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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-10-20 Origin: Site
A key lock switch — officially called a key switch lock ，also called a key operated switch — see 【What Is a Key Operated Switch, and What Makes It a Security Key Switch?】— is a power switch combined with a lock: a switch with security built in, which only the correct key can operate. The key provides physical authentication, ensuring that only authorized personnel can operate equipment or electrical circuits. The front of the device is a mechanical lock cylinder; the rear carries terminal pins that switch the connected circuit as the key rotates. Jin Tay has manufactured key switch locks in Taiwan since 1980.
Yes. Key lock switch, key switch, keyswitch, lock switch, switch key lock and keyed switch are trade terms for the same device — a switch that can be operated only with a key. Jin Tay's official product name is Key Switch Lock.
Term buyers use | What it refers to |
Key switch lock | Jin Tay's official product name |
Key lock switch, key switch, keyswitch | The same device, named from the switch side |
Lock switch, switch key lock, keyed switch | The same device, named from the lock side |
Push-button switch, toggle switch | Different components: neither uses a key |
A push-button switch is pressed and a toggle switch is moved by a lever. Because neither needs a key, neither is a key switch.
A key lock switch puts an authorization layer on power control. Instead of a plain switch that anyone can flip, the circuit changes state only when an authorized key holder turns the key to a defined position. Industrial key switch locks are purpose-built for high durability, accurate switching control, and stable performance in demanding operating environments — which is why they are specified for equipment that must not be operated casually or by unauthorized users.
Every key lock switch has the same layout: a lock in front and a switch behind.
• Front: lock cylinder and key. The cylinder accepts only the matching key.
• Middle: cam or switching mechanism. It translates key rotation into controlled mechanical movement or electrical contact engagement.
• Rear: contacts and terminal pins. Up to 8 terminal pins connect the switch to one or two circuits.
For a part-by-part explanation, see the structure of a key switch lock, and for the sequence of operation, see how key switches work.
Standard outer diameters are 12mm, 16mm, and 19mm, with custom sizes available for OEM projects. Jin Tay was the first manufacturer in Taiwan to develop the 12mm key switch lock, a compact format that remains widely specified where panel space is tight. The switch lock range by diameter shows the models in each size.
Configurations include 2-position switching (OFF/ON or ON/ON), 3-position switching (OFF/ON/ON, ON/OFF/ON, or ON/ON/ON), momentary spring-return positions, and special multi-position designs up to 8 positions. Terminal pins at the rear (up to 8) support single- or dual-circuit switching. See how many positions a key switch lock has for a position-by-position guide.
For applications with stricter requirements, Jin Tay offers the high-security model S2931. For UL-certified electrical safety verification (US and Canada), Jin Tay's Key Switch Lock series offers UL-certified options, and selected models carry ingress protection rated per the IEC/EN 60529 standard — for example, the S305 is rated IP65. Confirm coverage for your target model against its specification sheet.
Typical applications include mobility scooters, golf carts, and forklifts (power control), plus servers, industrial control boxes, vending machines, lawn mowers, and alarm systems. In each case the value is the same: operation is limited to whoever holds the key.
Specify four things: outer diameter (12/16/19mm), the switching configuration your circuits need, the number of terminal pins, and the key profile. Multiple switching configurations, key entry orientations, and key profile options are available, and wire soldering can be added so parts arrive assembly-ready. Detailed electrical ratings are confirmed per model in the product specification sheet. The key switch lock buyer's guide walks through the selection step by step; two series to start from are the 12mm tubular-key series and the 19mm S203 series.
A key lock switch — officially named a key switch lock — is a power switch combined with a lock. The front is a lock cylinder; the rear carries terminal pins that switch the connected circuit when the key rotates. Because only the matching key can turn it, equipment or circuits operate only under authorization. The same component is also called a key switch, keyswitch or lock switch. Jin Tay has manufactured key switch locks in Taiwan since 1980 in 12mm, 16mm and 19mm outer diameters.
Yes. Key lock switch, key switch, keyswitch, lock switch, switch key lock and keyed switch are trade terms for one device: a switch that can be operated only with a key. Different industries prefer different words, and Jin Tay's official product name is Key Switch Lock. A push-button switch or a toggle switch is a different component, because neither uses a key. When sending an inquiry, any of these terms is understood; the drawing and the switching diagram define the part.
No. They are different products and their parts are not interchangeable. A cam lock has a cam plate at the rear that physically latches a door or drawer. A key switch lock has terminal pins at the rear and switches an electrical circuit rather than latching anything. The two can look similar from the front because both mount through a round panel hole in 12mm, 16mm or 19mm diameters. State whether the part must latch a panel or switch a circuit when requesting a quotation from Jin Tay.
A key lock switch is used wherever equipment power should be controlled by an authorized person. Typical applications are mobility scooters, golf carts and forklifts, servers and industrial control boxes, vending machines, lawn mowers and alarm systems. In each case the key provides physical authentication, ensuring that only authorized personnel can operate equipment or electrical circuits. With the key removed, the equipment stays in the state defined by the switching configuration and the key withdrawal positions that the buyer specified.
Inserting the correct key frees the lock cylinder to rotate. As the key turns, the cam or switching mechanism translates key rotation into controlled mechanical movement or electrical contact engagement, and the terminal pins at the rear open or close the connected circuit. Each key position corresponds to a defined circuit state, such as OFF and ON. Momentary versions return by spring when the key is released. Jin Tay key switch locks support up to 8 terminal pins for single- or dual-circuit switching.
The core security feature is the key itself: the key provides physical authentication, ensuring that only authorized personnel can operate equipment or electrical circuits. Key withdrawal positions decide the state in which the key can be removed. For stricter requirements Jin Tay offers the high-security model S2931. For UL-certified electrical safety verification (US and Canada), Jin Tay's Key Switch Lock series offers UL-certified options, and selected models carry IP ratings under IEC/EN 60529; confirm coverage for the target model on its specification sheet.
Yes. Multiple switching configurations, key entry orientations, and key profile options are available. Standard outer diameters are 12mm, 16mm and 19mm, with up to 8 terminal pins, single- or dual-circuit switching, momentary positions and wire soldering so parts arrive ready for assembly. Jin Tay was the first manufacturer in Taiwan to develop the 12mm key switch lock and provides OEM and ODM service. Contact Jin Tay with the panel cutout, the circuit diagram and the annual quantity for a tailored recommendation and samples.
Looking for a reliable key switch lock manufacturer? Jin Tay offers OEM/ODM services with over 45 years of lock manufacturing expertise. Contact our team for samples, specifications, or a custom quote.
