Panasonic Industry has introduced the EVP-BX quiet-type tactile switches, adding 4 N and 6 N operating-force options to its 6.0 × 6.0 mm surface-mount switch family.
The top-push, two-terminal devices combine rubber-dome construction with a rated operating life of 200,000 cycles for user interfaces where actuation sound and tactile feedback influence product design.
Key features and benefits
- Quiet-type construction: a rubber dome supports noise-sensitive user-interface designs.
- Two operating-force options: 4 N and 6 N versions allow the button mechanism to be matched to the intended actuation effort.
- Defined mechanical envelope: both versions measure 6.0 × 6.0 × 4.1 mm, including the actuator.
- Middle-stroke operation: travel is 0.78 mm for the 4 N version and 0.80 mm for the 6 N version.
- Operating endurance: both versions are rated for 200,000 cycles.
- Surface-mount assembly: J-bent terminals support reflow soldering.
Technical highlights
The EVP-BX extends the EVP-BD, EVP-0B and EVP-CD family with quiet-type variants. Both new devices use a snap-action, push-on SPST contact configuration and an actuator for top-push operation.
Variant selection
| Part number | Operating force | Travel | Operating life |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVPBX7C5A000 | 4 N | 0.78 mm | 200,000 cycles |
| EVPBX9C5A000 | 6 N | 0.80 mm | 200,000 cycles |
Operating force is the principal distinction between the two variants. The 6 N version requires greater actuation effort, while the travel distances remain close. Button geometry and the enclosure mechanism therefore need to be considered alongside the switch force when setting the finished product’s tactile response.
Shared electrical and mechanical ratings
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| External dimensions | 6.0 × 6.0 × 4.1 mm |
| Contact configuration | SPST, push-on |
| Minimum rated load | 10 µA at 2 V DC |
| Maximum rated load | 20 mA at 15 V DC |
| Load type | Resistive |
| Contact bounce | 10 ms maximum, ON/OFF |
| Operating temperature | −40 °C to +90 °C |
| Terminal form | J-bent |
| Soldering method | Reflow |
The electrical ratings place the EVP-BX in signal-level control circuits rather than direct power-load switching. In a user-interface input, the contact load must remain within the rated operating conditions, including the minimum load.
The maximum 10 ms contact-bounce duration is relevant to input recognition. Hardware or firmware debouncing should accommodate switching transitions so that a single button press does not produce multiple commands.
Typical applications
Target applications include automotive electronic equipment, car audio controls, steering switches, industrial human-interface panels, gaming controllers and portable medical-device on/off controls. Other target products include smartphones, earbuds, speakers, AR glasses and hand scanners.
For audio controls and other noise-sensitive interfaces, the quiet-type rubber-dome construction addresses the mechanical sound of actuation. The 4 N and 6 N force options provide alternative actuation efforts without changing the external dimensions.
For industrial and vehicle control interfaces, the −40 °C to +90 °C operating range and 200,000-cycle operating life are relevant selection parameters. Automotive applications require application-specific specification agreement with Panasonic.
For portable medical-device on/off controls, the 20 mA at 15 V DC maximum resistive-load rating governs the electrical interface. The switch should operate as a control input where the product’s power path exceeds that rating.
Design-in notes for engineers
- Match force to the complete button assembly. Assess the 4 N and 6 N variants with the intended keycap, enclosure and actuation mechanism rather than selecting by force alone.
- Reserve the full mechanical envelope. Account for the 4.1 mm overall height and the applicable 0.78 mm or 0.80 mm operating travel in the enclosure stack-up.
- Set the contact load deliberately. Check the actual voltage and current against both rated-load endpoints before completing the schematic.
- Include debounce handling. Use the 10 ms maximum ON/OFF bounce duration when developing and testing the input circuit or firmware.
- Check production compatibility. Match the PCB land pattern and assembly process to the J-bent, reflow-mounted construction.
- Relate endurance to expected use. Compare the 200,000-cycle rating with the intended button duty over the product’s service life.
- Validate the final assembly under actual electrical, mechanical, acoustic and environmental operating conditions before production release.
For related considerations in surface-mount tactile-switch integration, actuator alignment, enclosure stack-up and input conditioning should be treated as connected design tasks.
Further reading
Source
This article is based on the Panasonic Industry product announcement and official product documentation. Engineers should refer to the current manufacturer datasheet for final design and qualification.
References
- Panasonic Industry expands EVP Series with new EVP-BX quiet-type tactile switches, Panasonic Industry, 20 October 2026.
- 6mm Square Middle Travel 2 terminals SMD (EVPBD, EVP0B, EVPCD, EVPBX), Panasonic Industry.
- EVP-BD, EVP-0B, EVP-CD, EVP-BX Series (6.0mm × 6.0mm, SMD, Top Push, 2 Terminals), Panasonic Industrial Devices.
