6×6mm Tactile Switch Guide for Engineers｜Force, Height, and Reliability
SUNTAN TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED · ALL KINDS OF CAPACITORS
Most selection decisions around a 6×6 mm tactile switch come down to four key parameters: operating force, actuator height, mounting method (TH vs SMD), and mechanical travel consistency.
This guide summarizes these parameters purely based on the official Suntan datasheets and shows how to quickly map your mechanical constraints and fingertip feel requirements to the right part number.
Key 6×6 mm Tactile Switch Series Covered
All models below share a common 6×6 mm footprint while offering different actuator heights, operating forces and mounting options for appliance, industrial and module-based designs.
1. Mechanical Travel Consistency (0.25 ± 0.1 mm)
All Suntan tactile switches in the 6×6 mm category share the same mechanical travel:
- 0.25 ± 0.1 mm travel
Covered series:
- TSS-TC-0010 (Through-Hole)
- TSS-TC-12XA / TSS-TC-12XT (Through-Hole)
- TSS-TD-03XG / TSS-TD-06XG (SMD)
Engineering relevance
A uniform travel spec helps maintain predictable tactile feedback, reduces variation between production batches, and stabilizes interface behavior in appliance, industrial, and module-based designs.
High-intent keywords: tactile switch travel distance, momentary switch actuation, 6x6 tactile switch mechanical structure.
2. Operating Force Options (100–250 gf)
Operating force is one of the most critical parameters affecting the user’s tactile feedback and perceived quality of the interface.
SMD series: TSS-TD-03XG / TSS-TD-06XG
The following operating force codes are available:
- 100 ± 30 gf (T)
- 130 ± 30 gf (V)
- 160 ± 50 gf (X)
- 170 ± 50 gf (W)
- 190 ± 50 gf (Y)
- 250 ± 100 gf (Z)
Through-Hole series: TSS-TC-0010 / TSS-TC-12XA / TSS-TC-12XT
Available operating force codes:
- 160 ± 50 gf (X)
- 250 ± 100 gf (Z)
Engineering interpretation
- 100–130 gf: Light-touch interfaces, short key travel, frequent rapid presses.
- 160–170 gf: Standard feedback for general control panels and appliance keys.
- 190–250 gf: Glove operation, vibration-prone environments, deliberate actuation only.
High-intent keywords: tactile switch force options, 160gf tact switch, 250gf industrial switch, momentary switch operating force comparison.
3. Actuator Height Selection (3.8–15 mm)
Choosing the correct actuator height prevents enclosure mismatch, unwanted pre-load, or insufficient key travel. All height values below are taken from Suntan’s 6×6 mm tactile switch datasheets.
Through-Hole (TC series)
TSS-TC-12XA height options:
4.3 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 8.5 / 9 / 9.5 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 mm
TSS-TC-0010 height: 3.8 mm
These options allow designers to compensate for front-panel thickness, overlay stacks and mechanical tolerances while keeping the same electrical and tactile behavior.
High-intent keywords: tact switch actuator height, 6x6mm tactile switch dimensions, momentary switch stem height options.
4. Height × Operating Force Quick Comparison
The matrix below combines the available actuator height range (3.8–15 mm) with the operating force options (100–250 gf). It is intended as a quick reference when balancing enclosure mechanics and fingertip feel.
| Height range (mm) | Operating force range (gf) | Typical feel | Typical design scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8–6 mm (e.g. TSS-TC-0010, lower TSS-TC-12XA heights) | 100–130 gf | Light, quick press | Compact keypads, low-profile modules, handheld devices where users press frequently and expect low fatigue. |
| 3.8–6 mm | 160–170 gf | Standard, well-defined click | General-purpose control panels, white goods, audio front panels where a clear confirmation click is preferred without being too heavy. |
| 7–10 mm (mid-height TSS-TC-12XA options) | 160–170 gf | Standard, pronounced feedback | Products with thicker overlays or decorative panels, where additional height is needed to reach the user while keeping typical tact switch feel. |
| 7–10 mm | 190–250 gf | Heavy, deliberate press | Industrial panels, test equipment and machinery with possible vibration, where accidental operation must be minimized. |
| 11–15 mm (tallest TSS-TC-12XA options) | 160–170 gf | Extended stem, standard force | Deep enclosures, designs with keycaps or decorative knobs mounted above the tact switch, while preserving familiar tactile response. |
| 11–15 mm | 190–250 gf | Extended stem, heavy force | Ruggedized or outdoor interfaces, glove operation, and applications where users must confirm the press through a strong click even on tall actuators. |
How to use this matrix:
- Start from mechanical constraints: panel thickness, enclosure depth, required stem height.
- Select force range: lighter for frequent presses; heavier for noisy or glove environments.
- Pick part number: choose the TC/TD series and code combination that matches your row in the table.
Application Video｜Vertical Type and Through-Hole Waterproof Tactile Switches
For detailed curves, lifetime expectations and full dimension drawings, please refer to the official Suntan datasheets for TSS-TC-0010, TSS-TC-12XA / TSS-TC-12XT, and TSS-TD-03XG / TSS-TD-06XG, or contact our sales team for application support.
