Editing Datanetics DC-50 series (section)

===Operation===
A plastic actuator is placed in front of the contact assembly, containing a prong that applies pressure to the front metal strip in a manner similar to a [[membrane keyboard]] or an Alps [[switchplate]]. The slider does not engage directly on this actuator. Between the slider and the actuator is a leaf spring, 0.1 mm thick, folded such that the centre presses against the actuator and the ends press against the slider. Hooks in the slider push this leaf spring downwards during the down stroke, and upwards during the return stroke. The hooks are spaced further apart than the length of the spring, which causes a delay in engagement in each direction. When the slider is pressed down, it travels 1 mm before engaging the leaf spring. When the leaf spring's centre point reaches the tip of the actuator prong, it pushes the prong outwards and closes the contacts. When the slider is released, the lower hook doesn't engage the leaf spring from below until 1 mm of upwards motion has occurred, providing the hysteresis.

[[File:Datanetics DC-50 operation.svg|centre]]

Despite this feature, it is still possible to tease the switch. The cause is not known, but it may be that the pressure from the actuator prong is sufficient to push the leaf spring upwards. This switch is unusual and potentially unique in being a metal contact switch that provides hysteresis without any sound being generated.

A very small lip on the actuator, just above the free end of the prong, appears to be the source of the tactility.