A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) element and a MEMS optical switch are described. The MEMS element comprises a crystalline and moveable element is moveably attached to the substrate. The moveable element includes a perpendicular portion oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. The crystal structure of the perpendicular portion and substrate are substantially similar. The moveable element is capable of motion substantially constrained to a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. In at least one position, a part of a perpendicular portion of the moveable element projects beyond a surface of the substrate. The moveable element may be retained in place by a latch. An array of such structures can be implemented to work as an optical switch. The optical switch may comprise a crystalline substrate and one or more moveable elements moveably attached to the substrate. The various embodiments provide for a robust and reliable MEMS elements that may be simply fabricated and densely packed.