Softening a Microswitch

[rsigamer]

Hello,

I had recently, successfully softened the microswitches in my mouse, following this guide: http://themuslimone.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/how-to-soften-and-silence-mouse-switches/

I, perhaps foolishly, thought I would be able to do the same with a normal arcade pushbutton microswitch.
But once I opened it up, it became clear that it is somewhat more complex than an Omron microswitch you'd find in your mouse.

When I say I want to 'soften' a microswitch, I mean to lower its activation force, basically.
Reducing sound and travel distance isn't my goal, but if those are part of reducing activation force, then so be it.

Can anyone tell me if this can be done. And if so, how?

Thanks in advance. 

[paigeoliver]

Yeah, buy some more microswitches from bob roberts or someone else. Get the real Happ ones and not the chinese ones that are too hard to click (which is what you probably have).

[rsigamer]

Yeah, buy some more microswitches from bob roberts or someone else. Get the real Happ ones and not the chinese ones that are too hard to click (which is what you probably have).

I already have 20g ones.
And yes, they are still too hard to click.

I could be wrong, but I doubt there are any out there with less than 20g activation force

[eds1275]

I can recommend a great gym if you want.

[DeLuSioNal29]

How about these?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=328

D

[rsigamer]

How about these?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=328

D

Thanks. I have them as well.
They still take more force than my 20g ones, though.   

[paigeoliver]

Have you actually used standard cherry switches? I have no idea how many grams of actuation force they need. I just know that they are easier to click than any of the other brands I have ever tried.

If you need easier than that then you probably need to move to leaf switches.

[mgb]

I believe the original cherry switches that came in happ buttons and what not are something like 75 grams. I read that somewhere.

I find the soft switches from GGG and Paradise Arcade to be pretty silent even with my metal cp.
I have them in my player 2 stick and buttons and I have cherries in my player 1 stick.

I agree with above, maybe you'd be best going leaf switch.

[rsigamer]

Have you actually used standard cherry switches? I have no idea how many grams of actuation force they need. I just know that they are easier to click than any of the other brands I have ever tried.

If you need easier than that then you probably need to move to leaf switches.

I think the Cherry ones I have take about 45g to activate.
And the joystick I use doesn't take leaf switches.

[gamepimp]

U could remove the spring from the pushbutton. That makes less resistance and might give u the feel ur looking for.

[rsigamer]

U could remove the spring from the pushbutton. That makes less resistance and might give u the feel ur looking for.

Yea, I did that already, thus ending up in that 20g actuation force from the microswitch alone.
But that won't work for a joystick, obviously. - Plus I'm aiming for lower.

[TopJimmyCooks]

u360 with the light (stock) spring.

[MadMagpie]

I can recommend a great gym if you want.

heh that got a laugh!

[mgb]

You'd probably be best off stating what you have and what you're trying to accomplish