A power tool is disclosed having a compact AC switch assembly. An electric motor driving the power tool is contained within a housing that includes a handle. A trigger is slidingly received in the handle and moves in an axis of trigger travel along a trigger travel distance extending between an extended position of the trigger and a depressed position. A trigger switch including a printed circuit board is disposed in mechanical communication with the trigger and controls the electric motor in accordance with trigger position. The printed circuit board has a plurality of conductive traces that are sequentially arranged and linearly aligned adjacent the trigger in a direction that is transverse to the axis of trigger travel to reduce the width of the printed circuit board to a value that is less than or equal to three times the trigger travel distance.