Although it may seem strange, but there can be a difference between switches designed for AC and those designed for DC.
Switches for AC only are generally designed to slowly open so that any inductive arc accross the contacts will be extinquished on the first cycle that the AC current goes through zero. If the switch opens rapidly the arc, on average, could be longer and provide more contact errosion before the current goes through zero. Thus standard AC wall switches usually have a slow break machanism. (Some old wall switches had fast break contacts which could be used for AC or DC).
Switches for DC are generally designed to switch rapidly to quickly extinquish any inductive arc across the contacts. A slow opening switch will tend to increase the time of the arc and thus the errosion of the contacts. Most toggle switchs are fast break for either AC or DC use.
For control I would suggest a small, momentary action lever type microswitch controlling a relay. That way you only need to run small wires to the switch. The microswitch lever is easy to hold down for long periods, but it will automatically shut off if you release your grip. If you Google "lever microswitch" you'll get many hits.