Miniature Slide Switch — Compact PCB Signal Switching for Any Layout
When a toggle switch is too bulky and a pushbutton doesn't fit your circuit logic, a miniature slide switch is the right tool. Electronics hobbyists, PCB designers, and repair technicians all run into the same problem: finding a low-profile, reliable slide switch that matches their exact footprint — vertical mount, side-dial, SMD, or through-hole — without ordering a custom part. This listing covers the most widely used model families in one place.
Each variant is a single miniature slide switch from the SS, SK, MSK, or MSS series, available in 2-way or 3-way switching action with pin counts ranging from 3 to 8 pins. Body lengths are typically in the 2–6 mm actuator travel range. Mounting styles include vertical through-hole, horizontal side-dial, and SMD (surface-mount). Quantity options range from 2 pcs to 60 pcs per order, making this suitable for both prototyping and small production runs.
Typical use cases include mode selection in DIY Arduino and Raspberry Pi projects, power-source switching in battery-operated devices, input channel selection on audio equipment, and PCB-mounted function switching in consumer electronics repair. The side-dial variants (SK-12F14, SK-13D07) are particularly useful where the actuator must be accessible from the board edge.
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Compatibility: Standard through-hole and SMD PCB footprints — fits breadboards, perfboards, and custom PCBs. Verify pin pitch and body dimensions against your layout before soldering. SMD variants require reflow or hand-soldering to pads.
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Spec Confirmation: Pin pitch, actuator travel, and exact body dimensions vary by model code. Cross-reference the model number (e.g., SS-12F44, MSK-22D18) with the manufacturer datasheet before finalizing your PCB layout.
✅ Key Features of These Miniature Slide Switches
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📐Multiple Series in One Listing — SS, SK, MSK, and MSS model families cover the most common miniature PCB slide switch footprints, reducing the need to source from multiple suppliers.
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🔄2-Way & 3-Way Action — Choose ON-ON (2-position) or ON-OFF-ON / ON-ON-ON (3-position) switching to match your circuit logic for signal routing or mode selection.
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🧩Through-Hole & SMD Options — Vertical, horizontal side-dial, and surface-mount variants available, so you can match the switch to your PCB assembly process without redesigning the board.
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🔢Single & Double Row Pin Configurations — 3-pin (1P2T), 4-pin, 6-pin (2P2T), 7-pin, and 8-pin double-row options let you switch one or two independent circuits simultaneously with a single actuator.
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📦Flexible Quantity Packs — Order from 2 pcs up to 60 pcs per pack, making these slide switches practical for one-off prototypes and small-batch production alike.
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⚡Low-Current Signal Switching — Designed for DC signal and logic-level circuits typical in microcontroller projects, audio electronics, and consumer device repair — not for mains or high-power loads.
📐 Technical Specifications — Miniature PCB Slide Switches
| Product Type |
Miniature Slide Switch (PCB Mount) |
| Series / Models |
SS, SK, MSK, MSS (see variant options for specific model codes) |
| Switching Action |
2-way (ON-ON) or 3-way (ON-OFF-ON / ON-ON-ON) — see variant |
| Pin Count |
3-pin, 4-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin, or 8-pin — see variant options |
| Pole / Throw |
1P2T (Single Pole Double Throw) or 2P2T (Double Pole Double Throw) |
| Row Configuration |
Single row or double row — see variant options |
| Mounting Style |
Vertical through-hole, horizontal side-dial, or SMD — see variant |
| Actuator Travel |
Typically 2–6 mm (contact us to confirm for specific model) |
| Rated Current |
Typically 0.3A–0.5A DC (signal-level switching) |
| Rated Voltage |
Typically 12V DC (see model datasheet to confirm) |
| Operating Temperature |
Contact us to confirm |
| Material / Finish |
Plastic body, silver-alloy or gold-plated contacts (varies by model) |
| Quantity per Pack |
2 / 4 / 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 60 pcs — see variant options |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right miniature slide switch for my PCB?
Match the pin count and row configuration to your circuit layout. 3-pin (1P2T) switches control one circuit between two positions; 6-pin (2P2T) switches control two circuits simultaneously. Check your PCB footprint for vertical vs. horizontal (side-dial) mounting orientation before ordering. When in doubt, measure the pad spacing on your board and compare it to the model's datasheet.
What is the difference between SS, SK, MSK, and MSS series slide switches?
These are industry-standard model families that differ in body size, actuator height, and pin pitch. SS and SK series are generally single-row through-hole types; MSS and MSK series are typically double-row or SMD variants. The model code suffix (e.g., "D07", "F44") encodes the actuator length and pin pitch — cross-reference with the manufacturer datasheet for exact dimensions before designing your PCB footprint.
What do "2-way" and "3-way" mean on a slide switch?
"2-way" means the actuator slides between two positions (ON-ON). "3-way" means three positions are available — typically ON-OFF-ON or ON-ON-ON depending on the model. Select based on how many circuit states your application requires. For simple A/B signal routing, 2-way is sufficient; for center-off or three-mode selection, choose a 3-way variant.
Can these slide switches be used in SMD (surface-mount) applications?
Yes. Several variants in this listing — including MSS-22D18 SMD and MSK-12C01-07 SMD — are designed for surface-mount assembly and can be reflowed or hand-soldered to PCB pads. Through-hole versions (vertical and side-dial) are also available for traditional wave soldering or hand soldering. Check the variant name for "SMD" to identify surface-mount models.
What current and voltage ratings do these miniature slide switches support?
Miniature PCB slide switches in this size class generally handle 0.3A–0.5A at 12V DC. They are intended for low-current signal switching in electronics projects — not for mains voltage or high-power loads. Always confirm the exact rating in the specific model's datasheet before use in a safety-critical application.
Are these slide switches suitable for outdoor or high-humidity environments?
These are standard-grade miniature switches without an IP-rated enclosure. They are generally suited for indoor electronics, prototyping, and enclosed device assemblies. For outdoor or high-humidity use, house them in a sealed enclosure or select a switch with a specified IP rating. Exposure to moisture without protection will typically degrade contact reliability over time.
What does "1P2T" mean, and how is it different from "2P2T"?
"1P2T" (Single Pole Double Throw) routes one input signal to one of two outputs — typically a 3-pin switch. "2P2T" (Double Pole Double Throw) does the same for two independent circuits simultaneously — typically a 6-pin switch. Choose 1P2T for simple signal routing and 2P2T when you need to switch two circuits in sync with a single actuator movement.
How do I read the model code to find the right size?
In most SS/SK/MSK/MSS model codes, the digits after the series prefix encode key dimensions. For example, in "SS-12F44": "1" typically indicates single pole, "2" indicates 2-way action, and the suffix encodes actuator travel and pin pitch. Always verify against the manufacturer's datasheet — do not rely solely on the model number for critical dimensional decisions.
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