Abstract: The invention relates to a modular selection button for actuating contact elements. Said button comprises a housing (6), spring-loaded switching lugs (81) and according to requirements a control switch (10), a rotary knob (11) or a key-operated switch (2) as a rotating actuator, in addition to one of several transmission members (4; 4′; 5; 5′), which transmits the movement from the actuator (10; 11; 2) to the switching lugs (81) via switching cam elements (42; 52). Stops and counter-stops which are fixed and displaceable respectively with respect to the housing (6) form various stop elements that can be used to select the number of switching positions and actuation modes. The various stops are configured on the housing (6), on the key-operated actuator (2) and on the second stop slides (92) that are to be inserted into the housing (6). The various counter-stops are configured in the control switch (10), in the rotary knob (11) and on the transmission members (4; 4′; 5; 5′).