What's the difference of the through hole and surface mount tact switch?

The main difference between through-hole and surface mount tact switches lies in their mounting methods on a printed circuit board (PCB). Both types of switches are commonly used in electronic devices to provide momentary tactile feedback when pressed, but they have distinct characteristics:

1.Mounting Method:

• Through-Hole Tact Switches: These switches have leads or pins that pass through holes in the PCB, and they are soldered on the opposite side. The leads are typically longer and extend through the board, providing a secure mechanical connection. Through-hole tact switches are often larger and more robust, making them suitable for applications where durability and stability are important.

• Surface Mount Tact Switches: These switches are designed to be mounted directly onto the surface of the PCB, using surface mount technology (SMT). Surface mount switches do not have leads that pass through the board; instead, they have flat contacts that are soldered onto pads on the surface of the PCB. Surface mount switches are smaller and more space-efficient, making them suitable for compact electronic devices.

2. Size and Profile:

• Through-Hole: Typically, through-hole tact switches have a larger profile due to the extended leads that pass through the PCB. They may not be as suitable for applications where space is limited.

• Surface Mount: Surface mount tact switches have a lower profile, making them ideal for compact electronic designs. Their smaller size is advantageous in modern electronic devices where space is often at a premium.

3. Ease of Automated Assembly:

• Through-Hole: Through-hole components are often manually soldered onto the PCB, which can be time-consuming. Automated assembly is possible but may require additional processes.

• Surface Mount: Surface mount components are well-suited for automated assembly processes, where pick-and-place machines precisely position and solder the switches onto the PCB.

4. Application Considerations:

• Through-Hole: These switches are often chosen for applications where durability, stability, or ease of manual soldering are crucial factors.

• Surface Mount: Surface mount tact switches are preferred in applications where size, weight, and automated assembly are critical considerations.

When choosing between through-hole and surface mount tact switches, designers need to consider the specific requirements of their application, including available space, assembly processes, and the desired mechanical and electrical characteristics of the switch.