Land, Air & Sea: Switch Solutions for Military & Aerospace Systems

<strong>Land, Air & Sea: Switch Solutions for Military & Aerospace Systems</strong>





Interface Solutions for Application-Critical Mil/Aero Systems



Interface Solutions for Application-Critical Mil/Aero Systems

July | August 2025

As military and aerospace systems evolve, engineers face increasing demands to integrate compact, high-performance interfaces that deliver clarity, responsiveness, and secure control. From rugged body-worn communications to shipboard operations, each switch and display must support critical reliability and operator confidence.

This month’s spotlight features NKK’s G Series ultra-miniature toggles, HB Series subminiature pushbuttons, FT Series resistive touch screens, and SmartDisplay LCD and OLED pushbuttons. These interface solutions are trusted where tactile response, signal clarity, and hardware-level dependability are essential.

Shipboard Communication Console
Drone Command
Secure VoIP
Bodypack Transmitter
Radar Control System

Close-up of NKK SmartDisplay pushbuttons illuminated with dynamic icons, mounted on a control panel, showcasing simplified interface design for complex operations.
Shipboard Communication Console

To unify intercom, telephone, radio, and alarm systems, a marine contractor replaced legacy terminals with a single console using NKK’s LCD SmartDisplay pushbuttons. These pushbuttons feature programmable displays, RGB or bicolor backlighting, and support for graphics, alphanumeric characters, and animated sequences.

The modular SmartDisplay system allows for mounting flexibility—ideal for shipboard layouts where panels aren’t always on the same plane.

Operators navigate display-driven menu layers and select communication modes directly from the switch face, receiving crisp tactile feedback with every press. The wide viewing angle, low energy consumption, and minimum one million actuations ensure long-term reliability and clarity in high-use marine environments.


Marine control system console integrating NKK LCD SmartDisplay pushbuttons with illuminated icons and multi-screen communication terminals for radio, intercom, and alarm functions.

A longtime solution—view the case study.


Engineer collaborating on interface design using NKK SmartDisplay switches, reviewing schematics and hardware integration in a well-lit workspace.

Watch how we co-design HMIs.

Explore the Components

See how engineers are building modular, high performance HMIs, and get access to tools, source code, and expert support from NKK.

Drone Control Interface

Proven Performance. 15 Year and Counting

An aerospace customer required a compact, high-visibility interface for drone oversight, where visual feedback and tactile input had to work together in real time. They selected NKK’s SmartDisplay OLED pushbuttons, featuring organic LED technology, a 64 x 48 pixel resolution, and 180° viewing angle.

OLED Clarity with Every Press

SmartDisplay OLED pushbuttons offer 50 times the contrast of LCDs and render small characters with exceptional clarity. Each unit operates via SPI, supports 16-bit BMP graphics, features a 4.5mm actuation travel, and is rated for over three million actuations.

Jumpstart your interface design with NKK’s downloadable tools, including communicator software for real-time testing and source code to speed up SmartDisplay integration.

Environmental Protection with Splashproof Overlay

For interactive systems exposed to dust, spills, or contact, NKK offers a 0.3mm thick, non-yellowing splashproof polyurethane overlay. It is 90% light transmissive and features a water-resistant adhesive perimeter. When paired with the supporting bracket, it achieves IP65 protection. Standard and custom sizes are available.

Want to evaluate SmartDisplay in your own application?

NKK offers engineering kits plus engineering support to help you integrate with confidence.


SmartDisplay OLED pushbuttons shown with optional splashproof polyurethane overlay and mounting bracket for added environmental protection.

IP65 rated with supporting bracket: Splashproof Overlay

Explore the Components

Build high-performance HMIs with modular components, tools, and expert support from NKK.

HB Series illuminated pushbutton and G Series toggle switch shown in secure audio and transmitter control applications.
Secure VoIP

Hardware That Holds the Line
In function-critical systems, it starts with the switch.
See how engineers design in NKK’s HB and G Series switches—trusted in secure phone and field transmitters.

Hardware-Enforced Audio Security for Absolute Audio Control

To support secure VoIP communication in classified environments, a modified office phone was developed to meet national security standards and TSG compliance.

Software-based muting introduces risks—the audio circuits may stay partially live or fail without notice. To prevent this, the system designed electronic switching, and an HB Series illuminated pushbutton to physically sever the audio path, ensuring hardware-enforced isolation during idle, hold, and post-call states.

Visible, Tactile Confidence with LED and Latchdown

The HB Series subminiature pushbutton was chosen for its compact size and ability to confirm secure mode activation through tactile feedback, visible latchdown, optional LED illumination, and an audible click that reinforces operator confidence and ensures mechanical circuit isolation.

Low profile design with 9mm square or round bezels, an 8mm body diameter for standard size cutouts, and rear panel threaded mounting simplifies installation and ensures a secure panel fit within tight enclosures.

See why engineers selected the HB Series Subminiature Pushbutton and explore this diagrammed view.
View the HB Series Pushbutton Key Selection Details

Bodypack Transmitter

Mechanical Control in Handheld or Body-worn Devices.
See how engineers design in NKK’s G Series switches- trusted in field transmitters.

Built for Tight Enclosure with Process Sealed, Shock Tested Design

NKK’s G Series toggle offers mechanical on/off control for handheld transmitters. While not part of the encryption layer, it powers a device secured with AES-256 and randomized keys. Compact and tactile, it’s ideal for tight, body-worn layouts.

Phosphor bronze with gold-plated contacts and terminals enhances conductivity and resists oxidation, ensuring stable long-term, low-voltage performance. With a 100,000-operation rating and 50G shock resistance, it’s built for high-use environments.

The G Series also includes fully illuminated models.

See why engineers selected the G Series Ultra-Miniature Toggle and explore this diagrammed view.
View the G Series Toggle Key Details


G Series ultra-miniature toggle switch mounted in a body-worn transmitter used for secure field communication.

Designed In to Body-Worn Transmitter


Internal view of G Series ultra-miniature toggle switch mounted at a right angle on a PCB inside a secure communication device.

Right Angle G Series Toggle

Explore the Components

See the switches engineers use for secure communications.

FT Series resistive touch screens displayed with radar interface graphics, illustrating use in tactical systems.
Radar Display Console

An OEM that specializes in developing rugged communications systems, reviewed NKK’s FT Series Resistive Touch Screens for a multi-function radar display console deployed across land, sea, and air, valuing visual clarity, analog precision and resistance to electrical noise.

To assess alignment with system needs, three NKK resistive touch screen variants were reviewed: the 4-wire with FPC or printed tails, and the 5-wire version.

4-Wire Touch Screen with FPC or Printed Tails

Available with printed or FPC tails, the 4-wire models support multiple tail orientation such as vertical, horizontal, wide or narrow, offering flexibility for console layouts. While the FPC tails provide added connector security. Both versions support USB and RS232C controller boards, and wire assemblies.

With stylus, glove, or bare-finger input, the FT Series resistive touch screens deliver fast response and 80% light transmission, ensuring consistent visibility in both low-light and high-glare conditions. A non-glare, resin coated surface further enhances readability, usability, and surface integrity.

5-Wire Touch Screen for Stable, Long-Term Precision

The 5-wire version of the FT Series Resistive Touch Screens provides higher touch point density, reducing false inputs and maintaining drift-free accuracy. Its resistance to static and electrical noise supports reliable input in high-interference environments. Like the 4-wire version, it’s available in a range of sizes, with the same visibility-enhancing surface and controller options included ICs.


FT Series resistive touchscreen with printed FPC tails, shown in a flat-lay view highlighting tail orientation and interface connection points.

4-Wire Touch Screen: Printed Tails

FT Series resistive touchscreen integrated into a dual-monitor radar display console, labeled to show positioning within a defense control system.

FT Series 5-wire resistive analog touchscreen with tail connection visible, designed for high-precision input and ruggedized control applications.

5-Wire Touch Screen: FPC Tails

Explore the Components

See the touch screens engineers specify for radar display consoles.

Shipboard Communication Console
Drone Command
Secure VoIP
Bodypack Transmitter
Radar Control System