PiGRRL Zero - alternatives to tactile buttons?

[t0r1n]

Hey guys,

Im currently building a PiGRRL Zero. I built the PiGRRL 2.0 and love it. As Im getting ready to build the new one, I would really like less "clicky" buttons. Not knowing much regarding terminology for press button switches, what should I be looking for? Specifically I am looking for something closer to what would be used in a typical controller. That being said, I do realize that typical controllers generally don't use anything similar to whats in the kit. My hope would be to find a type of 4mm switch I could use to replace the tactile ones in the kit that would give a more controller like feel. Any help / pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Ryan

[adafruit_support_mike]

A controller uses flexible membrane buttons like we have for the Trellis:

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1611

Those are a favorite of companies already doing injection molding anyway, but each one is custom-formed for the product it goes into. They don't exist as discrete devices.

You can chop up a controller and connect the switches to the RasPi (that's what the PiGrrl proect does), or you can hit Digikey and Mouser looking for low activation force tact switches.

[t0r1n]

I think ill give butchering up a SNES controller and modifying the case a go. If I have any luck Ill post the results. Thanks!
-Ryan

[t0r1n]

I have not had a chance to butcher up a SNES controller yet. I was looking at the website today and saw https://www.adafruit.com/products/3101 . Looks like these are exactly what I needed!!!! Thought I would post this in this thread in case anyone else is looking for a similar solution!

Thanks guys!

[adafruit_support_mike]

Yep, we just added those.

[aspiringnobody]

Those tac switches don't fit on the version of the PCB I received with my kit. They work for the dpad but won't fit on the action buttons.

- Evan

[aspiringnobody]

Those tac switches don't fit on the version of the PCB I received with my kit. They work for the dpad but won't fit on the action buttons.

- Evan

I take that back, I was able to get them to fit, but it's super sketchy. you need to insert X and B first, and then when you insert Y and A you'll have to bend the pins sideways in towards the center. I'm still waiting on parts to finish so I don't know how they actually work being slightly out of place. I'll update next week when I get the rest of the parts I need to boot it up.