Switches and buttons

Switches are breaks in your circuit that stop the current from flowing. In this section, we will learn about the various types of switches and buttons and how they work. Then, we will get creative and make our own switches.

In this section, I’ve included buttons. Although not strictly a switch, they also create a break in the circuit. We can use buttons and switches in similar ways. Figure 2.45 is a photograph of some of the types of switches and buttons that are available. However, bear in mind that there are hundreds of varieties, colors, sizes, and more.

Note that only a small selection has been pictured, so always go hunting for new and unusual items for your own wearable projects:

Figure 2.45 – Switches and buttons

First, let’s look at some of the types of switches we can use. The switches fall into two distinct categories, momentary and maintained. A momentary switch holds the connection for as long as...