OMFG I think I’ve searched everywhere… I hope one of you guys can help me find these switches. Here’s what I want:
Momentary on (of course)
.3-.8" in button/cap size (the bit you push, not necessarily the mounting hole)
Panel mount, in a circular hole
Short throw
Throw feels like a laptop key
Matte or textured black or grey or metallic (IE a neutral shade) caps
Sealed would be nice!
If any of you have seen something like that in your travels, I’d love to know!
RS stock number: 664-339
haven’t tried them, but they look ok. if you’re really looking for laptop feel keys, there are keyboard switches available with nice square keycaps, like laptop keys, but alas they’e not panel mount. 
I have recently been looking for buttons like the ones on the faderfox. They are momentary and have a really easy good feel. I asked the guys at faderfox and they pointed me to these that are made by ITT CANON
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?sku=1201378
from what i can see the only problem is they panel mount but on the faderfox they are nice and flush with the surface giving enough distance to push but not be soggy, something like a laptop key although a bit firmer. They come in all sorts of colours and as round or square - if they are like the faderfox ones then they have a slight metallic glint.
My problem now is that as they pcb mount and I am a newbie and want to by bits from smash tv, how can I incorporate them into my controller. You seem to know your stuff so I dont suppose youve got any suggestions? can I mount them onto another board just to hold them in place but then wire them to the DIN, what do you think?
of course you can mount them on a PCB!
just make a custom pcb and run a DIL connector back to the DINs from the custom PCB…
On the topic of buttons… quick question:
I’m also in search of buttons and need to know something about the LED wiring. Do the LED contacts need to be seperate of the buttons contacts? I think so because they need to go back to a seperate PCB but I need to know 'cause I want a button w/ the LED inside of it, not a seperate LED.
Thanks,
TIM
Do the LED contacts need to be seperate of the buttons contacts?
not sure quite what u mean, but here goes at an explaination
an illuminated button will (usually) have contacts for the switch and separate pins for the LED.
you can use the same negative for the LED as for the DIN. obviously the positives will need to go to the DOUT and the DIN
haven’t tried them, but they look ok
Thanks dude… That exactly my problem, looking at specs just doesn’t really cut it when buying switches 
I think I should go visit my local store (switchesplus) so I can actually feel them, but I’m trapped with work. argh!
pay me the air fare, and i’ll go!!
I’ve just bitten the bullet and ordered 1 of everything that looks interesting (well interesing enough to pay for), cause way I see it, you’ve gotta feel 'em and give 'em a good old battering to make sure they are upto the job - especially if they are going on the road with you
are you still talking about buttons, or have you just been to a brothel?
They are momentary and have a really easy good feel. I asked the guys at faderfox and they pointed me to these that are made by ITT CANON
http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?sku=1201378
Someone else was asking about those recently:
http://www.midibox.org/forum/index.php?topic=7526.0
They may not all be like mine, but mine aren’t 100% “laptop-like” in click feel. The click is a bit cheaper, sharper, and harder feeling than most laptop keys, but still tolerable. Of course YMMV.
Take Care
are you still talking about buttons, or have you just been to a brothel?
lol, I wish I had the time…