SparkFun Electronics Commentsurn:uuid:214d0e4e-f1b1-d287-ce26-ac5b4c9f82492024-03-29T02:17:16-06:00SparkFun ElectronicsCustomer #495246 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallCustomer #495246urn:uuid:4e0f5425-39a5-e094-a4b8-d7dd3b8ec8972015-04-23T11:51:44-06:00<p>Uh that's AC, and the DC rating is going to be way less.</p>
Customer #467135 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallCustomer #467135urn:uuid:8800e724-a2f8-ee90-3e33-b1c69794d04d2014-01-10T06:55:34-07:00<p>What do I use to connect to the terminals on the back? Past instances of melting these small types of components make me not want to use solder, and I can't find any crimp-type connectors this small.</p>
The Mattias on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallThe Mattiasurn:uuid:2714d466-5129-e054-b87c-cfaab509d8e82013-08-30T17:31:14-06:00<p>How about a key start robot?</p>
Reagan on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallReaganurn:uuid:64ce05a4-0f81-b35b-8364-bdae958756ed2013-08-10T17:59:29-06:00<p>Wonder if it would be possible to replace the power switch on your computer with this</p>
Microman on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMicromanurn:uuid:8efab737-8dbd-9fbf-c652-40fc63cb17cf2013-07-04T21:23:21-06:00<p>I own a CDP1802-based microcomputer and this would be the perfect on-off switch, resembling the Altair 8800b's "turnkey" system.</p>
MikeGrusin on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMikeGrusinurn:uuid:b3766bdf-60d2-a84f-3e35-ac1df5352b9c2013-05-05T10:09:56-06:00<p>Yes these will do DC (Direct Current) as well as AC (Alternating Current). For historical reasons switches are usually only given an AC rating. The practical DC rating will be somewhat less than the AC rating, if you don't go above half of the AC rating (500mA in this case) you will be fine.</p>
Customer #428312 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallCustomer #428312urn:uuid:a8c5e9ca-5b1d-a2ef-b394-11d08fecdea22013-05-03T20:35:10-06:00<p>Confused, it says AC but they will do DC?</p>
Single T on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallSingle Turn:uuid:656ea9a2-5c53-6aa7-3973-09b24f5c2d5b2012-11-29T09:44:03-07:00<p>That's a great idea. I will see if I can put something together and test that. I'll update you with my findings as soon as I can.</p>
LordFawful on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallLordFawfulurn:uuid:771d2fec-93e9-79d2-c7e0-3527d3284a482012-11-12T14:27:04-07:00<p>maybe you guys can do a stress test on one of these? say the 1A @ 125VAC you talked about? :)</p>
Steven Osborn on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallSteven Osbornurn:uuid:18a2b64a-ae71-3f46-5749-45428f16a29c2012-07-09T21:35:20-06:00<p>I was a bit disappointed in the quality of this item. It's both tiny and flimsy. It's certainly worth a buck, but I'm not sure if it's really useful for any practical application.</p>
RedBassett on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRedBassetturn:uuid:915bc106-3c64-78f6-6734-ab59ccf6b2f32012-06-17T11:17:22-06:00<p>These switches are cheap, and good if you want an quick and easy part, however they keys don't fit snugly, are very small (and easy to lose), and I feel like I am going to break the switch with any have use. The housing does not use a ring mounting piece, but rather a pair of depressed tabs on the sides to connect to a faceplate. These tabs slide easily, so the orientation of the switch in regard to the faceplate changes with use. The terminals are extremely small. I haven't soldered these yet, but I imagine it is not easy.<p>Even for hobby/novelty use, I would not recommend these switches.</p></p>
rkvt on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallrkvturn:uuid:ce2952c8-8420-b741-3cdf-7b54ea8b17682012-04-28T18:43:46-06:00<p>You can't expect these to work in commercial settings, they're $.95 parts. These are meant for novelty.</p>
Star Trek! on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallStar Trek!urn:uuid:c5f0cf42-9a9f-6ca2-68a3-ba8e3e71b3b22012-04-09T20:40:41-06:00<p>I can turn mine with a screw driver. Eh, it's not like I wanted my project actually secure. I just wanted a different way of turning my project on/off than on the rest of my projects.</p>
chartle on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallchartleurn:uuid:daf7078d-9f40-dc5b-b510-fc7ff0831fe92012-04-09T08:43:25-06:00<p>Already have a beefy one that I bought probably 30 years ago that was the right switch. Real key and everything.<p>Never got around to building my system. I had all the parts too. :-(</p></p>
Kes on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallKesurn:uuid:e32d44db-4f53-c36a-6882-56b7c17a61c52012-04-08T15:20:28-06:00<p>You may want to check your local auto parts store. They usually have replacement ignition switches in the $10-$15 range.</p>
Sora62896 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallSora62896urn:uuid:1c6bec92-a6ce-0743-1cf1-8afc80c0fdb42012-04-06T05:37:32-06:00<p>This is most definitely going in my "Oh Fudge"!!! along with the missile cover switch, this would be hilarious!!</p>
chartle on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallchartleurn:uuid:84a78f1c-cc6d-44c0-7f28-675def8c13ae2012-03-15T11:03:20-06:00<p>Thats not good for certain applications.<p>I have one that I wanted to use for a model rocket launch system. There you shouldn't be able to remove the key in the ON position.</p></p>
Customer #279601 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallCustomer #279601urn:uuid:b4b9e195-498c-c404-aa62-63ee6d75b1352012-02-21T12:39:26-07:00<p>I installed 6 of these switches in some custom manufacturing tools for my company. One never worked, and I pulled it apart and found that one of the contacts was half missing, as if it had been punched out of the edge of a sheet of metal. Two more have broken during use; both cracked and fell apart at the back, causing the light gray piece (seen in the pictures) to fall out.<p>As others have said, these switches are not keyed at all. You could turn them with a small screwdriver, coin, or possibly fingernail (though I haven't tried the last).</p><p>Even the switches that are working feel very cheap, and sometimes have to be turned back and forth a couple times before they make contact.</p><p>I'm a fan of SparkFun, but this particular product is pretty lousy in my experience. I wouldn't recommend buying it.</p></p>
Microman on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMicromanurn:uuid:24473fd1-1374-d463-8fe2-2e9ff6ec3fe62011-10-06T19:13:53-06:00<p>I guess it's more of a rotating power switch then. Perhaps a more accurate name would be useful.</p>
Robo-T0T on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobo-T0Turn:uuid:230ed4cd-73b2-877d-df09-54945c0d34482011-10-06T11:46:09-06:00<p>My mother had something similar to this installed on the television when i was a kid, apparently i watched too much TV. Although it didn't take me long to figure out how to by-pass it.</p>
ITHelp on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallITHelpurn:uuid:79fbac35-cbba-e180-0237-26a2233c150e2011-10-03T11:50:48-06:00<p>Yes. It can even be removed half-way through a turn. (That said, they don't really lock - Anything that goes in the slot will turn the chamber.)</p>
ITHelp on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallITHelpurn:uuid:b414c576-a9de-7f16-979a-57166c0f16822011-10-03T11:49:59-06:00<p>If the datasheet says 1 amp at 120 volts, then yeah: 9 volts shouldn't present any issues, unless you are pushing crazy amps. :-P</p>
ITHelp on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallITHelpurn:uuid:350742f2-67a8-0a1b-2c30-9995e82221192011-10-03T11:46:43-06:00<p>They aren't really keyed at all. Put a key in backwards and twist: It'll move without much resistance at all.</p>
NickVD on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallNickVDurn:uuid:3cd13378-d233-73f7-8ce9-8fefa098cea82011-09-30T13:19:00-06:00<p>My thoughts exactly, I just received mine, and while I am amazed at how small it is, it can be turned by anything that will fit in the slot. It is clearly more for 'security of activation' rather than outright security. In that it will be nearly impossible to accidentally turn the switch, so in that respect it is still useful..<br>
Just don't be using it to secure a project in any way, as it is NOT A LOCK! :)<br>
But it's a buck and tiny, I have no issues :)</p>
Microman on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMicromanurn:uuid:c67ba403-da6d-1f5c-a65d-398de06aa3c82011-09-22T21:15:11-06:00<p>Can they be removed while in the on position?</p>
Microman on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMicromanurn:uuid:78ac6990-ef5f-b707-c1a3-4ea898b6c1072011-09-19T17:43:29-06:00<p>One could use a relay to lock their computer with this</p>
SomeGuy123 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallSomeGuy123urn:uuid:63b80444-6e9b-345d-1fe7-0f9948840f1c2011-07-13T20:29:57-06:00<p>For some reason, the only project idea that comes to mind when thinking of this product is a lockable vacuum cleaner.</p>
Noobulus on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallNoobulusurn:uuid:14a0ec40-6b40-d1ba-5759-f9ee0b2dabdb2011-07-13T19:29:33-06:00<p>I wasn't planning on using them for anything above 9v, so thanks!</p>
SomeGuy123 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallSomeGuy123urn:uuid:e57df134-e2ff-8512-0c57-59bb2b0bc0652011-07-10T19:56:48-06:00<p>It should work with a DC system. Just remember that switching to DC means a slightly lower maximum voltage.</p>
Noobulus on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallNoobulusurn:uuid:ac880a47-40b4-9e0f-d834-50336899f1dc2011-07-10T19:51:41-06:00<p>I don't suppose there's a way to use these for DC?</p>
rileyh on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallrileyhurn:uuid:a1274b8d-7b81-1b86-7693-b51d260bbf102011-06-03T18:46:09-06:00<p>hey i was wondering if this can handle 9v</p>
esmphoto on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallesmphotourn:uuid:633f09ac-cf1b-59a8-2474-64f5fda88d632011-04-16T15:53:55-06:00<p>ehhh... just received it an never-mind..<br>
may be you could grab an on-off-on from another manufacturer...<br>
the whole assembly feels like in will break before you even push the key in.. doesn't matter which direction the key goes in, there are no pins in the cylinder, its really just a rotary switch with a little slot in front. clearly a novelty.</p>
esmphoto on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallesmphotourn:uuid:e0310f08-6aca-0bd6-9e62-6b16d28e0f522011-04-12T20:02:13-06:00<p>just ordered one to throw into a automation/control panel fro the tv studio at my school. looks great, and there are some other cool looking models in the datasheet, especially the on-off-on options, maybe if these do well ya'll could find some more?<br>
I can find keyswitches at other places for $6-8 but at less than $1 this is a steal.</p>
Luc245 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallLuc245urn:uuid:afbd000b-9cb2-597e-aaa1-11f52266fda92011-04-09T04:08:42-06:00<p>I got 3 all keyed the same so I assume yes.</p>
RobotSpider on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobotSpiderurn:uuid:4a6c1724-83c6-24e3-2e16-43ef4a5f74032011-04-04T13:12:33-06:00<p>I was looking for something like this as a master-arm switch for an air-cannon I built. My only intent is prevent accidental activation. I had given up because it seems like any industrial version of this type of switch runs upwards of $80. This is absolutely perfect.</p>
abitkin on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallabitkinurn:uuid:98f2d2b0-277b-8b88-f521-6419a74741522011-04-01T12:18:18-06:00<p>FYI, the switch doesn't hold up to the screwdriver test. If the key escapes you there's that option.<br>
Oh, I found a 1/2" hole to work the best for this, it fits snugly. That said it will still spin, so hot glue is likely your friend.<br>
Best look/feel so far for me, 1/2" hole in a 1/4" thick wood panel. I haven't glued it yet, but this feels the most solid.<br>
Too bad there isn't a nut on the back to hold this in place.</p>
Dirf on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallDirfurn:uuid:79937be1-3b03-6c94-59ce-022c14c9b5e02011-03-31T18:09:48-06:00<p>But on a more relevant note, I added one of these to my order just because it's $0.95 and pretty awesome, but now that I have it, I've realized it's the perfect for the rail gun I have planned!</p>
Dirf on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallDirfurn:uuid:39d6ad4a-55a4-d679-4c5c-1f9f1ab581af2011-03-31T18:03:22-06:00<p>Actually, at least with my vehicles, you can turn the key backward to turn on (some of?) the electronics, forward for on, and then the momentary position for ignition. So I stand by my original statement in saying that this switch, while awesome, does not let me start my widget the same way I start my car.</p>
kbfirebreather on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallkbfirebreatherurn:uuid:8393a357-4e44-786c-6bb1-c97515f47c7b2011-03-30T13:41:08-06:00<p>I think he's referring to when cranking the engine to start you rcar. When you turn the key to crank the engine to start, it's a momentary switch, until you release and the key resets back to the position where electronics are enabled. So really he was thinking of a tri-state key lock. off-on-momentary.</p>
RobertC. on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobertC.urn:uuid:39c51387-29e1-5a88-67d4-c8bc09b768d42011-03-29T10:48:29-06:00<p>Of course. These are $1 switches and are assumed for 'novelty' uses and not meant in any way to secure belongings.<br>
I think that is assumed seeing as they snap into place and don't have a threaded collar or anything.</p>
RobertC. on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobertC.urn:uuid:f2de1a7a-42eb-554a-a4ee-93c71fdd85b42011-03-29T10:47:43-06:00<p>They are just colored dots, not LEDs.</p>
JoshFranz on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallJoshFranzurn:uuid:4b83c655-971f-b83c-152a-6c823882eeac2011-03-29T06:33:05-06:00<p>A note on security: I'm not sure how these switches would hold up to a drill, but I would assume it would lose (for $0.95). After that, shorting the leads would give full access to whatever system it "protects."<br>
Not discouraging it, because I love it, but just don't think you should protect your car, house, or gold with this (alone).</p>
JoshFranz on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallJoshFranzurn:uuid:0aa31d6c-53db-5776-0207-93ba7303500c2011-03-29T06:27:33-06:00<p>Excuse me if I'm being ignorant, but I'm fairly sure you do start your car with a toggle switch... When you turn the key, it stays on until you turn it back. Unless you have a push button start...</p>
JopieK on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallJopieKurn:uuid:ea4fdbff-6506-6c17-2353-485a0c693a3b2011-03-29T04:52:49-06:00<p>So is that just a green and red dot, or are they LED's? I don't think so but want to be sure...</p>
Dirf on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallDirfurn:uuid:577a8007-5c70-6814-088e-3193e3ddabf32011-03-28T01:37:24-06:00<p>That's not the way I start my car =)</p>
RobertC. on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobertC.urn:uuid:fa5c5d73-b4d6-abfd-be74-8390c3524fce2011-03-24T13:47:14-06:00<p>well, yeah, 'technically'. :-)<br>
thanks.</p>
Liqdfire on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallLiqdfireurn:uuid:c454f11d-3cd4-b82a-fb57-6db09806b1322011-03-24T13:06:37-06:00<p>Correction:<br>
"but they can be used to switch small (^a)mounts of power"<br>
??</p>
Madbodger on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallMadbodgerurn:uuid:7e9faa36-772e-521d-49dd-55e9052dc8372011-03-24T11:39:04-06:00<p>It would be extremely cool if the red and green dots lit up, but I certainly don't expect that for less than a buck!</p>
RobertC. on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobertC.urn:uuid:ef230099-120d-0e5d-ee57-835a95b6bfcd2011-03-24T10:06:57-06:00<p>Nope, you can remove the key once it's on (or off).</p>
Scube on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallScubeurn:uuid:63ac9254-2b05-d0cb-408b-3f834d970d2e2011-03-24T09:42:01-06:00<p>Does the key have to stay in the switch in the on position or can you turn it on and remove the key?</p>
Dean_Kreger on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallDean_Kregerurn:uuid:ddc17331-d24c-eefe-ac71-e3025c0e78982011-03-23T16:00:42-06:00<p>Oh man, last summer I went on the hunt for key switches for a project... Only to come up disheartened! So expensive to buy them from DigiKey~, but to be fair, they had some pretty sweet models.<br>
This would have been perfect though!</p>
RobertC. on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallRobertC.urn:uuid:e6cafa82-04a1-aab1-d7c9-5a86cdf450a82011-03-23T15:11:12-06:00<p>they are toggle.</p>
DigiC on COM-10445 - Key Switch - SmallDigiCurn:uuid:3935e8e4-295b-a586-95b0-3ce8b3414ffb2011-03-23T14:55:16-06:00<p>are these switches momentary or toggle?</p>
roycohen2013 on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallroycohen2013urn:uuid:e4530d61-9f9d-f826-acd2-d973ba23adf62011-03-23T13:56:06-06:00<p>yea if you look around everyone has sparkfun stuff so its not that hard to find somone else with a sparkfun key lock :D<br>
and yes im sucking up to sparkfun but it is a good question to ask if they are keyed the same</p>
razor_sparks on COM-10445 - Key Switch - Smallrazor_sparksurn:uuid:60f66de9-e0e1-dec8-653d-2b9b51a7a6012011-03-23T13:27:59-06:00<p>Nice! And only a buck! (at the time of this comment)<br>
Are they keyed the same? They look like they only have 3 pins/waffers...</p>