This section provides an overview for dip switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 28 dip switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked dip switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Cit Relay & Switch, 2.NEXUS COMPONENTS GmbH, 3.National Instruments Corp..
Table of Contents
A DIP switch is a small switch used in printed circuit boards. They are tiny, with a distance of about 3 mm between terminals and a height of about 3 mm, and are switched with a precision screwdriver or the like. They are used as setting switches and are used for infrequent operations.
Operating methods include slide switches, push-lock switches, and rotary switches. Some types are inserted into a hole in the board or mounted on the board. Various types are available in terms of the number of poles and sealing performance.
DIP switches are incorporated into a wide range of products, including home appliances, communications equipment, and audio equipment. In industrial applications, they are used in temperature controllers and servo controllers.
They are also used in office automation equipment, for example, in personal computers and storage boards. They are mainly used for basic settings of electronic equipment. To withstand a wide variety of usage conditions, various types are available, including heat-resistant types that can withstand high temperatures and low-profile types.
Like an ordinary switch, DIP switches are used to switch on and off to conduct or disconnect circuits. A knob called a striker and a sliding element are interlocked, and the circuit is switched when the sliding element and the contact point make contact or open. The striker also serves as a weight that brings the slider and contacts into contact.
The contacts and terminals are molded together with the base resin. The base resin is made of highly heat-resistant plastic because it is subject to high temperatures during soldering. By molding the components as one piece, the size and weight can be reduced. The base resin also serves to protect the terminals.
There are two types of contact terminal shapes: those that are inserted into board holes and those that are surface-mounted. Since the switch is likely to be left unattended for a long period, gold plating may be applied to the contacts to prevent oxidation. Some products have a self-cleaning mechanism that cleans the contacts during sliding to remove foreign matter and oxides.
DIP switches are so small that a fine-tipped screwdriver or tweezers are required to switch them.
There are different types of switches for different applications. The following types of switches are used in a variety of industrial and consumer applications.
Other than the actuator, there are various types depending on the mounting method, number of poles, and other characteristics.
The structure of DIP switches consists of four parts: the cover, the striker, the slider, and the base. The cover is an injection-molded resin part that covers the top surface of the switch. It mates with the base to protect the internal mechanism.
The striker is the actuator of the switch. It transmits force to the slider to actuate the contacts. The striker is a movable contact made of a fabricated metal plate or other material. The base integrates the metal terminal and contacts by resin injection molding and is made of heat-resistant resin material.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Austin, TX, National Instruments Corporation provides a software-centric platform and systems to engineers and scientists worldwide. NI’s software is used for automated test and measurement applications in manufacturing environment for configuring real-time testing application, sensor configuration and data logging of mixed signals, and monitoring ancillary rotating equipment. NI’s software also enables the mass coordination of connected devices, software deployments, and data communications throughout distributed systems. Recently, NI has begun to develop test systems and solutions for autonomous driving software and hardware validation.
CIT Relay & Switch is based in Rogers, Minnesota, and is a manufacturer of RoHS-compliant electromechanical relays and switches with the ability to offer integrated solutions for individual customers’ design needs. CIT’s relays are commonly used in automobiles and low-voltage operations. CIT’s switch catalog includes varieties such as surface mount, panel mount, tactile, pushbutton, and more. CIT has a lab for a new design, validation product testing, IQC, failure analysis, and material testing. IQC ensures documented reliability by testing contact material, resistance, dielectric strength, and other parameters. CIT also provides engineering and application support for materials and processes.
CUI Devices, established in 1989 and headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, is an electronic components manufacturer that is ISO 9001 certified. It stocks motion, sensor, and relay solutions and works with several distribution partners, including Mouser Electronics, Digi-Key Electronics, and Electro Sonic. The company gives back to the community by supporting organizations like Tualatin School House Pantry, Girls Who Code, and Friends of Trees, which aim to uplift society by providing basic needs, STEM education, and environmental stewardship. It has contract manufacturing facilities in other countries, including China, Vietnam, and Japan.
C&K is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and was established in 1928 as a manufacturer of electromechanical switches. The company designs various Push buttons, Toggles, Navigational, Slides, and Rotary switches, along with Smart Card Connectors that are used in vending machines, digital satellite receivers, and other equipment. C&K switches serve a huge market of consumer electronics, transportation, aerospace, and medical to name a few. The High Reliability connectors are also produced to cope with applications that have extreme operating conditions such as space, military, automotive, etc
E-Switch, established in 1979 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical switches. Their diverse product range includes pushbuttons, rocker switches, toggle switches, and safety switches. These are available in various types, such as momentary, latching, and illuminated, offering variable control options for appliances, industrial equipment, and medical devices. Additionally, E-Switch provides safety switches like emergency stop switches and door interlock switches to ensure the protection of individuals and equipment in industrial settings. E-Switch offers custom-designed switches, serving a wide range of industries, including appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and transportation.
Grayhill, founded in 1943 with headquarters in the USA, is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of principle switch interface products, PC-based control systems, and industrial wireless data communication devices. The company's products include board-level DIP switches, tactile switches, keypads, custom keyboards, and miniature enclosed rotary switches for original equipment manufacturers in the healthcare, military, and off-highway markets. Grayhill offers standard products, tailored products, and tailored assemblies. The company also holds AS9100D and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, as well as the SAE AS9100 Revision D Quality Management System (QMS) for defense organizations.
CTS Corporation was founded in 1896 and is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois. CTS is a manufacturer and distributor of sensors, actuators, and various connectivity components to telecommunications infrastructure, information technology, and other high-speed applications such as the aerospace and medical markets. CTS operates in 3 primary market segments: Sense, Connect, and Move. The Sense market segment includes controls such as potentiometers, pedals, sensors, and switches. The Connect segment includes various types of resistors, capacitors, and frequency control products. The move segment includes piezoelectric move products, rotary actuators, and thermal products including ZIF PC board retainers and heatsinks.
Salecom Electronics Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of switches based in Taiwan since 1976. The company designs various switches such as Toggle switches which vary as remote-controlled, miniature, and industrial, and Rocker switches that are available as Sealed Ultraminiature and Sub-miniature and more. The Tact, Slide, Key, Dip, and Pushbutton switches are also available along with Micro switches that have numerous applications in, telecommunications, instrumentation, medical equipment, networking, computer peripherals & more.
ITW EBA, established in 1970 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of switches, fasteners, dampers, connectors, and IC package solutions. Their products encompass pushbutton switches for equipment control, microswitches for motion detection, dampers regulating airflow, connectors for various applications, and IC package solutions for integrated circuits. As a subsidiary of Illinois Tool Works (ITW), they serve electronics, industrial, and medical sectors and hold ISO 9001:2015, IEC 60947-1, and UL certifications.
ALPS ALPINE CO., established in 1948, is a manufacturer and supplier of sensors&communication, modules&systems, and components based in Tokyo, Japan. The company serves the energy, healthcare, automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics domains, where they combine and build on core device technology, including human-machine interfaces, SENSORING™, and connectivity. For example, in the healthcare industry, they supply components for medical equipment, including control switches, sensors, lenses, and joysticks, and the Senclear™ Microfluidic Devices for drug discovery and development. Their power conversion modules, current sensors inverters, and converters are used in the energy industry in storage batteries, solar power systems, and electric vehicle charging systems.
Excel Cell Electronic, founded in 1981 is a manufacturer and supplier of electromechanical components and stamping products headquartered in Taiwan. The company offers electromechanical components including industrial control switches, stepping motors, terminal blocks, resettable fuses, and relays. Their stamping products include heat spreaders for BGA, high-precision electronic components, and lead frames of semiconductors for discrete devices / integrated circuit & photoelectric products. The company is ISO/TS 16949:2009, CNS15506: 2011, TOSHMS: 2007, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001-certified, and their products are used in various applications in optoelectronic, security systems, power energy, network, and communication industries.
Würth Elektronik Group, established in 1969 in Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of quality electronic and electromechanical components. Their extensive product catalog includes passive components, connectors, inductors, sensors, and more, catering to various industries like automotive, telecommunications, and industrial automation. Würth Elektronik's components are integral to building ideal electronic circuits, enabling seamless data transfer and power management. Courtesy of its creativity and sustainability, it aims to provide cutting-edge solutions and good customer service, meeting the diverse needs of its global clientele.
SWEETA was established in 1995 and is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. SWEETA is a manufacturer of switches, AC sockets, and circuit breakers globally. Most products have been certified to meet international safety standards such as UL, CSA, VDE, and others. SWEETA has an extensive product line. A few listings include AC sockets, plug adapters, switches, thermostats, and test tweezers.
NEXUS COMPONENTS is an electrochemical component manufacturer founded in 1995, located in Braunschweig, Germany. The company offers a wide range of products, including SD card sockets, SIM cards, SATA, connectors, RCA, USBs, switches and metal parts. These products find application in telecommunications, cable assemblies, and inductors. It also manufactures customized OEM parts and ESO packaging. The company holds certifications including ISO9001:2000, ISO9001:2008, ISO9001:2015, ISO14001:2009, and ISO14001:2015, and is also in compliance with RoHS and REACH regulations.
Diptronics Manufacturing Inc. was founded in 1985 as a manufacturer of switches in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company designs and produces Illuminated, Rotary coded, Dip, Tact, and Slide switches along with Micro and Multifunctional switches which are used in the 3C industry for tablets, digital cameras, drones, etc. They have applications in the motherboards, LCD Panels, and modems that represent the IT industry and besides these, medical devices, smart wearables, automatic home appliances, and the automobile industry also benefit from the switches supplied by Diptronics Manufacturing Inc.
Switronic Industrial Corp. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of precision switches founded in 1986 and based in Taipei, Taiwan. The company produces a wide range of switches for use in consumer electronics, automobiles, and industrial facilities. Its products include limit switches, tactile switches for keyboards, and rotary switches for dimmer lighting controls. The company also offers additional technical support services, and customization options for clients with unique project specifications. Some of its notable clients include Samsung, Nissan, Honeywell.
Knitter-switch, founded in 1992 and based in Baldham, Germany, is a manufacturer and supplier of switches. They offer a range of switches, including toggle switches to control device power, pushbuttons to activate devices, as well as rotary switches and encoders to measure object position or speed in applications like machine tools, robots, and conveyors. Knitter-switch also offers custom-designed switches to meet unique customer requirements. These products find application in various industries, including appliances, industrial equipment, medical devices, and transportation.
TE Connectivity Ltd., started in 2007 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a designer and manufacturer of sensor and connectivity solutions for harsh conditions. It operates three primary segments, namely transport, industrial, and communication solutions, and its product portfolio includes automotive connectors, fiber optic connectors, analog power meters, RTD sensors, and circuit breakers. It serves customers in approximately 140 countries and several industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail, IoT connectivity, and E-mobility. The company manufactures 192 billion products annually and has invested over 610 million USD in research development and engineering.
Apem, originally founded as APR in 1952 in France and incorporated as Apem Inc. in 2008, is a global manufacturer of electronic components. The companyThe company offers a wide range of products, including panel switches, PCB switches, LED indicators, joysticks, and industrial controls, catering to clients in various markets such as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, public environment, defense, and healthcare. Apem also provides a fully customized design and production solution to clients from its offices and facilities located in France, Germany, the UK, the USA, and China.
AUK Contractors Co., Ltd., established in 1983 and headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan, is a manufacturer of connectors, cable assemblies, and precision metal stamping products. Their wide range of connectors includes board-to-board connectors, cable connectors, and terminal blocks, serving applications in telecommunications, industrial automation, and medical devices to ensure smooth data and power transmission. The company adheres to ISO 14001 environmental management standards, IATF 16949, and ISO 9001 for quality management.
NIDEC COPAL ELECTRONICS was established in Japan in April, 1967 as a specialty manufacturer of electronic components. NIDEC’s offerings have increased to serve the automotive, construction, medical equipment, FA equipment, analytical measuring equipment, and residential security industries. Among the offerings are components for LiDAR, railway pressure sensors, CPAP, dialysis, MRI, and ultrasonography machines, wireless base stations, and power tools. These components include switches, sensors, mirrors, motors, and fans.
Dailywell Electronics Co. Ltd., founded in 1997 and based in Taipei, Taiwan, is a switch manufacturer and supplier with an annual capacity of 800 million pieces. Its products include toggle, slide, rocker, pushbutton, and anti-vandal switches used in several devices, including audiovisual equipment, aircraft model drones, industrial control equipment, computer peripherals, and medical equipment. The company has its own mold research and development center to design and develop the precise molds used to fulfill the various specifications of the production process. It is ISO 9001, ISO 9002, ISO 14001, and 3C certified.
Elma Electronic, with its headquarters located in Fremont, California, has been a manfuacturer of computer hardware since its establishment in 1960. The company specializes in the development of open standards-based backplanes, modular enclosures, cabinets, sub-system assemblies, and integration solutions. Additionally, it also manufactures precision rotary switches, encoders, and audio solutions that are integral components in critical and emergency radio systems. Its backplanes are customizable, and the company offers an optional conformal coating for enhanced protection against environmental factors.
OMRON Electronic Components Europe is the European division of OMRON Corporation, which is based in Kyoto, Japan, and has head offices around the world. The European division has its own development and manufacturing facilities providing local customer support provided in all European countries. The European division produces PCBs and other components for the eSports, alternative energy, automated test equipment, and entertainment industries. The company’s four primary product divisions are relays, switches, connectors, and sensors including flow sensors and IoT sensors.
Canal Components Inc. is headquartered in New Taipei City, Taiwan. The company is a distributor of quality electrical and mechanical components to customers worldwide. The company sources from suppliers in China and Taiwan as well as perform in-house production in its ISO 9001-certified factories providing product testing. The company’s product categories include switches, sockets, fuses, and other component parts. The company also has a line of waterproof and washable electronic parts. The company bridges communication between suppliers and customers and encourages inquiries from customers about products.
Tayda Electronics, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, is a retail supplier of electronic components and parts. The company offers thousands of products, including capacitors, breakout boards, and electronics project kits. Its products are used by electronics professionals and hobbyists alike, as well as by students of electronics. It offers economical prices, inexpensive global shipping, and markets primarily to electronics hobbyists. It has warehousing and shipping facilities located in Bangkok and Durango, Colorado, United States.
Hybrid Electronics is a global distribution specialist of electronic components, with access to over 50 million unique components. Among the markets HE serves are the aerospace, automotive, communications, defense, industrial, medical, national security, and test & measurement industries. In addition to components, HE also provides quality and compliance testing, counterfeit detection, upscreening, and other forms of quality control. Examples of component subtypes that HE offers include ICs, batteries, capacitors, semiconductor products, sensors, circuit protection, interconnectors, filters, optoelectronics, relays, switches, power supplies, and cables and cable assemblies.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Cit Relay & Switch |
8.6%
|
2 | NEXUS COMPONENTS GmbH |
8.6%
|
3 | National Instruments Corp. |
8.6%
|
4 | ECE |
6.3%
|
5 | Midcom |
5.5%
|
6 | CUI Devices |
4.7%
|
7 | Diptronics |
4.7%
|
8 | Salecom Electronics Co., Ltd. |
4.7%
|
9 | AUK CONTRACTORS |
3.9%
|
10 | CTS Corporation |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the dip switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
Taiwan | 9 | 42.9% |
United States of America | 7 | 33.3% |
Germany | 3 | 14.3% |
Japan | 2 | 9.5% |
11 products are listed.
Sanko Electric Co., Ltd.
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■ Characteristics Abundant variations -You can introduce your desired switches from a partner company in Taiwan. (Slide switch, tact switch, dip sw...
CUI Japan
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Last viewed: 12 hours ago
Cui Devices DIP switches include piano, rotary, and slide types, with a variety of pitches of 1.27, 2.54, or 5.08mm, 1 to 16 positions, surface mou...