Abstract: An index rotary switch has a distributor which undergoes stepped rotation in response to longitudinal displacement of a plunger. The distributor is coupled to the plunger via a conventional tooth and cam arrangement to produce a 45-degree stepped rotation of the distributor in response to each up-down reciprocation of the plunger. A spring is arranged between a radial annular surface of an actuator cam follower and the radial annular flange of the distributor. The distributor is a unitary component made of electrically conductive material and having four radial extension arms spaced at equal angular intervals. At each of eight predetermiend stepped angular positions of the distributor, one radial extension arm engages a first electrical contact, another radial extension arm angages an insulating part, and the remaining two radial extension arms engage respective contact portions of either a second or a third electrical contact.