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Adafruit

$9.40 |
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These hinged momentary step switches feature a satisfying clicky feel and a built-in red LED, reminiscent of the 16-step sequencer keys found on classic TR-8...

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These hinged momentary step switches feature a satisfying clicky feel and a built-in red LED, reminiscent of the 16-step sequencer keys found on classic TR-808 synthesisers. The LED provides visual feedback when the switch is pressed, making them ideal for custom sequencers, control panels, and interactive projects.

Each switch is a momentary SPDT type with four legs for mechanical stability. Two of the four pins act as the common, connecting to one or the other of the remaining pins when pressed. Use a multimeter in continuity mode to verify pin assignments for your design.

Key Features

  • Momentary SPDT Switch – Single pole, double throw with tactile click
  • Built-In Red LED – 3 mm, 20 mA max, 2.1V forward voltage (no built-in resistor)
  • Hinged Step Design – Classic sequencer-style button action
  • 4-Pin Mounting – Mechanically stable; designed for hand-wiring or custom PCB layout
  • PWM Dimmable – Drive the LED from a microcontroller pin for variable brightness
Note: These switches are not breadboard or perfboard compatible. They must be hand-wired or designed into a custom PCB. The LED has no built-in resistor — use a 1 kΩ resistor (or similar) to prevent burnout. See the Adafruit LED guide for help choosing a resistor value.

Ideal For

  • Custom step sequencers and MIDI controllers
  • Control panels and A/V equipment
  • Interactive projects with visual feedback

Package Contents

  • 3× Step Switch with Red LED (Blue Plastic)

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

LED
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a small electronic component that emits light when current flows through it in the correct direction. Because it only conducts one way, its polarity matters, and a through-hole LED must be soldered the correct way around to light up.
microcontroller
A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
MIDI
MIDI is a standard way for electronic instruments, controllers, and software to send musical control messages such as notes, velocity, and timing. If a board supports MIDI, it can be triggered from keyboards, drum pads, sequencers, or other music gear rather than only from buttons or code.
PCB
A printed circuit board (PCB) is a board, usually rigid, with etched copper tracks that connect electronic components together without loose wiring. Components are mounted on the board and signals route between them through the copper layout.
PWM
Pulse Width Modulation is a way for a digital pin to simulate variable output power by switching on and off very quickly. It matters for controlling things like LED brightness, motor speed, or servo-style signals from a microcontroller pin.

all about leds

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