PC Power Switch - What's it called?

[Halcyon]

What is this type of switch called? I'd like to order some but no idea where to start.

Will probably need a mix of momentary and "latching" style ones. Current handling isn't important as it's running through an ATX power supply. It just needs that mounting bracket and actuator to fit most PC cases.

[ethan_leonardo]

There is a very popular switch in the PC modding community called an Anti-Vandal switch. It's perfect because you only have to drill a hole and attach it with the nut included. Even better is it's designed for custom projects.   

Here is a good example. Most places sell momentary and latching.

[Balaur]

It's a fairly common switch type. I usually look for push-button switches.

Maybe something similar:

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/TV5-Push-Button-Switch-MPS11-Series/320594_574697239.html?storeId=320594

I've recently needed something like that for repairing vintage Hi-Fi:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pcs-Pushbutton-Switches-Sockets-with-16A-125V-AC-TV-5-Rating-UL-CSA-Approvals/1957516117.html

It's a direct replacement for the original Pioneer switch (sold on eBay for x10 the price).

EDIT: Apparently, this series is a MPS11 and there are several variants. It's only Single Pole though, you may have to dig around for Double Pole

[McBryce]

Bit expensive, but here's a source: http://www.pccables.com/products/03200.html

Include "AT" and "Case" in your search to avoid endless links to Network switches when you're searching.

McBryce.

[all_repair]

What is this type of switch called? I'd like to order some but no idea where to start.

Will probably need a mix of momentary and "latching" style ones. Current handling isn't important as it's running through an ATX power supply. It just needs that mounting bracket and actuator to fit most PC cases.

How many do you need?  And can you wait ?

[amyk]

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

[Halcyon]

How many do you need?  And can you wait ?

Just a handful or so, no rush. They are for my vintage PC projects :-)

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

The latching type works great with ATX to AT converter cables (in fact they are required). Power is only applied when you short the pins. When they are released power is off straight away. I'm guessing the motherboard does something similar as different boards have different timeouts and settings. (I'm talking about the actual power-on signalling pins on the ATX connector, not the pin header on the motherboard.)

[Monkeh]

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

The motherboard does, the PSU expects you to hold the line low.

[McBryce]

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

Of course it will. I use an ATX PSU as a bench PSU on occassions and I just permanently short the green wire with a GND wire to turn it on.

McBryce.

[ajb]

I expect you'll find that sort of switch available from several major manufacturers.  It'd probably be most easily found by flipping through their catalogs.  Cherry, Apem, C&K would be a good start.

[NiHaoMike]

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

In under a minute, the push button type latching switch can be converted to non latching. Just pry up the tabs with a small screwdriver, remove the cover, remove the bit that makes it latch, then reassemble using pliers to reclose the tabs. Great for repurposing the power switches in some AV devices, such as the old DVD player I turned into a compact gaming/media PC.

[all_repair]

How many do you need?  And can you wait ?

Just a handful or so, no rush. They are for my vintage PC projects :-)

Note that a latching switch will not work with ATX as that expects a momentary power-on signal. It will just turn itself off a few seconds later.

I can send some to you free of charge.  Savaged from old defective power supplies.  They are all latching type.  You can PM your address.

[Shock]

The switch in the picture you posted is an AT (rather than ATX) power switch. It normally handles mains voltage/current levels and is latching.

This is an ATX motherboard switch which is non latching:

[Halcyon]

The switch in the picture you posted is an AT (rather than ATX) power switch. It normally handles mains voltage/current levels and is latching.

This is an ATX motherboard switch which is non latching:

Yes that's right. Sorry I should have been more specific. I've been using ATX power supplies in some of my old computers which would normally take AT supplies. I have the requisite converter cables, it's just the switch doesn't always connect or fit properly with the spade connectors, a replacement latching switch is sometimes required. Just depends on the design of the case.