Benefit of different weighted microswitches

[Generic Eric]

It was easier picking out controls 10 years ago.  The biggest choice was between buttons with leaf switches or without.  Anyway.

I was looking at a website that had options between:

• 25 gram
• 50 gram
• 125 gram
• 75 gram cherry microswitches

Can someone comment on the pros/cons of each of these.  Thanks.

[Necro]

^--- This.  I'd like the insight as well.  Is it solely 'press less hard' or something else?

[Nephasth]

Sounds like you're shopping on Paradise Arcade Shop

That rating of the switches is just how much force it takes to actuate the switch. 125 grams takes noticably more force to actuate than your standard 75 gram Cherry switch. Just the opposite with the 20 grams, very easy to actuate. I went with 50 gram switches, still feels good and I was able to save some money on an order of 50 switches ($12.50).

[RandyT]

It was easier picking out controls 10 years ago.  The biggest choice was between buttons with leaf switches or without.  Anyway.
...
Can someone comment on the pros/cons of each of these.  Thanks.

Most will find the lightest switch possible to be the one most preferred.  Due to this, all of our pushbuttons come standard with sub-20 gram (as tested) microswitches at no extra charge.  Lighter force switches mitigate fatigue and remove the switch from the button's physical equation.  For example, some buttons are made with heavy spring resistance, and the actuation force required is increased even further by the resistance of the microswitch.  Using a very light switch actually makes buttons like this usable, where they would not be (for most) otherwise.  Light switches are also good on standard buttons which don't have heavy springs because they allow for much more flexibility in customizing the feel of the button.  A button which has had it's internal return spring stretched a bit to give a 50gram total resistance, will feel better to those wanting more resistance, than a light button with a 50gr microswitch.

RandyT

[SammyWI]

Generally lighter = better feel but more $.  But, I did find one use for the heaviest microswitch I could find (the 125 gram from Paradise Arcade).  I wanted to make a lightgun that was as close to one of my real guns as possible.  I modified an airsoft pistol with an Aimtrack and used the 125 gram switch for the trigger since I needed a fairly stiff and distinct trigger break to match the real one. 

[armi0024]

Sammy, I have some 400 grams if you need them

[SammyWI]

Dang it!  I just got two airsoft guns converted to Aimtraks with the 125 gram switches.  Still, I may have to pick up some of those 400 gram switches - just in case I get an itch. 

[TopJimmyCooks]

Generic,
Don't ask me how (well, saving $7 on shipping yet another order was how)  but I ended up with a 2 player cp with:

20 g switches in short travel buttons (arcade prime) from GGG on the P1 side and,

happs regular concave buttons with cherry switches, 75g on Player 2. 

P2 ain't too popular with the crew. 

[armi0024]

TomJimmyCooks, do you have Cherry's or E-switch on the Happs?  The E-switches are more current and not very popular.

[TopJimmyCooks]

[TJC walks to CP, lifts the hood . . . ] 

You are correct. they are white w/red but say E switch on them.  They are too "clicky" for my family's taste.  My noob mistake assuming white w/red = cherry. 

[RandyT]

[TJC walks to CP, lifts the hood . . . ]  

You are correct. they are white w/red but say E switch on them.  They are too "clicky" for my family's taste.  My noob mistake assuming white w/red = cherry.  

The E-Switches are very likely only 50gram rated switches and probably really actuate at a bit less, regardless of what they might have been sold to you as.  Your experience is a pretty good testament to the validity of the "lighter is better" philosophy.  I like your project, and I get a bit nostalgic when I see a TT1 spinner in a panel, so I'll cut you a deal on the Groovy Standard Soft-Touch™ switches for your HAPP buttons so the feel between player 1 and 2 matches better.  The HAPPs will still have that extra bit of dead space before the switch actuation, but the switches will make a big difference.  Send me an email if you are interested.

RandyT

[TopJimmyCooks]

Thanks for the generous offer Randy.  I'm going to stick with the happs sourced stuff for now. 

Eric:  something not mentioned so far, to throw a third option out there, I really like the microleaf style switch.  They are so light I am surprised the button comes back up sometimes.  really no felt or audible click.  If you like leaf switch feel they have to be pretty close.  I have only encountered leaf switches in arcades, haven't used them in my own panel so I can't really contrast the two. 

[yotsuya]

Thanks for the generous offer Randy.  I'm going to stick with the happs sourced stuff for now. 

Eric:  something not mentioned so far, to throw a third option out there, I really like the microleaf style switch.  They are so light I am surprised the button comes back up sometimes.  really no felt or audible click.  If you like leaf switch feel they have to be pretty close.  I have only encountered leaf switches in arcades, haven't used them in my own panel so I can't really contrast the two. 

I just picked up some of GGG's ClassX buttons with the True-Leaf Pro switches, and I will never go back. I tested it out by playing Galaga (which never felt right shooting to me), and it was like 1981 all over again. They are great switches and well worth the money.