The demand for touch switch requires an increase in the amplification of membrane switches.

Electrical connector components can be divided into several major categories, including switches, connectors, sockets, and other connector component assemblies, with switches being one of the major product categories. Currently, switches are widely used in aviation/aerospace, military equipment, communications, computers, automobiles, industrial automation control equipment, household appliances, and other fields, becoming a highlight in advanced manufacturing. According to analysis, in the past two years, the domestic demand has been highest for tactile switches, with a total demand exceeding over a billion pieces; the largest increase has been for membrane switches, which have increased by over 100%; while the demand for push-button switches (including push-button power switches, micro switches, remote controls, mice, keyboards) ranks first in Asia. In 2005, the total demand for various important switches in the country exceeded 8.827 billion pieces, and it is estimated that this year it will reach 9.88 billion pieces.

There are many specifications for push-button switches.

The main supporting fields for push-button switches are electronic control equipment, lifting equipment, heavy machine tools, power electronics equipment, transportation vehicles, aerospace, ships, household appliances, etc. Although some products have been replaced by other types of switches, there are still some markets, and it is a type of switch with a wide range of specifications. The shapes can be divided into large, medium, small, and ultra-small. The terminals can be divided into straight pins, bent pins, solder tabs, quick connect, etc. The button handles can be divided into standard, short cone, cone, etc. Installation can be divided into surface mount, vertical installation, threaded sleeve installation, snap-in installation, etc. The product current and voltage range from 1A to 30A, with a lifespan ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 times. Special requests can be designed and produced according to customer requirements. The products comply with lead-free and RoHS directive requirements.

The market demand for push-button switches was at its peak in the 1980s to early 1990s. In recent years, the demand has remained around 50 million pieces. This product has always been regarded as something that can be replaced by push-button switches, toggle switches, etc., and it is natural for the market demand to show a downward trend. Among them, small and ultra-small push-button switches have always been favored. Large current push-button switches are used in some special occasions.

The cost of membrane switches continues to decline.

Due to breakthroughs and upgrades in technology and materials, the waterproofness, safety, and reliability of membrane switches have greatly improved, and the product costs have been continuously declining, with continued optimism in the product market. Due to their ease of installation, the application fields are continuously expanding, and they have replaced many switches. The installation method is mainly surface mount on circuit boards, with the largest markets being automotive instruments, CNC machine tools, washing machines, keyboards, mobile devices, testing instruments, etc.

Currently, most enterprises are foreign-invested, with sales ranging from 20 million to 100 million yuan. These enterprises are mainly concentrated in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta regions, with an annual growth rate exceeding 100%. The large domestic demand has continuously increased their import volume, and foreign-invested enterprises are continuously increasing their investment and production capacity, showing a trend of expansion.

Rotary switches have good profits.

Rotary switches have advantages such as miniaturization and the ability to meet special user specification requirements, and there is a trend of partial replacement for these products. Although the market capacity is declining, due to the continuous emergence of new products in this category of switches and the market still having certain demand, the market remains optimistic.

Rotary switches are mainly used in measuring instruments, household appliances, radio communication equipment, various A/V equipment, electronic signal equipment, etc. Their development trend is towards smaller size (ultra-small), thinner (portable digital electronic devices for specific use), as well as sealing and waterproofing. Their positions range from single pole to 12 positions, with layers ranging from one to six, and special models can be designed and produced according to drawings. Lifespan reaches 10,000 to 50,000 times, and a small number of products need to be imported to meet domestic equipment installation requirements, while the market demand for rotary switches with potentiometer performance remains quite good.

This product is a type with relatively good profits. Some products can meet lead-free and RoHS directive requirements according to user requests.

The market for tactile switches is growing the fastest.

Tactile switches are the product with the fastest growing market demand and the widest application in the past decade. During the development of color TVs, VCRs, combined audio systems, and VCDs, tactile switches also experienced significant growth.

The types of tactile switches include standard, sealed, SMD, waterproof, rocker, long, vertical, semi-circular array thin, and illuminated types (red, yellow, green); appearances can be square, rectangular, round, flat, convex, vertical, and long-lasting types. The main installation methods are through-hole soldering, embedded pin type, and surface mount. Their advantages include suitability for high-density surface mounting, some can be washed after soldering, and sealed types can be waterproof and dustproof, making them suitable for harsh environments. The circuit design is simple, and the product lifespan ranges from 100,000 to 10 million times.