buttons

[tranq]

I asked someone here in particular about this and got some great assistance and answers...and then I thought I might as well as about:

I like mouse buttons cos they have a very fast response with ultra low travel.  (Of course, the switches are pretty small.) I may end up having to modify some for use with push buttons, but if possible would like to find some push button-ready switches that might be like this.  Has anyone come across such a thing?

[deadkenndys1105]

The microswitchs in your mouse are nearly identical to the one that your get with your buttons.  The button it self has a little more travel.  I guess you could put something in that small space but I dont know what you could use.

[destructor]

Go for Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons.

[Level42]

I asked someone here in particular about this and got some great assistance and answers...and then I thought I might as well as about:

I like mouse buttons cos they have a very fast response with ultra low travel.  (Of course, the switches are pretty small.) I may end up having to modify some for use with push buttons, but if possible would like to find some push button-ready switches that might be like this.  Has anyone come across such a thing?

If you really like fast response with ultra low travel, leaf switches are the only real opion.
You can adjust the leafs as you like them. Mine are just-not-touching in the rest position.

But I do think mouse microswitches feel quicker and lower travel than arcade button microswitches. The spring tension also seems to be lower. Maybe the Sanwa buttons with the built-in microswitches are like these ?

I still recommend leafs though

[danny_galaga]

mouse switches are definitely 'softer' than sanwa micros, which are just normal microswitches. you could experiment with fitting mini microswitches in the sanwa housing, that would feel something like a mouse...

[destructor]

Maybe the Sanwa buttons with the built-in microswitches are like these ?

Yes.

[tranq]

Thank you, all, so far.

DeadK: yeah, I thought they were technically the same, so it must be their size - cos I thought of inserting a piece of something in-between, but the standard HAPP button is butt-up against the switch trigger - hence it's a matter of the switch design.

Level42: I don't like the idea of leaves for a few reasons.

WAIT.   I could make an optical button that would have like NO fu&*#% travel and the mother would NEVER WEAR OUT.  Not only that, but the switches could then be much much smaller.  I'm not implying I'm clever or anything, just that I have good ideas.

In the mean time, I'll look into the Sanwa.  Also, I contacted Cherry and they said check out their DB series.  Anyone on that?

[deadkenndys1105]

I have buttons from ultimarc and there is some space.  On the happ button is it just resting on it or is the button tight on the switch.  I would say get some leafs if you can.  I love my millipede with the orginal leaf switch.  The atari volcanoes have microswitchs but didn't they always?

[CheffoJeffo]

WAIT.   I could make an optical button that would have like NO fu&*#% travel and the mother would NEVER WEAR OUT.  Not only that, but the switches could then be much much smaller.  I'm not implying I'm clever or anything, just that I have good ideas.

Happ used to stock optical buttons. I have 6 or so lying around and don't like the feel at all.

Cheers

[Level42]

Level42: I don't like the idea of leaves for a few reasons.

Well the battle between leaf and ms will never end. It's personal taste really. But you asked for ultra short travel and very fast response. Both are better on leafs.

And don't believe the talk about maintenance. Yes, arcade operators may have had to fiddle with them, in a home situation, you won't have much problems. My Galaxian still has the orignal leafs...they still work fine after 26 years......my Atari (2600,800,XE) compatible Suzo Competition Pro has leafs, still works without any problem or adjusting after 24 years...

WAIT.   I could make an optical button that would have like NO fu&*#% travel and the mother would NEVER WEAR OUT.  Not only that, but the switches could then be much much smaller.  I'm not implying I'm clever or anything, just that I have good ideas.

  Not a new idea however. Possible but feels like %*(^&. The spring in the pushbuttons is calculated to push away either a MS or a leaf. Also, remember you're adding two wires for powering the LED for each button.

[tranq]

No, I'd suspect not a new idea; possibly, and particularly if they were made before maturity of components, not as micronised and efficient as they could be.  (A market economy doesn't well-define efficiency.)  The lack of the former of which just aesthetically puts me off leaves.

I would design the system to have a network sort of port to handle a button set, or that would encompass a set.   Hence, you'd only need three or four.

I'm not into tactile feed back with video games - but without having tried the HAPPs, I can't say about their function (travel, etc).  Cheffo, do you have any pics of them?

[CheffoJeffo]

No pics (and I ain't digging them out to take one), but they are ugly and feel sluggish.

There is a sketch of one here:

http://www.darkravenwind.com/cdvision/controls.htm

Googling for 'Perfect 360 pushbutton' might get something better.

If you want faster response and less resistance, you could always follow RandyT's advice from another thread on the same topic and remove the spring from the button, leaving just the spring within the switch itself.

Cheers