SPST / SPDT Mini Switches

Mini toggle and slide switches in SPST and SPDT configurations — compact switches for projects where a full-size automotive toggle switch is too…

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Mini toggle and slide switches in SPST and SPDT configurations — compact switches for projects where a full-size automotive toggle switch is too large, too heavy, or too visually dominant. These mini switches mount through a small panel hole (typically 6mm / 1/4 inch), have a low profile, and weigh almost nothing — making them the standard switch format for custom electronics enclosures, DIY guitar pedals, handheld gadgets, model railroad control panels, game console mods, and any build where space is tight but you still need a reliable mechanical on/off or on/on switch.

SPST vs. SPDT mini switches: The two configurations serve different purposes. SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) is a simple on/off switch — two terminals, one common input and one output. Flip the lever to connect or disconnect a single circuit. Use SPST for master power switches, on/off control for LED circuits, and enable/disable toggles for individual subsystems in a multi-circuit project. SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) has three terminals — one common input and two output positions. Flip the lever one way to route power to output A, flip it the other way to route power to output B. Use SPDT for switching between two LED colors (red/green status indicator), toggling a model railroad turnout motor between diverging and through routes, selecting between two power sources, choosing between two operating modes on an Arduino or ESP32 project, or building an A/B signal selector for an audio circuit.

Why mini switches? Standard rocker and toggle switches are designed for automotive dashboards and industrial control panels — their 12mm to 20mm mounting holes, heavy-duty housings, and protruding toggle levers are overkill for small electronics. Mini switches mount through a 6mm (1/4 inch) hole, sit nearly flush with the panel surface, and take up minimal internal volume in your enclosure. They are the natural choice when your project lives in a Hammond 1590B guitar pedal enclosure, a 3D-printed project box, a Raspberry Pi case, a model railroad fascia panel built from thin Masonite, or any housing where every millimeter of internal space matters. The small toggle lever is easy to operate but does not protrude far enough to catch on hands, clothing, or adjacent objects in tight installations.

Electrical ratings: Mini toggle switches typically handle 3A to 6A at 12V DC, which is far more than any LED circuit demands. A single 20mA LED draws 0.02A; even a bank of 100 LEDs in parallel draws only 2A. The main concern is contact quality rather than rating — mini switches use silver or gold-plated contacts that maintain low contact resistance over thousands of switching cycles, ensuring reliable operation for years. For audio applications (guitar pedals, signal routing), the gold-plated contacts found on higher-quality mini toggles minimize signal degradation and contact noise.

Common applications:Arduino and microcontroller project enclosures — mode selection, power on/off, GPIO input state control. Guitar pedals — internal option toggles for voicing selection, clipping diode selection, voltage selection, and bass/treble boost switches (the classic "internal trim pot" approach applied to switches). Game console mods — region switches (NTSC/PAL), LED backlight color toggles, mod chip enable/disable, and frequency selection switches. Model railroad control panels — turnout direction, block power routing, signal control, and building lighting bank switches. These small switches fit the thin Masonite or plywood fascia panels that model railroaders use for layout control. PC case mods — LED accent lighting on/off, fan speed low/high selector, and diagnostic switches. Escape room and prop circuits — hidden puzzle switches that players discover and toggle, prop enable/disable switches for setup and teardown, and effect mode selectors. RC vehicles and drones — lighting mode selection, auxiliary function control, and arming switches.

Toggle vs. slide switches: Both types come in SPST and SPDT configurations and serve the same electrical purpose. Toggle switches have a lever that flips up and down (or left and right), providing a satisfying tactile snap. They are easier to operate by feel in the dark or without looking — useful for under-desk controls and behind-panel installations. Slide switches have a small plastic tab that slides between positions. They have a lower profile and sit flatter against the panel, making them ideal for tight spaces where a protruding toggle lever would catch on things. Slide switches are also less likely to be accidentally toggled by bumping, since the sliding motion requires deliberate horizontal force rather than a light vertical flick.

Need a larger switch with a built-in LED indicator that glows when the circuit is on? See our SPST LED Lit Switches. For full-size non-LED toggle switches, see our SPST Non-LED Switches. Browse all switches, wire, and connectors for complete project wiring supplies. Pair with our component LEDs, resistors, and bus bar wire to build complete LED circuits from individual components.

Frequently Asked Questions

An SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) mini switch is a simple on/off switch with two terminals — it either connects or disconnects a single circuit. An SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) mini switch has three terminals — a common center terminal that connects to either of two output terminals depending on the toggle position. Use SPST for basic power on/off control. Use SPDT when you need to switch between two circuits — like toggling between red and green LEDs on a model railroad signal, selecting between two operating modes on a microcontroller, or choosing between two clipping diode options inside a guitar pedal.
Most mini toggle switches mount through a 6mm (approximately 1/4 inch) panel hole. That is significantly smaller than a full-size toggle switch, which typically requires a 12mm (1/2 inch) hole. Check the product specifications for the exact mounting hole diameter and thread size. Drill a pilot hole first, then enlarge to the final size for a clean fit. The switch threads through from the front and secures with a small washer and hex nut on the back.
Yes. Mini toggle switches typically handle 3A to 6A at 12V DC, which is far more than LED circuits require. A single 20mA LED draws 0.02A, and even a large bank of 50 parallel LEDs draws only 1A total. For high-current loads like large LED strip arrays, verify the total amperage against the switch's DC current rating. For standard LED projects involving individual LEDs, small arrays, or model railroad lighting circuits, any mini switch in our inventory handles the load easily.
A toggle switch has a lever that flips up and down (or left and right) with a definite snap action, providing clear tactile feedback. It is easier to operate by feel without looking, making it ideal for behind-panel and under-desk installations. A slide switch has a small tab that slides horizontally between positions — lower profile, less prone to accidental toggling, and better for tight spaces where a protruding lever would catch on things. Both types are available in SPST and SPDT configurations and perform the same electrical function.
Connect your positive power wire to the common (center) terminal of the SPDT switch. Connect a red LED (with its current-limiting resistor) to one outside terminal. Connect a green LED (with its resistor) to the other outside terminal. Connect both LED cathode (ground) wires back to the power supply ground. Flip the switch one way for red, the other way for green. Each LED gets its own resistor — never share a resistor between the two LED paths. Use our LED Resistor Calculator to find the right value for each LED.
Yes. Connect your power wire to the common (center) terminal and your load wire to one of the two outside terminals. Leave the other outside terminal unconnected. In one switch position, the common terminal connects to the wired output and the circuit is on. In the other position, the common terminal connects to the empty terminal and the circuit is off. This is a common technique when you have SPDT switches on hand but only need on/off control.