A drive rod (15) connects a moveable contact element (10) of a compressed-gas cutout (1) with a drive (20). A disconnecting braking structure (22) is provided for braking the drive rod (15) and the switch parts moved with the latter in the final phase of a disconnecting action. The disconnecting braking structure (22) comprises a track (48, 49, 50) assigned to the drive rod (15) and an adjustable guided roller (42 or 43) cooperating with the track (48, 49, 50) against the force of a spring (47). The track (48, 49, 50) has two track sections (48, 49), that are arranged parallel to a switch axis (y) and in tandem, whereas the top track section (49) has a greater distance to the switch axis (y) than the bottom track section (48), and a connecting section (50). The rollers (42 or 43) are pressed back at the disconnecting movement of the drive rod (15) against the force of the spring (47) while simultaneously exerting braking force on the drive rod (15). The potential energy of the spring (47) is utilized for acceleration in a subsequent connecting action.