A push button switch (3) encounters, during a stroke of a push rod (6) thereof, a pressure point (D), a switching (contact-making) movement, and a return tension. A one-piece spring element (16) is provided for achieving this with an uncomplicated structure, with a short stroke, and with a reliable contact once the pressure point has been overcome. The one-piece spring element has, between a contact arm (26) and a return arm (21), hairpin-shaped bent guide legs (17, 18). A sloping step (24) formed on at least one of the guide legs creates the pressure point.