Example embodiments of a reflective switch and methods for preventing inadvertent actuation of the reflective switch are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the reflective switch comprise a plurality of photo emitters that emit light through a translucent zone and a plurality of photo detectors that detect light rays that are reflected back through the translucent zone by an operator input. Upon detecting reflected light rays, the photo detectors send reflective signals to a controller. The controller then monitors whether the unique addresses of the photo detectors are increasing or decreasing and whether the addresses have increased or decreased to a predetermined threshold to merit a change in switch state. An indicia may be configured to notify an operator that a new switch state has been achieved.