Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle having a movable activation element for activating at least one switch element for generating a switch signal. The operating device comprises a sensor face which is arranged on the activation element and an optical reflection sensor device, which has at least one light emitting diode and at least one photodiode for optical radiation. A signal can be generated when the sensor face is approached and/or the sensor face is touched, in particular by means of a finger of a user.

Abstract: An electrical switch having a contact system including at least one fixed contact and a switching contact. The switch has an actuating element for acting in switching fashion on the contact system and a switching slide which bears the switching contact and is moveable in a movement direction between two positions, wherein in one position the switching contact is remote from the fixed contact and in the other position the switching contact bears against the fixed contact. The switch has an actuating slide which is moveable by virtue of the actuating element and is coupled to the switching slide by an elastic element. The switch includes a latching mechanism which interacts with the switching slide, such that the switching slide can be switched over between the two positions on actuation of the actuating element with a type of snap-action movement.