Hand

The largest group of access switches are those designed to be operated by the hand of the user.  However, even within this group, there are differences in how the person uses their hand to operate the switch.

• Button switches are generally round, with no specific orientation, and raised above the table or desk.
• Some switches are designed to be operated by a single finger, for the user with limited hand use.
• Some switches are activated by squeezing with a close grip or pinch between fingers
• There are a few switches that are designed for control operations that do not fit into other categories.  These novel switches are for very special needs.
• Pad switches are generally rectangular and are operated by pressing anywhere on their surface
• Some switches do not require contact to operate.  Simply moving into the proximity of the switch activates it.
• Some switches are not pressed.  They are activated by flexing or tipping a stick on a mount.
• Some products are not single switches, but an array of switches to provide a collection of related actions.
• Some specialty switches provide tactile sensations when they are activated.  These might be resilient surfaces or filaments.
• While most switches are directly plugged into either the device to be controlled or an external interface, some provide a wireless connection to the host device.

What type of hand-activated switch are you looking for?