Slide Switch
A slide switch is a maintained switch: sliding the handle leaves the circuit in one selected state until it is moved again.
Part images
What it is
A slide switch is a maintained switch: sliding the handle leaves the circuit in one selected state until it is moved again.
How students use it
Students use slide switches for mode selection, enable/disable controls, simple settings, and toy-style on/off interactions.
Pins and power
Three pins on the kit-style SPDT switch. SunFounder describes the middle pin as the fixed connection point.
Passive switch. Use as a 3.3V-safe digital input or low-current signal selector.
Moving the slider connects the middle pin to one outer pin or the other outer pin, depending on switch position.
Voltage and safety
Do not route 5V into Pico GPIO through the switch. If it selects between signals, every selectable signal must be Pico-safe.
Power off before moving the switch to a new breadboard location. Avoid using it as a power switch for loads above beginner low-voltage circuits.
Module internals
Sliding actuator, fixed middle terminal, two selectable outer terminals, metal contact, and plastic housing.
Datasheet notes
SunFounder describes common slide-switch families such as SPDT, SPTT, DPDT, and DPTT but does not list an exact manufacturer part number for the kit switch.
Common libraries
No special library is needed. Use machine.Pin for a digital mode input.
Common mistakes
Assuming the slider direction matches the connected side without testing, using the wrong outer pin, letting the input float, and wiring 5V as a selectable GPIO signal.