Miniature Slide Switch SPDT 3 Pin — Reliable On-Off Control for PCB & Model Projects
When you need a compact, dependable way to toggle power or route a signal in a tight space, a full-size switch simply won't fit. Makers, hobbyists, and electronics students building PCB prototypes, model railroad layouts, or small DIY gadgets all face the same challenge: finding a micro slide switch that fits the footprint, solders cleanly, and stays put through repeated use.
Each unit is a miniature SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) slide switch with 3 through-hole PCB pins. The 2-position On-Off actuator slides smoothly between states. Available in quantities of 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 pieces — so you can grab a single switch for a repair or stock up for a production run. Pin pitch is typically 2.54mm (0.1"), compatible with standard through-hole PCB layouts.
Typical use cases include DIY electronics prototyping on breadboards and perfboards, lighting control in scale model train layouts and dioramas, and power switching in RC vehicle electronics bays where a low-profile micro toggle switch is required.
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Compatibility: Designed for through-hole PCB soldering. Typically compatible with standard 2.54mm (0.1") pitch PCB footprints, breadboards, and perfboards. Verify your board's footprint before ordering.
✅ Key Features of These Miniature SPDT Slide Switches
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🔀SPDT 2-Position Switching — Single Pole Double Throw design lets you route one input to either of two outputs, or use it as a simple on-off micro toggle switch for low-voltage circuits.
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📐Compact Micro Footprint — The miniature body fits in tight PCB layouts and model enclosures where standard slide switches would not clear surrounding components.
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🔩Through-Hole PCB Mount — Three solder pins insert directly into standard drilled PCB holes, providing a mechanically secure, vibration-resistant connection after soldering.
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⚡Low-Voltage Signal Switching — Suited for DC signal and power switching in electronics prototyping, Arduino projects, and model railroad lighting circuits operating at typical hobby voltages.
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📦Flexible Quantity Options — Order from 1 to 50 pieces in a single listing. Bulk quantities reduce per-unit cost, making it practical to stock spares for ongoing DIY builds.
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🎯Tactile Positive Detent — The actuator clicks into each position with a noticeable detent, reducing the chance of accidental mid-position contact during handling or light vibration.
📐 Technical Specifications — Miniature SPDT PCB Slide Switch
| Switch Type |
SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) |
| Number of Positions |
2 (On-Off) |
| Number of Pins |
3 (COM, NO, NC through-hole) |
| Mounting Style |
Through-hole PCB mount (THT) |
| Pin Pitch |
Typically 2.54mm (0.1") — confirm against your PCB footprint |
| Rated Voltage |
See variant options — typically DC 3V–12V (low-voltage signal use) |
| Rated Current |
See variant options — typically 0.3A–0.5A DC |
| Actuator Travel |
2-position slide, positive detent at each position |
| Body Dimensions |
Contact us to confirm exact body length × width × height |
| Material |
Thermoplastic housing; copper alloy contacts |
| Finish |
Natural plastic body; silver-tone contacts |
| Operating Temperature |
Typically −20°C to +70°C (−4°F to +158°F) |
| Available Quantities |
1 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 pcs per order |
| Country of Origin |
Contact us to confirm |
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Spec Note: Exact body dimensions and electrical ratings vary by production batch. If your application has tight clearance or specific current requirements, please contact us to confirm before ordering.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right quantity for my project?
For one-off prototypes or repairs, 1–5 pcs is typically sufficient. For small production runs or model layouts with multiple switching points, 10–30 pcs is generally recommended. Buying 40–50 pcs reduces the per-unit cost significantly if you build regularly.
What does SPDT mean and how does it work?
SPDT stands for Single Pole Double Throw. It has one common (COM) pin and two output pins. Sliding the actuator connects COM to either output — making it ideal for routing a signal between two circuits, or for a simple on-off micro toggle switch application.
What voltage and current can these switches handle?
Miniature slide switches of this type are generally rated for DC 3V–12V at up to 0.3A–0.5A. They are intended for low-voltage signal switching in electronics — not for mains power or high-current loads. Always verify your circuit's requirements before use.
Are these switches suitable for outdoor or humid environments?
These micro slide switches are designed for indoor, low-humidity environments. They are not sealed or waterproofed. For outdoor or high-moisture applications, applying a conformal coating over the PCB after soldering is generally recommended to protect the contacts.
What PCB pin spacing (pitch) do these switches use?
Miniature slide switches in this class typically use a 2.54mm (0.1") standard pitch, which is compatible with most breadboards and through-hole PCB layouts. We recommend confirming the pin spacing against your specific PCB footprint before ordering in bulk.
Can I use these in model trains, RC cars, or diorama builds?
Yes. Their compact footprint makes them a popular choice for model railroad layouts, RC vehicle electronics bays, and scale diorama lighting circuits. The low-profile actuator sits flush enough to be concealed within most model enclosures.
How are the pins soldered — through-hole or surface mount?
These are through-hole (THT) PCB mount switches. The three pins insert into drilled PCB holes and are soldered from the underside. They are not surface-mount (SMD) components, so they are not compatible with SMD reflow soldering processes.
🛒 Select your quantity above, then add to cart — ships from our US warehouse.
