Eventually, you’ll have to replace various pieces of equipment in your studio. To prevent downtime, it’s convenient to have some extras on hand.
For example, there’s one part that’s crucial to your tattoo machine’s operation. Without it, you won’t be able to work.
This piece should’ve come with your power supply. But if you need to buy a new one, you might be at a loss. Don’t worry, we’ll help you sort through the many options available.
Today, we’re going to review the best tattoo foot pedals and switches.
How to select the best foot pedal for your tattoo machine
The first thing you need to know is what kind of connector you need for your machine. Most foot pedals have a quarter-inch phono plug, which looks like a big headphone jack.
A few have a clip cord with two wires. And then there are proprietary foot switches like Cheyenne makes for their machines. These have their own style of connector, and we won’t be including those in the reviews below.
A foot pedal turns your machine off and on and frees up your hands. Some pedals are simple on/off switches. Tap and the machine’s on, tap your foot again, and it’s off.
Others require the continuous pressure of your foot to keep the machine operating.
Then, it’s time to consider the length of the cord. If it’s too short, it’s going to be awkward depending on where your machine is placed.
But don’t forget the size and thickness of the pedal. Some are quite chunky and require you to lift your toes high, which could be uncomfortable. Others are tiny and may get lost under your feet.
Also, it’s smart to consider the top and bottom surfaces of the pedal. Is it rubbery to keep it from sliding around on the floor? Does it provide a good grip for your shoe?
Of course, you may have a preference already for a particular design. If you like to personalize your equipment, it’s hard to resist an eye-catching skull switch.
Finally, cheap is good, unless it burns out after only a few weeks. Repeated replacements will eat into your budget. It’s better to buy from a manufacturer that offers a guarantee.
In case all that was a lot to take in, here’s the TL/DR version:
- What type of connector do you need? (phono plug, clip cord)
- What type of switch do you prefer, on/off or continuous operation?
- How long should the cord be?
- What about the size and thickness of the pedal?
- Are the surfaces grippy or slippery?
- Is there a personalized design you prefer?
- Does it come with a guarantee?
Best Tattoo Foot Pedals & Switches in 2024
Now, let’s get into the reviews of the best tattoo machine foot switches and pedals. We’ve divided them up by shape just in case you’re trying to match what you already have.
Rectangular and square pedals
These aren’t flashy, but they get the job done. They resemble your grandmother’s sewing machine pedal.
Tazay Tattoo Foot Pedal
Someone described this as the most common foot pedal in the industry. It’s small, square, and black. It’s just a little chunky but lightweight. There is a non-slip rubber base on the bottom.
It uses a quarter-inch phono plug, which looks like the cable for plugging in an electric bass. It’s a standard setup, so it should be compatible with any tattoo machine with that connector.
Happily, the seller offers a satisfaction guarantee in case there’s a problem.
Dragonhawk F1 Tattoo Foot Pedal Switch
This foot switch is similar to the one above. It’s black, blocky, and has a rubber base.
It’s also compatible with most tattoo machines. It has a phono plug, also known as an RCA connector.
Take note that it requires constant pressure to keep the machine operating. It’s not a simple on/off switch.
Yuelong Stainless Steel Tattoo Foot Pedal
This is like the silver-colored stainless steel version of the two prior foot pedals. The advantage is that it comes in small or large sizes. Take note that it has a clip cord, not a phono connector.
The manufacturer has put a generous 5-foot ten-inch cord on it. (That’s 1.8 m if you’re feeling metric). It’s coated in silicone to resist abrasion, deformation, and fire.
If you don’t love it, it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee with the promise of a refund or an exchange.
Round
Round foot switches come in thick and thin versions. Some are colorful and stylish, while others are minimalist and professional-looking.
New Star Tattoo 360 GEM Pro Stainless Steel Tattoo Foot Pedal
One press of your foot, and this pedal turns on the machine. You don’t have to maintain the pressure to keep it running. Tap again, and it turns off.
The simple black and silver design wouldn’t look out of place in a doctor’s office. It has an anti-slip rubber base that won’t mark up the floor.
The highlight is that it comes with two connectors: a quarter-inch phono plug with a 5-foot cord and a standard clip connector with a 6-foot cord. When they say it’s compatible with all tattoo machines, they mean it.
Jellyfishpro Round Colorful Tattoo Foot Switch
This bright blue foot pedal is handmade and inspected before shipping. Underneath the shiny anodized coating is solid stainless steel. That’s why it weighs over half a pound.
The weight, along with the non-skid base, keeps it in place on the floor. The 3 and ¾ inch diameter makes it easy to find with a foot. That’s good because you need to keep constant pressure on it to keep the machine operating.
On the downside, even though it has a heavy-duty cord, it’s only 4 and a half feet long. But if the pedal breaks down within the first year, they will send a replacement for free.
TT GO Landmine Multi-Mode Tattoo Foot Pedal
They call this the landmine but don’t be afraid to step on it. The aluminum alloy has an anti-slip bottom. The whole pedal weighs over a pound and a half, so it’s not going anywhere. Thankfully, it’s not very thick.
It operates in two modes: normal and professional. Normal mode requires continuous pressure, but the professional mode is press and release. You don’t have to keep your foot there the whole time. Tap it again, and it will turn off the machine.
Redscorpion Tattoo Foot Pedal 360 Degree Foot Switch
This black and red foot pedal promises 360° access, which means you should be able to press on any part of the edge to operate it. In practice, reviewers say it has dead spots.
On the other hand, the aluminum alloy and plastic body are lightweight and compact. It measures 3.52 inches in diameter and has a 5’10” silicone-coated cord. The coating resists abrasion and fire. The connector is a quarter-inch phono plug.
The manufacturer offers a 3-month warranty.
CINRA Premium Tattoo Pedal 360 Degree Stainless Steel Foot Pedal
If you didn’t know that this was a foot switch, you might mistake it for a weighing scale. It’s a steel disc on a black anti-slip base.
If you don’t mind its simple appearance, you might love the 6 and a half foot silicone cord. It’s one of the longest cables we saw on a foot pedal. It uses a quarter-inch phono connector.
The low-profile design keeps your ankle comfortable because you don’t have to lift your foot much to use it. It’s pressure-sensitive from any direction.
Lastly, the manufacturer offers a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Wormhole Tattoo Foot Pedal Zinc Alloy Tattoo Foot Switch
People are going to notice this copper-colored foot pedal. It’s made of durable zinc alloy with an anti-skid base. It uses a quarter-inch plug.
Should you ever give up tattooing, it can also serve as a sustain pedal for a digital piano or keyboard.
The main con is that the cord is only 5 feet long.
DGT PRO 360° Round Star Tattoo Foot Pedal Switch Equipment Supply
Finally, here’s a foot pedal description that tells you how tall it is. This little fact is surprisingly essential when you’re trying to choose between switches. The height makes all the difference with regards to comfort.
The pedal is 1 and a half inches tall and 3 and a half inches wide. Like all the others, it has a non-skid base pad.
Now, if they would just tell us how long the cord is. At any rate, it has a phono plug.
DGT Flying Saucer
This foot pedal looks more like a hockey puck than a flying saucer. It’s 5 inches in diameter and 0.7-inches thick with an anti-slip base.
It has a silicone-coated clip cord.
Fugu Bubble Ultra Durable Air-Powered Foot Pedal Switch
If you think you’d like something a little more cushiony than hard metal, check out this rubbery foot switch. You might want to take your shoes off for this one.
Even though it’s soft, it clicks when you press it. It’s 3 and a half inches across, so it’s not hard to find with a foot.
Moreover, it’s resistant to water, dust, and oil.
Best of all, it comes with a 2.8-meter cord for a rotary machine – that’s over 9 feet long.
Flat
We’ve all seen those flat silver switches that look nondescript. Prepare yourself for some new artistic variations ahead.
Jconly Mini Flat Stainless Steel Tattoo Pedal
Here’s the classic tattoo pedal. The switch part connects with a clip connector, while the other end of the 5-foot-long cord is a standard quarter-inch phono plug.
It’s cheap, it’s compact, and it has a non-slip base.
If you’re worried about throwing your money away, at least it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee with the promise of a refund or replacement.
Autdor Tattoo Foot Pedal
This version of the basic steel foot switch has an attractive design. It looks like it was tattooed.
Furthermore, there’s no clip connector. One end of the silicone-coated cord is connected inside the pedal out of sight. It’s hidden between the artsy top surface and the anti-skid bottom pad.
Then, the other end of the 4 and a half foot cord sports a quarter-inch phono plug.
Should there be a problem, it’s covered by a satisfaction guarantee.
Wormhole Tattoo Foot Pedal, Leaf
It looks like a silver leaf, down to the engravings of the veins. It’s built from 360 stainless steel that’s made to last.
The low profile is comfortable to use as you don’t have to lift your foot high to operate it. As usual, the base has a non-slip texture.
All in all, the design looks very finished. There’s even a discreet black cord that’s 6 feet long with a quarter-inch phono plug.
Other designs
These are the standout foot switches that just didn’t fit in anywhere else.
Stainless Steel Skull Tattoo Power Pedal
We argued about whether this should go in the round pedal reviews. After all, it’s a skull. We decided to create a special category for it.
It’s going to get comments as it’s an artfully-designed skull with blood-red eyes and a menacing smile. If you can bring yourself to press down on it with your foot, it will run your tattoo machine.
It has a 6 and a half foot cord with a quarter-inch phono plug. The cable is made to last with 16 copper wires coated by thick, red silicone.
MY-COSE Triangular Tattoo Machine Foot Pedal
Choose from green, red, blue, black, and purple. Each has a BNC connector and a 6-foot silicone cable.
We haven’t heard any complaints about this one, but the company offers excellent customer service just in case.
Conclusion
At some point, you’re going to need a new foot switch for your tattoo machine. It’s expected that it will wear out as an appliance that gets hard use day after day.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer plain and basic or fancy and personalized as long as you’re comfortable using the pedal.
Make sure it has the right connector for your machine, and you’re good to go.