2-Stage Double Action Tactile Button Switch

What is it?

Take your user interfaces beyond the ordinary with this breakout board featuring the genuine ALPS SKQAACE010 dual-stage tactile switch. Unlike a conventional pushbutton, this unique switch provides two distinct activation points within a single press. A light press activates the first stage (connecting pins 1 and 2), while pressing further activates the second stage (connecting pins 1, 2 and 3), similar to the shutter button found on professional digital cameras, where a half-press focuses and a full-press captures the image.

This makes it possible to create intuitive, space-saving interfaces where one physical button performs two related actions naturally and ergonomically.

Features:

• Genuine ALPS SKQAACE010 2-stage tactile switch
• Two independent switch outputs
• Half-press and full-press detection
• Compact breakout board with clearly labeled pins
• Breadboard and prototyping friendly
• Perfect for Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, STM32, and other microcontrollers

The breakout board has the following pinouts:

• P1
• P2
• P3

A light press activates the first stage (connecting P1 and P2), while pressing further activates the second stage (connecting P1, P2 and P3)

Why Use a Two-Stage Button?

Many embedded devices have very limited space for controls. By combining two functions into a single button, you can create interfaces that feel significantly more polished while reducing the number of physical controls.

Instead of adding another button, simply let the user press a little further.

Creative Applications

Camera Projects

• Half-press to autofocus
• Full-press to capture an image
• Wake camera on first stage, record on second

Handheld Game Consoles

• Aim → Fire
• Charge attack → Release attack
• Preview move → Confirm move

Robotics

• Slow movement mode → Full-speed movement
• Arm robot → Execute action
• Select object → Pick up object

Audio Equipment

• Preview track → Play track
• Mute microphone → End call
• Monitor audio → Begin recording

Test Equipment

• Measure continuously while half-pressed
• Store measurement on full press

Smart Home Controls

• Preview lighting scene
• Apply lighting scene
• View thermostat setting
• Confirm new temperature

Macro Keypads

• Display macro name
• Execute macro
• Preview shortcut
• Launch shortcut

Industrial Controls

• Enable machine
• Start operation
• Safety confirmation
• Confirm process

Menu Navigation

• Highlight menu item
• Select menu item
• Preview settings
• Save settings

Musical Instruments

• Soft note
• Accent note
• Preview sound preset
• Apply preset

AI Devices

• Hold for "listening"
• Full press to submit request
• Wake assistant
• Execute command

Specifications

• Switch: ALPS SKQAACE010
• Type: Dual-stage tactile momentary switch
• Outputs: Stage 1 and Stage 2
• Operation: Normally open
• Breakout: Clearly labeled connection pins
• Suitable for low-voltage digital logic applications

Whether you're designing the next handheld gadget, wearable, camera controller, or custom keyboard, this breakout board lets you add an elegant, professional-feeling control that users will instantly understand.