information:highlighting, structural:expansion
Electronic switches

In principle, it is easy to design silent switches in which the mechanical contacts do not directly control the current but simply signal a solid-state device such as a thyristor to complete the circuit. Many variations on this theme have been created and marketed. " Touch-plate " devices can be operated by touching or merely waving a hand near the switch. Touch switches have no moving parts and electronically switch the light circuit. As of 1986, these remain specialty items. Electronic switches provide flexibility in terms of different interfaces for their operations, such as touch plates, soft-touch controls, pressure or light sensor-based control, interactive touch-screens (which are widely used in aircraft for lighting control), and others.