Leaf switch question

[fmzip]

So I am building a control panel for the first time with leaf switches. I am using 3/4 mdf and I got my long buttons leaf's and holders from Bob Roberts. Here's the holder





When installed, the button plunger does not rest on the leaf switch, should it? What does a properly installed leaf switch look like? Am I to bend the leaf to reach it or remove the leaf and grind down the holder a bit? Any advice would be helpful.

[Malenko]

the plunger doesnt have to rest on the the leaf. The most important thing is that the legs touch when you expect them to while hitting the button.

[fmzip]

if they don't do I bend the leafs or grind down the holder?

[Malenko]

if they don't do I bend the leafs or grind down the holder?

most ppl bend the leafs. But bending one up to touch the plunger isnt going to change the point of contact, both need adjusted.

[fmzip]

Thanks for the explanation.

As far as drilling holes for them, should the hole be stepped like the button or is a 1 1/8 holes straight through sufficient?

[Malenko]

As far as drilling holes for them, should the hole be stepped like the button or is a 1 1/8 holes straight through sufficient?

all my games that have leafs have a standard sized button hole (bad dudes, mspacman, galaga) so I'd suggest the 1 1/8th hole. Your leaf buttons have lips right?

[fmzip]

Yes they haev lips, a test hole with the 1 1/8 bit seemed to be perfect

[Malenko]

go with that then. 

[Xiaou2]

The leaf buttons are taller than microswitch buttons.   They are meant to operate differently.
When you rest your fingers on them... the button will sink down a little.  If the leafs and contacts are too close... you might accidentally trigger them.

 The correct way to use a leafswitch... is to press down just enough so that the contacts are barely touching...then lightly vibrate your fingers to break & re-establish connections...without need of full button travel.

 As such, your fine.. and probably best off to have some space between the button and leafs.   What you may want to tweak... is the space between the leaf contact points... if desired.