Yes it needs a little current on a normal switch, i think gold flashed ones will be listed as suitable for logic levels or PLC inputs, sometimes have a very low max current as well, unlike the usual power switches.

With servos, we have index homing so accuracy in the switch is not needed - it works really well and insanely repeatable. On steppers as you said, damage is unlikely but the torque from a servo is frightening. :)