A fluid-based switch and method for producing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the switch comprises first (102) and second mated (104) substrates defining therebetween at least portions of a number of cavities (106, 108, 110), a plurality of electrodes (612, 614, 616) exposed within one or more of the cavities, a switching fluid (618), held within one or more of the cavities, that serves to open and close at least a pair of the plurality of electrodes in response to forces that are applied to the switching fluid, a reducing material contacting at least a portion of the switching fluid, the reducing material to react with oxides on the switching fluid, and an actuating fluid (620), held within one or more of the cavities, that applies the forces to said switching fluid.