Keyboard keys as arcade button

[danilux]

Hi, I want to add some 4 especial functions buttons to my arcade cabinet, mostly for controlling the front end, exit, enter, ect, and I wanted to use keycaps with key switches since they come in different colors and look great, but I wanted to know if there's a way to connect them directly to my USB zero delay encoder to recieve the signal, or do I have to use a keyboard PCB that connects to the computer?

[PL1]

Hi, I want to add some 4 especial functions buttons to my arcade cabinet, mostly for controlling the front end, exit, enter, ect, and I wanted to use keycaps with key switches since they come in different colors and look great, but I wanted to know if there's a way to connect them directly to my USB zero delay encoder to recieve the signal, or do I have to use a keyboard PCB that connects to the computer?

From an electrical viewpoint:
A keyboard switch is just a switch. Connect the ZD board wiring to the two switch terminals and you're good to go.

If you're getting the switches from an old keyboard, you'll probably want to remove them from the original PCB because keyboards use row/column matrix inputs instead of individual switch inputs like most arcade encoders.

From a physical viewpoint:
Using a typical keyboard switch on a control panel is much more difficult than most pushbuttons.

They are designed to be mounted on a PCB or perfboard.
- In this thread, Baritonomarchetto used Eagle CAD (PCB design software) to make the Gerber files that you would send to a PCB fabrication house.

If you have a 3d printer you might be able to find/design a button body/bezel that holds the key switch(es).

Bottom line:
Can keyboard switches be used for this application?
- Yes, if you have the necessary skillsets and tools.

Is it worth the huge effort?
- Only you can answer that.   


Scott