Good solution for buttons? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 08:25:32 am
content: Does anyone have any good suggestions on simple momentary buttons? I have a handheld device (like a remote control) that would require some momentary buttons for control. I still have not found a good solution for this. The volume is small so ordering customs bubble keypads or something is not really viable unless someone knows some very cheap manufacturer. I have not managed to find any buttons that would be SMALL and be somehow nicely "panel mountable".The enclosure will be custom but the simpler it will be the better. It doesn't have to be waterproof per se but I'd rather make it not-completely-open at least. I really don't have too many good ideas other than a momentary switch and somehow make the enclose flex on top of that (difficult to do, more complex enclosure), bubble keypad (would probably have to be custom, expensive in small volumes, and bubble keypads are not too nice). I wonder if you could get the "rubber caps" that would sit in a hole in the enclosure and would either press an actual switch or just contact on the PCB?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 08:39:49 am
content: What do you want it to look like? How many buttons?http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=membrane+switch+keypad&_frs=1

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 08:48:15 am
content: I'm working through the same issues. I've not found a solution. There are a few nice navigation button sets available but the cost is sky high.If you only want a few buttons and you aren't fussy about the layout or labeling there are some cheap keypads available.http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_odkw=keypad&_udhi=4&_mPrRngCbx=1&LH_BIN=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xkeypad+membrane.TRS0&_nkw=keypad+membrane&_sacat=0If you find an inexpensive membrane keypad source be sure to share it here!Most seem to use dies to cut the poly-carbonate sheet which means its expensive. It appears some do the cutting via laser which should mean much lower set up / tooling costs.I get the feeling the cost is around AU$2000 for the first 100 membrane keypads (say 150 x 80mm) after that they cost AU$1000 / 100 units.Edit - Fungus beat me with the ebay membrane option!

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 09:06:19 am
content: and what spacing between buttons? And how frequently are then pressed in their lifetime?One option I've used in the past:PCB mount tactile switch with the actuator tip flush to exterior of front panel.Finger sized hole (8mm - 10mm) in front panel.Polyester or polycarbonate graphic overlay adhered to exterior of front panel. This has enough flex enough across the 10mm diameter void to actuate the switch when pressed and can be digitally printed in low volumes at reasonable cost.Switch cost starts adding up if you have many buttons.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 09:33:36 am
content: Recent thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/how-can-i-make-front-panel-push-button-actuators-for-pcb-smd-mc-switches/

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 11:40:42 am
content: Quote from: Fungus on April 07, 2016, 08:39:49 amIt should look professionalAmount of buttons would be like 2+2 or maybe 2+2 plus navigation arrows. This is for a work project so ebay or aliexpress is not really a good source since I'd want to be able to source them later on as well. I'd definitely like them to have some tactile feedback so it rules out capacitive buttons. The solution should also be fairly low-profile which rules out most switches except some surface mount thin profile ones.Has anyone seen those rubber buttons (like in remote controls) sold separately and so they'd maybe fit over some specific SMD switch? That might be pretty good since the rubber would seal the case at least a bit.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 12:24:43 pm
content: Quote from: Dago on April 07, 2016, 11:40:42 amI wouldn't think "availability" will be a problem for most of those keypads.Quote from: Dago on April 07, 2016, 11:40:42 amAnd they're a little bit clicky.Quote from: Dago on April 07, 2016, 11:40:42 amThose buttons are custom molded in groups for individual devices. I doubt they sell them as separate buttons.You might find a really commoncar keyfobor replacement keypad for a commonphoneand figure out a way to remove the writing. You can cut those up into sections using scissors.Membrane keypads seems easier though.Or maybe really tall push buttons that poke through holes in the case (eg.http://www.ebay.com/itm/161382244940)

author: Farley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 12:42:05 pm
content: These caps are intended to be used with PCB mounted tactile switches:http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Mountain-Switch/101-0219-EV/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMu7I4e48pSkRIeQhEFTXMrU

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 12:56:56 pm
content: Quote from: Farley on April 07, 2016, 12:42:05 pmThey come in kits:http://www.ebay.com/itm/281472143056

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:00:05 pm
content: Rubber pads typically just make contact with traces on the pcb, no separate switch needed.There are many low-profile surface mount switches only a couple of mm tall including the actuator if you went the tact + overlay route.If the volume is so low that custom membrane keypad is out, then you may wish to consider enclosures that already include buttons. How big is your handheld device? - As Fungus shows, key fobs are ideal if you can fit your device in there. You don't need to reuse a car fob there are others available from the big distributers without going alibaba, for example (from a google image search of key fob enclosure):and there are probably some larger TV style remote control enclosures to be found with some googling.

author: Rutger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:19:34 pm
content: Use a PIC micro with Capacitive Touch and design a PCB,youtube:

author: rich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2016, 01:30:12 pm
content: The OP ruled capacitive out earlier as not being tactile enough.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 10:35:32 am
content: Ah, I didn't know that (obvious really)There's people out there selling empty cases with the rubber keypad, eg.:http://www.polycase.com/fb-45Very reasonable prices/quantities, too.I couldn't find anything bigger than "key fob" size though.(still... those prices are low enough that for small quantities you can throw away the case and use the rubber keys in something bigger).

author: macboy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 01:40:59 pm
content: How about ordinary tactile switches? You know, those little clicky ones with the black push button on top. You can get them in various heights, so that the push button part will extend through a hole in the case above the PCB. You just need to drill the right size holes to align with the PCB, and you are set. Search ebay for(tall,long,high) tactile (button,switch)

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2016, 11:15:35 pm
content: You can use the tactile switch to hold a keycap against the inside of the enclosure with its little shoulder.http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/apem-inc/AKTSC22K/679-2315-ND/2344068http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/c-k-components/BTNK0270/401-1254-ND/498783The hole in the panel is small enough the switch cap cant be pulled out, and the travel of the tactile switch is small enough that it wont fall inside the case. You can scavenge these sorts of buttons from all sorts of low cost equipment or make bling ones out of metal etc.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 09:16:37 am
content: A friend who has a HiFi company uses stainless steel dome nuts as button caps. They make nice shiny rounded buttons. They fit over the switch peg and just need in a simple panel hole.e.g.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A2-Stainless-Steel-Dome-Nuts-To-Fit-Metric-Bolts-M3-4-5-6-8-10-12-14-16-18-20mm-/160881328576?var=&hash=item25754641c0:m:m-RHcKev-Kmej6IRAzSYlFw

author: obiwanjacobi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 01:27:55 pm
content: http://www.snaptron.com/products/pcb-pads/

author: calexanian
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 06:29:17 pm
content: We use the E-Switch TL1100F line of switches in large quantity. They are pretty robust and come in a very wide variety of styles and off the shelf caps.Here is a link to the most basic through hole version, but that should lead you too all of the versions. We use the 160 GF (Gram force) version. It gives a good positive feel without being too clickey. Best of all these are available from many distributors in single piece quantities. I recommend through hole on tact switches for mechanical strength reasons.http://uk.farnell.com/e-switch/tl1100f160q/switch-tactile-spst-0-05a-tht/dp/2292963

author: apelly
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 10, 2016, 12:49:59 am
content: Might find something herehttp://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20160409164755&SearchText=silicon+button+conductiveLots of play station controller replacements. A few other things too.