Omron has introduced tactile switches, in top and side actuating form. Both versions offer a sealed construction to ensure high reliability in dust-laden environments. Omron’s B3U switches have a footprint of 3.0mm x 2.5mm and are 1.2mm high. They are dedicated for wireless headsets, mobile phones, portable instruments, keyless entry systems and other applications where size is a key differentiator. The switches are featuring a sealed, dust-proof construction and a operating life time of 100,000 cycles for side-actuated and 200,000 cycles for top-actuated versions. Both the side and top push actuation versions of the B3U are available with a ground terminal to avoid static build up, and a boss to locate the switch on the board during assembly. They are designed to withstand reflow soldering processes for surface mount manufacturing, and available in tape-and-reel packaging. Operating force is specified as 1.50+/-0.49N for top-actuated versions and 1.59+/-0.49N for side actuation, giving the user tactile feedback in use, and lending a quality feel to the user interface.