I think so, but with a diode.

Sure can. A Microswitch is just a switch in a different form factor. Of course you'll have to add second isolated terminal if you want to mount the other end of the diode if using it in the switch matrix.

Pop bumpers on modern games are leaf switches connected to the switch matrix. Look at those for an idea. Some Stern/Sega and DE games mounted diodes under the playfield. Ran the wires to the diodes mounted to the playfield and then to switches or lamps connected to the matrix rather than the diode being right on the device.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/guide-upgrading-early-ss-rollover-switches-to-microswitches

Could there be de-bounce issues? Leaf switches might not be as consistent as a micro switch. Depending on the application a capacitor might be helpful too.

Why not just use the proper switch? Just curious.

As others noted, yes you can replace micros with leafs. The diode is needed in most cases (if the original switch had it, your replaced leaf will too).

Leaf switches are leaps and bounds more reliable over the long haul vs. micros I've replaced some high use micro switches with leafs for a couple of reasons (chief of which is: I needed to replace one and a leaf is what I had available) - another good reason is they are more easily tuneable (you can adjust the blades anyway you like vs. just bending the wireform or arm on a micro).

I would never change leafs to microswitches in early SS but to each their own. Most problems with early SS games with leafs arise from someone filing them in the past removing the gold plating - they will never be 100% reliable after that occurs.

The goldflash contacts have a life cycle as well. After almost 40 years the used-to-be smooth surfaces have banged into each other 100s of 1000s of times. Gold being soft, it will get worn and misshapen, leading to intermittent response. At that point the switch is bad and should be replaced, so you're not losing anything by running some 2K grit across the points instead of a dollar bill or similar. It might last a while, might not.