For the present invention, multiple MEMS switches that are similar in nature are provided along with switch control circuitry. Of the MEMS switches, one MEMS switch is reserved as a dummy MEMS switch while the one or more remaining MEMS switches are active, and are thus used during normal operation of the electronic circuitry that incorporates the MEMS switches. The switch control circuitry will use the dummy MEMS switch to adaptively determine an actuation signal that is sufficient to effect a near closing or soft closing of the dummy MEMS switch. The switch control circuitry may also determine a closing time that defines a time when the dummy MEMS switch closes relative to application of the actuation signal. The actuation signal and closing time may be updated regularly, if not continuously.