Happ arcade buttons don't always trigger microswitch. Is there a fix?

[Jimd0586]

Hey all. I built a Mame cabinet and finally got all my electronic issues sorted out... the cab is working! I did notice though that many of my 3/4" HAPP buttons, when depressed on certain sides, don't engage the microswitch underneath. I have to push either very hard or move the position of my finger on the button and depress to engage the switch. I assume this is because of the cheap buttons I bought. Is there a fix for this? Sanding some plastic or adding something to the base of the button so that no matter where it is depressed, the microswitch beneath is engaged?

any secret tricks out there?

- Jim

[Titchgamer]

Happ are standard buttons and should work fine unless you brought some rip off ones?

But no secrets, just press the button in the middle like they are designed to be and you should have no problems

[mourix]

Seems like you got some Chinese "quality products"...

If it's a very small gap, you might be able to bridge it witch some (foam) tape.

[RandyT]

Seems like you got some Chinese "quality products"...

It may surprise you to know that some of the Chinese versions in this style are actually superior to the HAPP in this regard.  The HAPP buttons have a larger gap between the plunger leg and the switch actuator nub.

[jeremymtc]

Original IL or some of Randy's selections are really the best bet these days for a classic-style concave microswitch button. I was not impressed with the last batch of Happ buttons I used about a year or so ago. They felt all kinds of sloppy, right on par with X-Gaming buttons.

[morton]

I got cheap buttons and they are Sanwa style, they are not too great either based on my tests.

Dont cheap out on parts is what I am learning... $$$.

[Titchgamer]

I got cheap buttons and they are Sanwa style, they are not too great either based on my tests.

Dont cheap out on parts is what I am learning... $$$.

Yeah when it comes to the controls quality is key!!

[ark_ader]

They felt all kinds of sloppy, right on par with X-Gaming buttons.

Blasphemy!   

But I did replace the micro switches to cherry, but xgaming buttons are pretty good and hard wearing. 

[Cynicaster]

In my experience, the X-Arcade buttons are perfectly fine.  I mean, if one dislikes microswitch buttons in general, then that's one thing... but having spent countless hours using both brands, I'm baffled that anybody would call the X buttons garbage and sing the praises of Happ. 

I had a button once that had the issue described by the OP--it would sometimes not consistently register button presses.  I took a few small pieces of electrical tape and "padded out" the plunger, and it has worked flawlessly since (that was over 5 years ago).