The Simplest Circuit

Use this circuit instead of a standard on-off switch. Switching is very gentle. Connect unused input pins to an appropriate logic level. Unused output pins *MUST* be left open!. First push switches ON, another push switches OFF. You can use 1/4 watt resistors if they are metal-film type. Any proper substitute will work for Q1, including the european TUNs. For C2, if you find the relay acts not fast enough, leave it out or change to a ceramic cap between 10 and 100nF.

Parts List
All resistors are 1/2 Watt and 5% tolerance.
R1 = 10K
R2 = 100K
R3 = 10K
C1 = 0.1µF, Ceramic
C2 = 1µF/16V, Electrolytic
D1= 1N4001
Q1 = 2N4401 (ECG123AP, NTE123AP, etc.)
IC1 = 4069, CMOS, Hex Inverter (14069), or equivalent
S1 = Momentary on-switch