Looking for very good quality tactile switches for replacing ones in Saitek X55. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 12:14:43 pm
content: Hello my name is Tomasz and this is my first post here. Question as stated in title. I found exactly what kind of switch I need, however. It has to have relatively high operation force. Orginal switches got very mushy very fast. So far I found as an example this:http://www.digikey.dk/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&itemSeq=181123294&uq=635796251339560213I dont know how to tell a good switch from a crap one.Best regards!

author: Hideki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 12:37:28 pm
content: Your forum name looks familiarUnfortunately, that digikey link doesn't work for me.

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 12:48:29 pm
content: Hahaha I just noticed! I used it forever thou. The link leads to "Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div B3F-1025" I was looking for a switch that's 6x6mm with 5mm actuator hight.

author: Hideki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 01:02:54 pm
content: That is an unfortunate combination. If you look at Life Expectancy in the datasheet, the 6x6 at 260g Operating Force is only guaranteed for 100000 operations.The sealed version of a switch will often have a longer life rating. For exable, the B3W-1022 is rated for 300000 operations.In general the 6x6 mm ones are always less robust than 12x12 mm switches, so it looks like Saitek made a bad choice.

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 01:11:52 pm
content: I guess you are right. I noticed that most of them are rated to 100000. But ones that Saitek used are failing at not even 1/10 of that. It is a common fault, it happens for nearly everyone after something like a month of use. unfortunately because of the way they are installed it has to be exactly 6x6 so B3W-1022 won't cut it. Now my problem is which one to chose, because I'm sure that those garbage ones Saitek used also were rated at 100000 except they got manufactured at Onehandlong or whatever it is that Dave always jokes about. Are there any manufacturers that are a safe bet?I just found this: Omron Electronics Inc-EMC Div B3F-1022-G Perfect size, and it says that its 300000. What do you think?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 01:49:42 pm
content: Quote from: hideki2 on October 05, 2015, 01:11:52 pmThey have lower actuating force of 1.47 N vs 2.55 N of B3F-1025, therefore will be much softer to press. Saitek are idiots, TACT switches should never be used in places where switches are pressed very often, like various kinds of controllers.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 01:52:41 pm
content: The main difference between the models is actuating force, durability is only a consequence.Durability:B3F-1000, B3F-3000, B3F-6000:1,000,000 operations min (OF: 0.98 N {100 gf}) (B3F-1070: 500,000 operations min)300,000 operations min (OF: 1.47 N {150 gf})100,000 operations min (OF: 2.55 N {260 gf})50,000 operations min (OF: 4.9 N {500 gf})

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 02:15:31 pm
content: I guess than I will go with B3F-1025 and than see how it goes. I am hoping that those should be much better than stock crap.

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 03:27:28 pm
content: Even though I don't feel that I got a definitive answer,thanks!for input everyone. I ordered B3F-1025 and we will see how it goes. I doubt if anyone on this forum will be interested about outcome, so I think that thread can be closed.

author: cs.dk
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 06:16:07 pm
content: Quote from: hideki2 on October 05, 2015, 03:27:28 pmFeedback is allways good - It may help others, when googling around for a solution.. Omron btw. is known as a good brand in the industry.

author: hideki2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 06:23:42 pm
content: Thanks! Than I will leave my feedback!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2015, 09:02:09 pm
content: Quote from: hideki2 on October 05, 2015, 03:27:28 pmIf no one was interested, no one would have responded in the first place. Many thousands view the blog every month, cs.dk said it right-people will find the info they seek and you might just provide it.