Abstract: A pushbutton switch uses a push/turn actuator having an axially movable button which engages and rotationally indexes a rotary actuator. A rotary switch mechanism is positioned coaxially with the actuator and includes a rotor having a cam surface lying in a cam plane perpendicular to the axis of the actuator. The cam and rotary actuator are coupled, preferable by an axially slidable drive shaft, so that rotary movement of the actuator causes like rotary movement of the rotor while axial movement of the actuator causes no corresponding axial movement of the rotor. The cam surface engages one or more movable, spring biased contacts for a wiping contacting motion of said contact as the rotor is rotated. The movement of the contacts occurs in the cam plane. An indexing mechanism provides for the switching action to occur upon release of the push button.