Switch assembly for operating a device in different operational modes

A switch assembly comprising:

• a base portion;
• a flexible pad having a first dome and a second dome;
• a paddle that is slidably attached to the base portion, the paddle having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the paddle adjacent to the first dome of the flexible pad, the second end portion of the paddle adjacent to the second dome of the flexible pad;
• a button that is slidably attached to the base portion, the button having a bottom portion that is capable of contacting the paddle;
• a lever that is rotatably attached to the base portion, the lever capable of contacting a top portion of the button;
• wherein the first dome of the flexible pad is capable of collapsing when a user applies a first force to the lever, the second dome of the flexible pad is capable of collapsing when the user applies a second force to the lever, the second force being greater in value than the first force.

A switch assembly comprising:

• a flexible pad having at least a first dome, a second dome, and a translucent portion;
• a base portion mounted adjacent a first side of the flexible pad;
• a paddle that is slidably attached to the base portion, the paddle having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the paddle adjacent to the first dome of the flexible pad, the second end portion of the paddle adjacent to the second dome of the flexible pad;
• a lever that is rotatably attached to the base portion, the lever having an opening to allow for the transmission of light;
• and
• a white light emitting diode mounted adjacent a second side of the flexible pad at the translucent portion, the white light emitting diode capable of providing a colored light for the switch assembly on the second side of the flexible pad and through the opening in the lever;
• wherein the first dome of the flexible pad is capable of collapsing when a user applies a first force to the lever, the second dome of the flexible pad is capable of collapsing when the user applies a second force to the lever.