COM-08720 Tactile Switch SPST-NO Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The COM-08720 is an active-status tactile switch manufactured by SparkFun Electronics, configured as a single-pole single-throw normally-open (SPST-NO) device with momentary operation. This surface-mount component is rated for 0.05A at 12VDC and features a 1.60mm actuator height with top actuation and gull-wing termination. The part is supplied in bulk packaging with 1163 units currently in stock.

Equivalent and substitute parts are identified to support procurement flexibility, inventory management, and supply chain continuity. Substitutes must maintain electrical equivalence across circuit configuration, contact rating, and switching characteristics, as well as mechanical compatibility in mounting footprint and actuator specifications.

Substiute Parts

COM-08720

SparkFun ElectronicsIn Stock: 1186COM-08720 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT

C&KIn Stock: 9004RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT Datasheet

DirectRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the COM-08720 is determined by strict equivalence across the following electrical and mechanical parameters:

Electrical Equivalence Requirements:

• Circuit configuration must be SPST-NO
• Switch function must be Off-Mom (momentary operation)
• Contact rating must be 0.05A @ 12VDC
• Illumination status must be Non-Illuminated

Mechanical Equivalence Requirements:

• Mounting type must be Surface Mount
• Actuator height must be 1.60mm vertical
• Actuator orientation must be Top Actuated
• Termination style must be Gull Wing
• Outline dimensions must be 5.20mm x 5.20mm
• Switch travel must be 0.25mm

Compliance Requirements:

• RoHS3 Compliance required
• Moisture Sensitivity Level 1 (Unlimited) required

The substitute part RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT manufactured by C&K meets all electrical and mechanical equivalence criteria. Packaging differs (Tape & Reel versus Bulk), and mechanical life specification varies (50,000 cycles versus 100,000 cycles on the primary part), but these differences do not affect functional substitution in circuit applications.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the COM-08720 and RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT are active-status products with ROHS3 compliance and MSL 1 rating, confirming suitability for current manufacturing and environmental standards.

Selection Basis:

The COM-08720 (SparkFun) offers higher mechanical life specification at 100,000 cycles and dual operating force rating (160/250gf), providing extended component longevity in high-cycle applications. This part is available in bulk packaging, supporting high-volume procurement workflows.

The RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT (C&K) provides equivalent electrical and mechanical performance with 50,000 mechanical life cycles and single operating force rating (160gf). This part is supplied in Tape & Reel packaging, supporting automated assembly processes and pick-and-place equipment integration.

Both parts satisfy identical circuit requirements, contact ratings, and physical footprints. Selection between these parts depends on procurement packaging requirements, mechanical life cycle expectations, and assembly methodology rather than functional compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT be used as a direct replacement for COM-08720 in existing designs?

A: Yes. Both parts are electrically and mechanically equivalent across all critical parameters: SPST-NO circuit, 0.05A @ 12VDC contact rating, 1.60mm top-actuated surface mount configuration, 5.20mm x 5.20mm footprint, and 0.25mm switch travel. PCB layout and schematic integration require no modification.

Q: What is the difference in mechanical life between these parts?

A: The COM-08720 specifies 100,000 mechanical cycles, while the RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT specifies 50,000 mechanical cycles. This difference reflects component design and manufacturing specifications. Selection should account for application cycle requirements.

Q: How do packaging formats differ?

A: The COM-08720 is supplied in bulk packaging, suitable for manual assembly and small-batch production. The RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT is supplied in Tape & Reel format, optimized for automated pick-and-place assembly and high-volume manufacturing workflows.

Q: Are both parts RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. Both COM-08720 and RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating, meeting current environmental and manufacturing standards.

Q: What is the operating force difference?

A: The COM-08720 specifies 160/250gf operating force, while the RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT specifies 160gf. Both values fall within standard tactile switch operating force ranges. The dual specification on the COM-08720 may indicate force variation across the mechanical life cycle.

Q: Can these parts be used interchangeably in automated assembly?

A: The RS-187R05A2-DS MT RT in Tape & Reel packaging is directly compatible with standard pick-and-place equipment. The COM-08720 in bulk packaging requires manual feeding or custom feeder integration. Mechanical and electrical compatibility is identical; assembly methodology differs.