Abstract: A foil-type switching element comprises a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer 10. The spacer 10 comprises at least one recess 12 defining an active area of the switching element. At least two electrodes and a layer of pressure sensitive material are arranged within the active area of the switching element between the first and second carrier foils in such a way that, in response to a pressure acting on the active area of the switching element, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the elastic carrier foils and an electrical contact is established between the at least two electrodes via the pressure sensitive material. The active area comprises an inner region 14 and a number of outer regions 18, the inner region having a generally convex shape and the outer regions extending outwardly from said inner region.