Assistive switches can help people with disabilities independently access anything from computers and smartphones to switch-adapted toys and appliances. These may also be referred to as adaptive switches, or access switches. Assistive switches can also be used to supplement or in place of controllers for adaptive gaming.
On a toy, for instance, imagine instead of having to use a high level of dexterity to grab and move a tiny on-off switch, you could instead tap a large button that’s easy to target and press. Or use a switch that detects minor hand movements so that you don’t even have to press anything. The possibilities are endless.
Switches come in many different shapes and sizes, and address many different needs. To help you choose the right switches for your needs, we’ve created a guide comparing the various switches in our Assistive Device Library, as well as through various assistive device distributors.
| Vendor | Device | Intended Users |
Mode of Activation | Activation Force | Cost (CAD) | Shape | Dimensions (LxWxH cm) | Mounting Methods | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makers Making Change Device Library | DIY Cardboard Switch | New to switches, looking for a trial | Pressure | Variable | $51-$100 | Variable | Variable | Tape, Glue, Velcro | None |
| Corrugated Plastic Switch | New to switches, looking for a trial | Pressure | Variable | $26-$50 | Variable | Variable | Tape, Glue, Velcro | None | |
| Interact Switch | Minimal gross motor control | Pressure | 36 gf (0.35 N) | $11-$25 | Cylindrical | 8.5×8.5×2 (Height variable due to customizable button) |
Screws, Velcro, Jellybean switch mounts |
None | |
| Custom Single Switch | Minimal dexterity, Minimal motor control | Pressure | 133 gf (1.3 N) | $11-$25 | Variable | Variable | Worn (custom fit) |
Warm water for molding pellets | |
| Analog Sip and Puff Switch | Gross motor control | Inhale/Exhale | 0.57-2.32 psi | $101-$250 | Rectangular | 6x11x2 | Velcro, T-nut threads | None | |
| Large Lever Switch | Minimal motor control, mouth input | Pressure | 51 – 153 gf (.5-1.5 N) | $11-$25 | Rectangular | 3.5x13x4 | 1/4″ rod with thumbscrew, Thread on | None | |
| Resistive Touch Switch | Low force, minimal dexterity | Skin Conductance | Touch | $11-$25 | Rectangular | 7x5x3 hub 7x5x1 rec. pad 5x3x1 cir. pad |
Tape, Velcro | Moist skin, batteries | |
| Light Proximity Switch | Targeting difficulty, minimal dexterity | Proximity | Not Available | $11-$25 | Housekey | 14.5x8x1.5 | Tape, Velcro | Some amount of light, battery |
|
| Open Wobble Switch | Gross motor control, difficulty targeting | Pressure | 56 gf (0.55 N) | $26-$50 | Rectangular | 4x3x21 (Height variable due to handle design) | 1/4″-20 UNC Thread | Mounting | |
| Open Rocker Switch (2 switches) | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 133 gf (1.3 N) | $11-$25 | Rectangular | 16.5x7x1 | Tape, Velcro | None | |
| Raindrop Switch | Minimal motor control, low dexterity | Pressure | 133 gf (1.3 N) | <$10 | Raindrop | 3x2x1 | Tape, Velcro | None | |
| MMC60 Round Flexure Switch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 345gf (3.4 N) | $11-$25 | Cylindrical | 6x6x4 | Tape, Velcro, 1/4″-20 UNC Thread | None | |
| Light Touch Switch | Minimal motor control | Pressure | 31 – 41 gf (0.3-0.4 N) | <$10 | Rectangular | 5x2x2 | Tape, Velcro, Glue | None | |
| Solderless Unibody Switch | Minimal motor control | Pressure | 31 – 41 gf (0.3-0.4 N) | <$10 | Rectangular | 5x2x2.5 | Tape, Velcro, Glue | None | |
| Voice Switch | Vocal, minimal motor control | Voice | Not Applicable | $26-$50 | Rectangular | Variable | Tape, Velcro | Amazon Echo | |
| Volksswitch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 660 gf ( 6.5 N) | <$10 | Rectangular | 8x8x4 | Tape, Velcro | None | |
| LipSync | Limited motor control, mouth input | Inhale/Exhale, Pressure | 0.57-2.32 psi, 0.1-1.2 N |
$101-$250 | Cylindrical | 17x7x7 | 1/2″ NPT OR 1/4″-20 UNC Thread | Computer or mobile tablet, mounting |
| Vendor | Device | Intended Users |
Mode of Activation | Activation Force | Cost (CAD) | Shape | Dimensions (LxWxH cm) | Mounting Methods | DIY Camera Mount | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enabling Devices | 4-in-1 Joystick Switch (4 switches) | Gross motor control | Pressure | 36 gf (0.35 N) | $143.48* | Cylindrical | 14.5×14.5×11 | Velcro suggested | None | |
| Set of 3 Compact Switches | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 36 gf (0.35 N) | $90.41* | Cylindrical | 2x2x2 | Velcro | None | ||
| Cushion Grip Switch | Good grip, low dexterity | Pressure | 40 gf (0.4 N) | small: $66.28* medium: $68.70* |
Cylindrical | small: 3×4.5×9 medium: 5x5x13 |
Elastic strap | None | ||
| Finger Switch | Low dexterity | Pressure | Low | $101.26* | Rectangular | 4x1x2.5 | Velcro strap for hand | None | ||
| Pinch Switch | Low dexterity | Pressure | 100 gf (1 N) | $53.01* | Rectangular | 7.5x3x0.5 | Not Available | None | ||
| Tilt Switch | Minimal motor control, good head movement | Movement | Variable | $57.84* | Rectangular | 7.5x5x2.5 | Adjustable Velcro band | None | ||
| Twitch Switch | Limited motor control, facial muscle control | Flexing | Low | $159.16* | Rectangular | < 3cm2 | Medical Tape | Battery | ||
| AbleNet | Specs Switch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 87 gf (0.85 N) | $78.54* | Cylindrical | 3.5×3.5×2 | Screws, Velcro, tape | None | |
| Jelly Bean | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 72 gf (0.7 N) | $78.54* | Cylindrical | 8.4×8.4×2.7 | Screws, Velcro, Jellybean switch mounts |
3 Inch AT Switch Camera Mount | None | |
| Micro Light Switch | Gross motor control | Pressure | 11 gf (0.1 N) | $103.46* | Rectangular | 4.6x2x2.3 | Mounting Plate, Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for Micro Light | None | |
| Wobble Switch | Gross motor control, difficulty targeting | Pressure | 133 gf (1.3 N) | $181.26* | Rectangular | 3.13×3.2×19 | Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Blue2 Bluetooth Switch (2 switches) | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | Not Available | $267.78* | Rectangular | 4.6x2x2.3 | Not Available | Bluetooth | ||
| Big Red | Gross motor control | Pressure | 153 gf (1.5 N) | $78.54* | Cylindrical | 16.2×16.2×3.5 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | Camera Mount Adapter for Big Switches | None | |
| Big Buddy Button Red | Gross motor control | Pressure | 153 gf (1.5 N) | $78.54* | Cylindrical | 11.5×11.5×2.6 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Buddy Button | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 143gf (1.4 N) | $78.54* | Cylindrical | 6.4×6.4×2 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Mini Cup Switch | Limited dexterity | Pressure | 133 gf (1.3 N) | $91.29* | Cylindrical | 2.4×2.4×0.9 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Cup Switch | Limited dexterity | Pressure | 347 gf (3.4 N) | $103.46* | Cylindrical | 4.8×4.8×1.5 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Jelly Beamer Transmitter | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 72 gf (0.7 N) | $133.89* | Cylindrical | 10×8.2×5.5 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | Original Receiver | ||
| Big Beamer Transmitter | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 153 gf (1.5 N) | $133.89* | Cylindrical | 16.2×16.2×3.5 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | Original Receiver | ||
| Mini Beamer Transmitter | Gross motor control | Proximity | 0-1 cm from surface |
$176.49* | Rectangular | 5.5×5.5×1.6 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | Original Receiver | ||
| Plate Switch | Minimal motor control | Pressure | 112 gf (1.1 N) | $109.55* | Rectangular | 8.6×8.6×0.7 | AbleNet Universal Mounting Plate | None | ||
| Grasp Switch | Good grip, limited motor control | Pressure | 306 gf (3 N) | $298.21* | Rectangular | 3.3×3.3×14.9 | Grasp Mini Joystick Plate | None | ||
| Imperium Sip and Puff Switch | Limited motor control, mouth input | Inhale/Exhale | Not Available | $480.78* | Rectangular | Not Available | Gooseneck mount and mounting clamp |
None | ||
| Pillow Switch | Limited to gross motor control, hand pain issues | Pressure | 184 gf (1.8 N) | $152.15* | Cylindrical | 8.6×8.6×2.5 | Velcro, safety pin | n/a | None | |
| BIG Candy Corn Switch | Gross motor control, difficulty targeting | Proximity | 0-2.5 cm from surface |
$273.86* | Triangular | 10x10x1.5 | Magnet | None | ||
| LITTLE Candy Corn Switch | Limited to gross motor control, difficulty targeting | Proximity | 0-1 cm from surface |
$273.86* | Triangular | 7x7x3 | Magnet | Camera Mount Adapter for Little Candy Corn Proximity Switch | Battery | |
| Bridges Canada | PikoButton 30 Small – Light | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 75 gf (0.75 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅30 mm x 13 mm height | Velcro | None | |
| PikoButton 30 Small – Regular | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 125 gf (1.25 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅30 mm x 13 mm height | Velcro | None | ||
| PikoButton 30 Small – Stiff | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 250 gf (2.5 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅30 mm x 13 mm height | Velcro | None | ||
| PikoHutton 30 Small – Water resistant | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 125 gf (1.25 N) | $185 | Cylindrical | ∅30 mm x 13 mm height | Velcro | None | ||
| PikoButton 50 Medium – Light | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 75 gf (0.75 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅50 mm x 13 mm height | Mounting bracket in MMC Library, Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for 50mm PikoButton | None | |
| PikoButton 50 Medium – Regular | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 125 gf (1.25 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅50 mm x 13 mm height | Mounting bracket in MMC Library, Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for 50mm PikoButton | None | |
| PikoButton 50 Medium – Stiff | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 250 gf (2.5 N) | $125 | Cylindrical | ∅50 mm x 13 mm height | Mounting bracket in MMC Library, Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for 50mm PikoButton | None | |
| PikoButton 50 Medium – Water Resistant | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 125 gf (1.25 N) | $185 | Cylindrical | ∅50 mm x 13 mm height | Mounting bracket in MMC Library, Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for 50mm PikoButton | None | |
| Chin Switch | Minimal motor control, good chin movement | Pressure | 0.5-1 N | $297.00 | Cylindrical | Variable | Plastic tube necklace | None | ||
| iSwitch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | 1.2 N | $292.00 | Cylindrical | 7.5×7.5×4 | Not Available | Bluetooth Device | ||
| Easy Switch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | Not Available | $247.00 | Cylindrical | Not Available | Not Available | USB connected device | ||
| Bright Box Tactile | Gross motor control | Pressure | Not Available | $232.00 | Rectangular | 11x6x2.5 | Not Available | None | ||
| Smoothie Switch | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | Not Available | $64.00 | Cylindrical | 12.5×12.5×4 | Not Available | None | ||
| Pal Pad | Minimal motor control | Touch/Pressure | Not Available | $58.00 | Rectangular | small: 5x5x2.5 medium: 7x10x2.5 large: 11.25x15x2.5 |
Not Available | None | ||
| Moon Switch Red | Minimal to gross motor control | Pressure | <0.5 N | $52.00 | Cylindrical | 6.5×6.5×3 | Not Available | None | ||
| Mini-Moon Proximity Switch | Low targeting, gross motor control | Proximity | 0-1 cm from surface |
$365.00 | Cylindrical | 6.25×6.25×1.5 | Not Available | None | ||
| Adjustable Proximity Switch | Low targeting, gross motor control | Proximity | 0-1.5 cm from surface |
$365.00 | Rectangular | 5.5x3x1.5 | Mounted with bolts | None | ||
| Table Tapper | Gross motor control | Impact | Variable | $232.00 | Variable | Variable | Rests on surface | Hard flat surface | ||
| Dipsy | Minimal motor control, good head movement | Motion | 30-degree tilt | $77.00 | Cylindrical | Variable | Headband, finger mount |
None | ||
| HoneyBee Proximity Switch | Difficulty targeting, gross motor control | Proximity | Touch, 6 inches (14 cm), 3 inches (7 cm), 1 inch (3 cm) | $278.00 | Rectangular | 8x4x1.5 | Mounting bracket in MMC Library, Velcro |
Camera Mount Adapter for HoneyBee Proximity | Battery | |
| Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit (all switches come together with kit) | Light Touch Button x4 (from the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit) | Limited dexterity | Pressure | 0.6 N | $147.52* (for the kit) | Rectangular | 4.8×1.7×1.2 | Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for Logitech Light Touch Button | None |
| Variable Trigger x2 (from the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit) | Limited dexterity, variable output | Pressure | 1 N | $147.52* (for the kit) | Rectangular | 7.3×2.8×4.6 | Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for Logitech Variable Trigger Button | None | |
| Small Button x3 (from the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit) | Limited dexterity | Pressure | 0.5 N | $147.52* (for the kit) | Cylindrical | 3.5×3.5×1.7 | Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for Logitech Small Button | None | |
| Large Button x3 (from the Logitech Adaptive Gaming Kit) | Limited to gross motor control | Pressure | 1 N | $147.52* (for the kit) | Cylindrical | 6.5×6.5×1.9 | Velcro | Camera Mount Adapter for Logitech Large Button | None |
Do you want to request an Open Source Switch? For the switches in our library, you can click “Request” to start the process. You can also make a post in our forum and get in touch with the maker community directly. We also have a device selection guide on Switch Interfaces, which allow you to connect your switches to computers, smartphones, and tablets.