. On the other hand, with a selector switch, you just have to release your hold on the handle and the spring will naturally return the selector to the stopping solution.  We may speak about a one or two seconds difference in the stop order, but that could be a nice difference in productivity if your action is repeated through the day…