Betson vs Happ Buttons (pics)

[wakerlet]

All,

It seems like there have been quite a few people lately asking about the difference in the Happ - lorrenzo (sp?) buttons vs. the Beston Imperial button.

The first and most significant difference is that the Happ buttons come standard with Cherry microswitches while the Betson buttons come with Zippy microswitches.  the prevailing opinion is that the Cherry MS is better.  Note:  you can order the Betson button with the Cherry MS.

Now when it comes to the button construction, I really didn't notice any real differences.  Yesterday I recieved an order from Betson and Bob Roberts with buttons so I decided to post a few pictures.

Hope this helps someone...

[wakerlet]

Both "longer" style buttons in this pic.  The Betson is the green one and the Happ is the Red one.  Notice the threading difference.  Also the Betson has an "ME" designation while the Happ has the "iL" designation.

[wakerlet]

 The Betson is the green one and the Happ is the Red one.  No difference from the bottom

[wakerlet]

The Betson is the green one and the Happ is the Red one.  Size and shape of the top seems to be the same.

[wakerlet]

The Betson is the green one and the Happ is the Red one.  Took them apart and found that the springs are slightly different.  The Happ one is wider (not by much)

[wakerlet]

Player 1 and two comparison.  Betson's have the open stance.

[wakerlet]

Okay now on to the color comparison.  Onlt had two of the same color (besides black and white which match exactly).  First the red.  Happ on the right (longer style button) Betson on the left (shorter style button).  No visible color difference.

[wakerlet]

Happ on the left (longer style button) Betson on the right (shorter style button). There is a color difference here.  The Happ button is a more pure (IMO) blue.  The Betson button has a slightly more purple hue to it.  Note:  All colors are washed out because of the flash.

[SirPeale]

Both "longer" style buttons in this pic.  The Betson is the green one and the Happ is the Red one.  Notice the threading difference.  Also the Betson has an "ME" designation while the Happ has the "iL" designation.

iL stands for "Industrias Lorenzo" the people who actually make the buttons.  I have no idea who the ME people are.

[RayB]

What I want to know is, who designed/invented that style of button in the first place (I'm referring to the shape and design of the top push button part). I guess these have been around since the days of Pinball, and the patent is probably expired, thus everyone can make them look the same??

Anyone know a little history about this kind of button, and why is it ONLY amusement devices use them? How come you don't see these buttons used in other places?

[SirPeale]

Anyone know a little history about this kind of button, and why is it ONLY amusement devices use them? How come you don't see these buttons used in other places?

Sure you do!  There's a museum up the road that uses them to activate certain exhibits.  The bottle redemption machines I use have them to print out your ticket.  Sometimes I see them in store displays to activate the display.

[RandyT]

Anyone know a little history about this kind of button, and why is it ONLY amusement devices use them? How come you don't see these buttons used in other places?

I also see them in those Pharmacy "Check your Blood Pressure" kiosks.  

RandyT

[rampy]

Anyone know a little history about this kind of button, and why is it ONLY amusement devices use them? How come you don't see these buttons used in other places?

I also see them in those Pharmacy "Check your Blood Pressure" kiosks.  

RandyT

finally something I can get high score in!

=)

rampy