In the industry, the term “Quadrilateral Metal Dome” typically refers to two different types of components, and understanding their differences is key to selecting the right one. One type is the square/rectangular reed switch, and the other is the cross-shaped (four-cornered) reed switch with four legs.
1. Square/Rectangular Reed Switches
These are, literally, four-sided, with a neat square or rectangular appearance.
Key Features: Compact structure with high space utilization in rectangular button areas where space is limited.
Performance: The tactile feel and travel are typically well-balanced. When made from the same material, their service life may be slightly shorter than that of circular springs, but their advantages include lower cost, ease of manufacturing, and greater material efficiency. Square models are commonly used in applications such as automotive buttons.
Reference Specifications: Square sizes include 6.2 mm × 6.2 mm and 7 mm × 7 mm, while rectangular sizes include 11 mm × 6 mm. Smaller rectangular dome switches are also available, such as 4.1 mm × 2.45 mm.
2. Cross-shaped / Four-Leg Metal Dome
This is the type most commonly referred to by name; its main body extends outward with four support legs, resembling a “cross.”
Key Features: Excellent tactile feedback and maximum travel; produces a very clear, crisp “click” sound when pressed, providing a strong sense of confirmation.
Performance: Very long lifespan; high-quality products can exceed 1 million cycles. They generally outperform round springs in terms of lifespan and tactile feedback.
Working Principle: Supported by four legs, the central dome depresses when pressed, making contact with the PCB contact point below to complete the circuit.
Parameter Reference: Dimensions typically range from 5 mm to 20 mm, with a wide force range of approximately 80 gf to 600 gf.
Hongmao's spring plates are categorized by shape into: round metal spring plates, cross-shaped metal spring plates, triangular metal spring plates, and oval metal spring plates. Their diameters range from 3 mm to 20 mm, and their force ratings range from 100 g to 600 gf. Based on surface plating treatments, they can also be classified as: gold-plated, nickel-plated, silver-plated, and mirror-finished. Both single-sided and double-sided plating options are available.
Product Applications: Widely used in mobile phones, cameras, computers, remote controls, printers, gaming devices, smart wearable devices, financial terminals, medical equipment, machinery, sports equipment, home appliances, automotive electronics, and other product sectors.
In addition to our extensive standard metal spring sheet product line, we also offer custom metal spring sheet design services to meet your specific application needs.
Whether you require custom dimensions, shapes, actuation force, return force, or travel; with tabs or holes—we will provide precision metal springs tailored to your application needs based on your design, drawings, or samples.
