Coaxial switches and methods for using the same

A coaxial switch comprising:

• a conductive housing defining a central bore extending through the conductive housing;
• a switch assembly engaged with the conductive housing, the switch assembly comprising:
• a stationary contact comprising a stationary engagement end, a stationary coupling end opposite the stationary engagement end, and a stationary transition region between the stationary engagement end and the stationary coupling end, wherein the stationary engagement end is positioned closer to the conductive housing than the stationary coupling end;
• a movable contact comprising a movable engagement end, a movable coupling end opposite the movable engagement end, and a planar conductor engagement region wherein:
• the movable engagement end is positioned closer to the conductive housing than the movable coupling end;
• the planar conductor engagement region is accessible through the central bore of the conductive housing;
• the movable engagement end is movable between an engaged position, in which the movable engagement end contacts the stationary engagement end of the stationary contact, and a disengaged position, in which the planar conductor engagement region is spaced apart from the stationary engagement end of the stationary contact;
• and
• a dielectric base member, wherein the movable contact and the stationary contact are engaged with the dielectric base member and wherein the stationary contact and the movable contact are positioned between the dielectric base member and the conductive housing,
• wherein the conductive housing defines an orientation feature positioned on a surface of the conductive housing, wherein the orientation feature is positioned closer to the movable contact than the stationary contact.