Variable speed switch and electric power tool with the variable speed switch mounted thereto

A variable speed switch which is mounted to an electric power tool and capable of outputting an electric signal for increasing or decreasing the amount of electric power supplied to a motor of the electric power tool in proportion to a displacement amount of a switch operating portion, the variable speed switch comprising:

• a switch main body portion accommodated in a housing of the electric power tool and mounted to the housing such that the switch main body portion is relatively moved with respect to the housing;
• and
• a load sensor provided in the switch main body portion and capable of outputting an electric signal in proportion to the amount of distortion caused by a pressing force;
• wherein the switch operating portion is mounted on a surface of the housing so as to be capable of relative displacement with respect to the housing and transmits the pressing force applied to the switch operating portion to the load sensor, with the maximum amount of the relative displacement of the switch operating portion being set to equal to or less than 5 mm.