Best practice for SMT buttons used with a box?

T Chap

I have made a drawing that depicts the idea. A custom box with a hole for a plastic plunger that sits on top of a SMT button. I have examined a few gadgets and see a few variations. I am looking for the best 'feel', meaning very little play. The idea drawn looks like it will have a lot of play, mostly dependent on the thickness of the box top to hold the plunger straight. Anyone have any suggestions to make a nice feeling button like this?

Erik Friesen

I have seen a few items that skip the button entirely, and just use an overlay on top of the tactile switch. Capacitive touch works too, but you have to give audio feedback. Custom moulded rubber keys are too expensive for many projects, and not waterproof either.

Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)

There are surface-mount tactile switches designed to accept caps. Since the shaft fits up inside the cap, there won't be any play. Here's an example:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/B3FS-1052/SW792-ND/664757

-Phil

T Chap

I like that switch Phil, that solves it. Thanks.