A surface mount snap switch and method of making the same, including a housing having a plurality of channels formed therein and a cover configured for snap-fit engagement with the housing. The snap switch also includes an actuator slidably disposed at least partially within the housing, a first terminal having an external surface mount portion and another portion press-fittingly held within one of the plurality of channels of the housing, and a second terminal having an external surface mount portion and another portion press-fittingly held within another one of the plurality of channels of the housing. The snap switch further includes a blade contact having a first end portion pivotally associated with the first terminal and a second end portion comprising a blade contact button, and the actuator is configured to interact with the blade contact to electrically couple the first terminal and the second terminal.