A target magnet mechanism for a proximity switch. The target magnet mechanism includes a plurality of magnets disposed in an alternating magnetic pole configuration forming a narrowed, polarity reversing magnetic field. A center magnet has a magnetic polarity opposite the magnetic polarity of a sensing magnet of the proximity switch. A flanking magnet includes a magnetic polarity opposite the magnetic polarity of the center magnet and the same as the sensing magnet. So configured, the plurality of magnets trigger the proximity switch to an activated state by pulling on a magnetic field of the proximity switch via the opposed polarity of the center magnet and the sensing magnet. In addition, the plurality of magnets release the proximity switch back to an unactivated state by pushing on the magnetic field of the proximity switch via the same polarity of the flanking magnet and the sensing magnet.