Manual Button – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

The Manual Button—often called a fire button, trigger, or activation switch—is a physical push-button on a vapeMod that you press with your finger or thumb to complete the electrical circuit and power the Mesh Coil (or any coil). Unlike auto-draw sensors that activate when you inhale, a manual button gives the user full, deliberate control over when the device heats e-liquid and produces vapour. Found on everything from compact pen-style kits to high-end Mechanical Mods, this simple component is the user’s on-demand switch for every puff.

Technical Details

Internally, the manual button is a momentary tactile switch rated between 3 A and 40 A depending on the device class. Entry-level pod systems use low-current SMD switches (≈5 mm footprint), while advanced 18650/21700 box mods employ heavy-duty metal dome switches rated ≥15 A. Most buttons incorporate gold-plated contacts for Resistance“>low resistance (<20 mΩ) and a lifespan of 50 000–100 000 cycles. Some high-end models add reinforced springs, magnetic returns, or lockable 5-click on/off sequences to prevent accidental firing. Variations include side-fire bars, top-mounted “pistol grip” paddles, and recessed “firing pin” designs on tube mechs.

Usage & Tips

  • Priming: Before your first inhale, press the manual button for 0.5–1 s to saturate the coil—especially important in MTL (Mouth to Lung) builds.
  • Lock it: Always use the 5-click lock when pocketing the device to avoid misfires that can drain mAh and overheat.
  • Sticky fix: If the button starts to feel mushy or sticks, power down, remove batteries, and swab around the switch with isopropyl alcohol to dissolve e-liquid residue.
  • Safety: On unregulated mechanical mods, never “ride” the button (hold longer than 10 s) to reduce battery stress and venting risk.

History & Context

Early cig-a-likes (2008) relied solely on auto-draw airflow switches. The first true manual button appeared on the 2010 eGo-T battery, giving Aussie vapers the freedom to pre-heat thicker juices and kick-start the trend toward high-wattage box mods we see today.

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