Tombol

Tombol is the Indonesian and Malay term for a fastener or control that is pressed, pushed, or sewn to a device or fabric. In clothing, tombol most commonly refers to a button used to fasten garments, while in computing and electronics, it denotes a clickable control or switch, such as a power button on a panel or a screen.

The word is native to Malay and Indonesian languages. It is used across everyday language for both physical fasteners and digital controls, or to refer to a control element on a device or interface.

Types and materials: Physical tombol include sew-on buttons with holes (two-hole, four-hole), shank buttons, snap fasteners, toggles, and magnets. They are made from plastic, resin, metal, wood, shell, horn, bone, or fabric-covered materials. Digital tombol are software buttons that respond to user input.

Uses and design: Buttons are used in clothing, upholstery, bags, and electronics. Design considerations include size, weight, attachment method, durability, and resistance to laundering or wear. Aesthetic aspects such as color, texture, and finish are also important, particularly in fashion and product design.

History and production: Buttons have ancient origins, with early examples in various cultures used for fastening and decoration. The Industrial Revolution enabled mass production of uniform buttons, expanding availability. Today, tombol are produced by molding, stamping, or machining, and may be made from recycled or sustainable materials.