Aperture Science Switch

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Aperture Science Switch
General information
Faction	Aperture Science
Type	Switch
Usage
Used by	Chell ATLAS and P-body
Game information
Entity	prop_button (Portal 2)

 

The Aperture Science Switch is a testing element used in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center.

Overview

• The Switch is the pedestal equivalent of the 1500 Megawatt Aperture Science Heavy Duty Super-Colliding Super Button. Both can be connected to various elements in the chamber. However, unlike the Button, it does not have to be held down by the weight of objects or the player.

• In Portal 2, it is used to open Vital Apparatus Vents or Mobility Gel vents.

• The Switch tends to have a timer, which will delay its deactivation until the timer stops ticking.

• Timed Switches can be pressed again at any time to restart the timer.

• Switches can be pressed both while moving, or while in the air.

• In Portal 2, Switches can be activated through grates. This is never made use of in the game, but some custom maps utilize this as a key part of solving a puzzle.
  • Being able to activate Switches through grates was likely unintentional, as grate textures normally block the player's use input. However, grates in Portal 2 typically contain non-solid grate textures but block the player and physics objects, in order for Mobility Gels to pass though. Player clipping no longer consumes use inputs in Portal 2, which allows the player to interact with objects through these types of grates.

• In both Portal and Portal 2, Switches can be activated from the opposite side of a portal. Similar to activating through grates as mentioned above, this is only used in custom maps as a required part of a puzzle solution.

Gallery

• 

  The switch as seen in Portal.

• 

  The switch as seen in Portal 2.

• 

  Ditto, aged version.

• 

  The switch as it was in the 1950s, as seen in Test Shaft 09 in Portal 2.

• 

  Aperture Science logo featured on the Aperture Science Switch, also featured as more faded on the Super Button.

• 

  Aperture Science Switch seen in the 50s area of Test Shaft 09.

• 

  Aperture Science Switch icon in Perpetual Testing Initiative.

• 

  Aperture Science Switch model used in the Perpetual Testing Initiative.

List of appearances

Main games

• Portal (First appearance)
• Portal 2
• Perpetual Testing Initiative
• Robot Repair
• The Lab

Other

• Portal: First Slice
• Portal: Still Alive (Non-canonical appearance)
• Portal Pinball (Non-canonical appearance)
• Lego Dimensions (Non-canonical appearance)