Abstract: An illumination source transmits light through a transmitting light pipe to an optical switch. A first receiving light pipe is aligned with and spaced from the first transmitting light pipe to form a first gap therebetween. The switch includes a switch cap adapted to be disposed in a first position and in a second position. A first light transmitting tower is coupled to the switch cap and extends from the switch cap into the first gap when the switch cap is disposed in at least one of the first position and the second position. A first opaque blade extends from the switch cap and adjacent to the first light transmitting tower and is adapted to extend into the first gap to prevent light from being transmitted to the first end of the first receiving light pipe in one of the first position or the second position. In other embodiments, a switch and a method for using the switch enable illumination of only a portion of the switch cap regardless of the switch position.