Momentary Pushbutton Switch Durability

I’m interested in using this switch (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9190) on a foot pedal (can’t use the stomp switch because it needs to be mounted on top of another foot pedal) but am wondering if there is a maximum force that this component can handle. In the datasheet, I only see the minimum forces required for activation. If it seems like this won’t work, can you please suggest another momentary switch that I could use?

Hi Leah.

I don’t have an exact figure, but switches like these aren’t really designed to take a whole lot of force. If you were going to use one in a foot pedal, I’d rig it so that you give it just enough pressure to get an actuation every time and no more. (Too much pressure on the switch and it will break.)

A spring above the switch would be ideal to protect the switch. Just get a spring that’s stiff enough to make the button actuate and not much more. That will help protect the switch from too much force.

If you have room, a longer lasting switch would be a microswitch something like [one of these. Those are built a bit better than the momentary pushbuttons and the flexible lever on them helps take stress off the switching mechanism if you press too hard. They are SPDT as well giving you more options on how to use them.](https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13014)