C&K Introduces High Reliability Keyboard Switches Rated for 50 Million Cycles

Featuring superior ergonomics, the new KBD Series switches are ideal for gaming, industrial, & workstation keyboards

C&K Components has introduced a new series of high reliability, ergonomic keyboard switches for applications that require long operating lifetimes, including gaming, industrial, professional, and workstation keyboards. Rated for an extended operating life of 50,000,000 cycles, the rugged KBD Series switches are available with two haptic responses and operating forces designed to meet various OEM customers’ design specifications and end-users’ needs.

“Our new KBD Series keyboard switches are the ideal solution for applications that require a robust keyboard switch capable of reliable operation in the millions of cycles,” said Norman U, product manager at C&K. “These applications range from mechanical gaming keyboards to ruggedized industrial keyboards.”

KBD Series switches are top-actuated, single pole/single throw (SPST) devices with a pre-travel distance of 1.5 – 2mm, and total travel distance of 4mm. Featuring a range of operating forces color-coded to the knob and one of two haptic responses: linear actuation for 60 ± 20gf black and 45 ±20gf red knobs, and click-pressure-point actuation for 60 ±20gf blue and 55 ±20gf brown knobs, all KBD Series switches deliver a 50,000,000-cycle operating life. Supplied with gold contacts rated for 10mA at 12VDC and lead-free, RoHS compliant, tin-plated terminals, the switches are designed for use in operating temperatures spanning -10°C to +70°C.