Bad form to post twice in a row, but please forgive me as I have quite a bit to add.
In this one topic, it's absolutely great to see so many options being offered up for consideration, some of which readers may well never have heard of before. With a view to helping others to actually see more of what there is on the market, here is a direct link to the appropriate Wiessmann web page for the (electrical) switches previously mentioned.
Wiessmann 5549 Push button panel with feedback indicators.
Be prepared for a small delay - this is quite a large document.
Scroll down to its page 3 for Wiessmann's excellent schematic diagram.
It's interesting (in an expensive way!) to see that mechanical limit switch contacts are absolutely mandatory in the turnout mechanism (or its actuating mechanism) and that another module is required to incorporate colour light signals. In Wiessmann's favour, they very clearly state these important facts and the documentation on their website is very good indeed.
However, IMHO the system is complex and yet, even so, the push buttons still fail to give a clear visual indication of routing. This marks it well down in my book. I have yet to check their prices and may well refrain from doing so, as I value my stress levels!
Actually, I did eventually check and, although not exactly cheap, I have seen worse.
Here is their full price list in Euros.
Weissmann complete Price List
I also checked the price of Tortoise Switch Machines at around $15US, call it £9. That's in USA - I dread to think what they might cost in UK, where sources will probably be quite limited and therefore prices sky-high (and plus VAT). Of course, you will still need visually indicating electrical switches at nasty prices too. Incidentally, their description of 'switch machine' draws attention to how plain daft it is to call turnouts 'switches', with guaranteed confusion as to whether a 'switch' is a rail turnout, an electrical switch IN the rail turnout or some other electrical switch not in the turnout! Similar confusion can rage over the word 'points'.
This discussion really does make you think about the OVERALL cost of a powered turnout.
Additional to the turnout itself, is its actuating mechanism, its remote electrical switching mechanism, route indiication, plus wiring, working track signals and possibly switching of track power. Even then, I've probably forgotten something important! Hell, I dare not calculate the full cost of a properly powered and controlled turnout + track signal + switches and visual schematics now!
I do agree that solenoid actuation is very noisily violent - even moreso with the added and well-advised oomph from a Capacitor Discharge Unit. Nevertheless, that is what I use, on the basis of ready availability, COST and space requirements. I would much prefer (rotary) motorised actuation, but these are simply too expensive. Careful design should make it possible to effectively incorporate a mass produced, tiny motor costing only pennies to the manufacturer and all that is then needed is a simple gear-train, a group of simple, low-amp switches and a utilitatian chassis. Manufacture cost could be buttons IF efficiently designed and resourced (and a natural inclination to screw the punter is resisted!). Just for good measure, I'll add that even the Peco solenoids are too expensive, especially for the quality on offer. Yep - I'm a tightwad - and proud of it!
I expect this will be seen as heresy by some, but I personally see digital control as actually having much more potential value and utility for turnout and signal control with schematic route indication than for driving locomotives!