Editing Return spring

A '''return spring''' is a spring in a [[keyswitch]] that keeps the switch open until it is pressed and returns the [[slider]] to its home position after the switch is released. Typically this is a helical (standard spiral) spring.

The return spring is responsible for at least part of the [[force]] exerted against the operator's finger. Tactile and clicky switches frequently use separate [[leaf spring]]s that provide a significant amount of extra force. The [[contact mechanism]] is also frequently a leaf spring, and depending on the design (especially with [[Cherry MX]] switches) can also exert force against the slider. The return spring alone is typically linear.

The combination of slider and return spring has been largely replaced with [[rubber dome]]s.

In certain linear switches, such as [[BTC foam and foil]] and [[Mitsumi hybrid switch]], the short, wide return spring sits directly under the keycap.

==Gallery==
<gallery widths=250 heights=187>
File:Return springs.jpg|A selection of return springs from different switches
File:NMB Hi-Tek - Internals Back.jpg|Return spring in an [[Hi-Tek Series 725]] switch
File:Return spring -- external.jpg|External return spring in an [[Oriental Tech linear]]
File:Cherry MX -- sliders and springs.jpg|[[Cherry MX]] sliders and springs
</gallery>

[[Category:Keyboard terms]]