Switches are devices used to allow electric current to flow when closed, and when opened, they prevent current flow.  Common switch types include pushbutton, rocker, toggle, rotary coded DIP, DIP, rotary, key lock, slide, snap action, and reed.  A pushbutton switch is a mechanical switch defined by the method used to activate the switch. The activation method is typically in the form of a plunger that is pushed down to open or close the switch.  Rocker actuators are familiar in many on-off switches; they rock or pivot about the centerline, and include both maintained and momentary contact types.  In a toggle switch the toggle moves or swings to make or break the circuit; includes maintained contact and momentary contact types.  Rotary coded DIP switches are activated by means of a rotating shaft that can have several stop positions. For each position of the shaft (the input) the switch generates an output binary code.  A DIP (Dual In-line Package) switch is an electronic package (circuit board) consisting of a series of tiny switches. Typically used in the configuration of computers and computer peripherals (for example, circuit boards, modems etc.).  Rotary switches move in a circle, and can stop in several positions along its range.  Key lock switches have key as the means of activation. The key is turned in a circle, and can stop in several positions in its range.  In a slide switch a slider moves linearly (slides) from position to position.  A snap action switch is a mechanical switch that produces a very rapid transfer of contacts from one position to another. They are useful in situations that require a fast opening or closing of a circuit, such as a mouse button or appliance setting.  Reed switches are magnetically activated switches. They are typically manufactured with two ferromagnetic reeds (contact blades), which are sealed in a glass capsule. In the presence of a magnet, the blades (contacts) close.