The invention relates to an operating mechanism and a switching apparatus using the same. The operating mechanism comprises a power apparatus and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism comprises a connecting lever shaft connected with an output rotary shaft of the power apparatus and an insulating pull rod which is in transmission connection with the connecting lever shaft and used for driving a circuit breaker to switch on and switch off; the operating mechanism also comprises a spring apparatus which provides assisting force firstly and then provides buffer force in both of the switch on and switch off processes. According to the operating mechanism and the switching apparatus using the same, the spring apparatus supplies an assisting force effect to a moving contact of the circuit breaker in a front period of the switch on and switch off, so that short-time output power and transient torque output capability of the power apparatus can be reduced, and the power apparatus obtains the characteristics of low rotational inertia, small size and light weight; and meanwhile, the spring apparatus supplies a buffering effect to the moving contact of the circuit breaker in a later period of the switch on and switch off, so that the circuit breaker can be stopped in the switch on and switch off positions smoothly and stably so as to lower impact force.