Stalk switch

A stalk switch having a simplified structure and wide general-purpose applicability is provided. The stalk switch comprises an operating lever 4 manually operated by an operator, a supporting member 2 for rockably supporting the operating lever 4, an electromagnetic brake 5 arranged opposite to a base end of the operating lever 4, an optical image sensor 6 for detecting the operational state of the operating lever 4, and controlling means 8 for controlling the drive of the electromagnetic brake 5 based on an output signal a from the optical image sensor 6, wherein the range of movement of the operating lever 4 is defined by the electromagnetic brake 5, and a predetermined tactile response corresponding the operational state is given to the operating lever 4.