What is an optical switch? What is outstanding and different with mechanical switches?

Optical switch is a signal switching technology based on the interaction between light and optical material. So what is the optical switch of the keyboard? Let’s find out more details with Tnhelearning.edu.vn through the article below!

What is an optical switch?

Optical switch (or optical switch) can be understood simply as a switch with the same structure as other basic switches, but instead of having a signal reader using a resistor and closing circuit, this type of switch is replaced. replaced by light signal readers and sensors .

Optical switch with light and sensor readout

Structure of optical switch

The structure of the electro-optical switch includes many components, including top housing, stem, lens assembly, bot housing and spring.

The top housing is the top part of the switch, where the optical fibers are connected and input to the switch, protecting the internal components from dust, water and external influences. Stem is an important part of electro-optical switch, used to control optical signals .

The lens assembly is used to focus optical signals and direct them to different optical pipelines. The bot housing is the end of the switch, where the optical fibers are connected and output from the switch.

Springs help position the lenses and other switch components, ensuring that the switch sections are held firmly in place and do not move or loosen during use.

Structure of optical switch

Working principle of optical switch

Principle of light blocking

One of the basic principles of optical switches is the principle of light blocking. According to this principle, the optical switch uses a signal generation system consisting of an LED signal generator and a light signal receiver.

These 2 parts are always divided by the stem. When the knocking force is applied to the optical switch, the stem will sink and create a light gap to help light go from the lamp to the receiver to emit a signal.

Optical switches use LEDs to generate signals in the principle of light blocking

Principle of Refraction

Similar to the principle of blocking light, the refractive principle of an optical switch also has a transmitter and a receiver, but does not generate a signal by blocking the opening, but uses a prism on the stem to change the path of light. .

Here, the signal light always emits light but does not directly shine on the receiver. When the stem of the optical switch receives the impact of the knocking force and sinks, the prism will receive the incoming light, directing only part of the light towards the receiver to generate a signal.

The principle of refraction of the optical switch is quite simple

Some pioneering brands in the production of optical switches

Razer

Razer is a well-known brand in the American gaming industry and is headquartered in Irvine, California, developed by two founders, Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff.

Razer is a pioneer in the production of optical switches and has attracted the attention of many technology lovers. Razer Switch has always been appreciated for its accuracy and reliability, meeting the needs of users for the ability to play games and transfer data quickly.

Razer Optical Keyboard for High Accuracy, Sensitive Touch

Flaretech

Flaretech inherits advanced technologies from other types of optical switches and uses the principle of light and sensor to determine the position of the key. Compared to other types of switches, the Flaretech optical switch has completely eliminated the friction between the keys and provides a smoother typing feeling.

Flaretech optical switch uses light sensor to read key position

Above, Tnhelearning.edu.vn has learned with you in detail about optical switch including definition, structure as well as operating principle. Hopefully this article will help you better understand this outstanding switch line!