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Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 11:59 am
by HoolyHoo
Was messing around with a PCB backboard alternative for when I receive my new Kite's CS

I know there are some options out there but I had the Adafruit soft silicone buttons I wanted to use (Also available much cheaper on Aliexpress). I have used these with the MintyPi XL and really liked the feel of them. They feel almost exactly like if you were using GB membranes but without the hassle of wells, silicone membranes or a bracket to hold it in place. This is what I came up with.
Very simple but does the job great. I went with the bigger 12mm caps as I like that for the back as they are easy to reach. The feel, as I said, is just like the membranes. Nice soft feel with a satisfying and quiet push action. Here it is in the case. Ignore the misaligned top holes as this is an old test case I use.
The PCB mounts through the cartridge holder post and is secured with screws. No glue or bracket needed to mount the PCB. The buttons I used fit nicely against the silicone buttons without play and without the use of wells. Compatible with Kites board
I also came up with a four button version that I have been playing with. Let me know what you guys think.
Thanks

Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Wed Dec 13, 2017 12:55 pm
by YaYa
what i think ? when do you plan to sell them on kits hahahaah ? (i'm serious)
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:43 am
by erik_gee
Nice design !
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2017 4:33 pm
by neolith
Really nice – I like it!

Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:24 pm
by erik_gee
I have some experience working in this area with my sets, is there anything I could help with?
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:39 pm
by HoolyHoo
erik_gee wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:24 pm
I have some experience working in this area with my sets, is there anything I could help with?
Thanks Erik, very kind of you. At this point I really have nothing left to do as the fit is just perfect. I am really liking the combination of using the bigger 12mm tact caps with the soft silicone membrane feel without the hassle.
The only thing I have been playing with is making a four button version but honestly they would have to sit higher up otherwise they will be too crowded. This, of course, takes up more room in the case. No big deal for me as I would just be using a dummy cartridge anyways but for other, that space may be needed. Personally, it wouldn’t bother me. The 4 button version is done. Just need to have it sent off.
Thanks for the offer and I humbly reciprocate on my end as well

. Do you see something that maybe we can improve on?
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2017 2:23 pm
by erik_gee
HoolyHoo wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:39 pm
erik_gee wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2017 1:24 pm
I have some experience working in this area with my sets, is there anything I could help with?
Thanks Erik, very kind of you. At this point I really have nothing left to do as the fit is just perfect. I am really liking the combination of using the bigger 12mm tact caps with the soft silicone membrane feel without the hassle.
The only thing I have been playing with is making a four button version but honestly they would have to sit higher up otherwise they will be too crowded. This, of course, takes up more room in the case. No big deal for me as I would just be using a dummy cartridge anyways but for other, that space may be needed. Personally, it wouldn’t bother me. The 4 button version is done. Just need to have it sent off.
Thanks for the offer and I humbly reciprocate on my end as well

. Do you see something that maybe we can improve on?
no problem! and thank you! I was actually just discussing something similar to this with kite on his post, as he has made a similar solution to ours.
The only problem Ive had, which im not sure if youve encountered yet, is that those 12mm caps are a little large for the compartment. They have to sit a little higher than center so the lip doesnt hit the batter compartment edge. But it looks like you found a good spot.
Ive also had numerous requests for a 4 button solution as well. I will admit, it is hard haha like you said, they would have to sit higher. There just isnt enough space to sit comfortably. Ive been playing around with different locations, but everything feels strangly spaced when adding 4 buttons. I think that would be the biggest problem we face. Your tactile seem to be a good idea as they require less room then a button,conductive pad, and button wells so that probably the best route
If you ever wanna bounce ideas shoot me a pm! Id love to have a discussion about anything haha
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:01 pm
by rodocop
very nice, the soft tactile buttons probably feel nice!
Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:42 pm
by HoolyHoo
rodocop wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:01 pm
very nice, the soft tactile buttons probably feel nice!
Yes, they actually feel quite nice if you like the soft silicone feel as opposed to the standard clicky, noisy tactile.

Re: Soft Silicone Tactile Back Button L1 R1 Option
Posted: Mon Dec 25, 2017 12:02 pm
by axtran
Wow, this looks wonderful. I think the large rear buttons will keep things fancy.