Where to get Japanese style microswitches?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:29 am

Is this even possible? I'd like to pick up a few of these switches that just press down smoothly and come back up smoothly, not like the ones that click loudly when they go down, and then click again when they come up.

Although it looks more common from what I've seen for the switches to be integrated into the button... is it possible to get the OMG Sanwa switches retrofitted into western-style buttons?

Damocles · Post by **Damocles** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:00 pm

You talking about leaf switches? If so you can find them nearly anywhere.

SFKhoa · Post by **SFKhoa** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:50 pm

You're not making yet another IIDX controller, are you?

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:38 pm

Ah, thanks Damocles. I had no idea that this was the kind of thing the buttons used.

Not thinking of making another IIDX controller, but rather retrofitting these leaf switches into the one I've already made... Oh, and still no turntable :\
But I've finally gone to the ONE arcade in my city that has IIDX...

oxtsu · Post by **oxtsu** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 8:56 pm

They are certainly not leafswitches (which use two metal planks for activation, and are far less reliable). Standard Japan pushbuttons use a switch with a spring and ball bearing plunger (different from the traditional heavy feeling and ultra-clicky microswitch type). These can be purchased seperately from Sanwa/Seimitsu, though I doubt it would be feasible to put them in a US style button. I could send you a few Sanwa standard switches if you need them; just cover the shipping.

Post by **system11** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 10:08 pm

You got a picture of those switches oxtsu? They sound very much like a type of microswitch commonly found on pinball machines. I'm a fan of leaf switches myself - adjust them well and they're brilliant to use, and they last a lifetime with simple cleaning every year or so.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 12:53 am

Thanks for the offer oxtsu, but like bloodflowers I'd like a picture too, since ideally I want to fit them into some rectangular pushbuttons that are already fitted for Western microswitches.

oxtsu · Post by **oxtsu** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 3:08 am

I'm calling 9-to-1 odds that they won't work in that application, but worth a shot. I'll post some pics for you guys soon.

Post by **Dave_K.** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:03 am

Maybe this what you are thinking about (leaf switch with western style button)?

Ponyboy on BYOAC is selling these here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.p ... #msg325164

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 4:12 am

Thanks for the reference Dave K. I'll wait and see what oxtsu has available, otherwise I will be in touch with ponyboy if the leaf switches feel anything closer to Japanese switches... the clickiness of mine is really getting to me after feeling the smoothness of authentic IIDX...

oxtsu · Post by **oxtsu** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 5:41 am

IIDX? Hmm...I just checked the button type for this cabinet. They use normal full sized microswitches. They are also quite expensive! Around $8 each w/o LED, $18 for smoke color w/LED, $15 for white w/LED. That is before the importing costs of course. You can view them at the bottom of the page, here.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 6:09 am

That's interesting oxtsu... I wonder what kind of microswitches they are, because the pushbuttons I got look pretty similar, except I got clicky Omron switches, and I also have a handful of lighter but still clicky Cherry switches.

But when I went to play IIDX at an arcade, I am positive the buttons were smooth...

Does Sanwa sell separate switches that will fit that size?

oxtsu · Post by **oxtsu** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 9:49 pm

Sanwa uses Omron branded microswitches as well. There are two types: one is grey and rated at 200 grams of pressure for engagement, the other black (appears to be the one on those IIDX buttons) and 100 grams pressure. They do sell them seperately.

Probably the buttons in your local IIDX machine are long into their service life, so the engagement would feel more smooth. I've tried this game in a spot around my way, and it did feel smooth like you say, though I could tell they were microswitches by the heaviness. I'm guessing that standard pushbutton switches don't perform well in these large button applications because of the weight of the face and assembly.

bloodf, here's the pic of Sanwa's standard pushbutton switch:

+ Sanwa RG/Seimitsu X type switch (Omron brand):

Ultramagnetic

iatneH, let me know if need measurements of these switches.

iatneH · Post by **iatneH** » Sat Apr 01, 2006 10:35 pm

Thanks a lot for the info oxtsu, your expertise has been very helpful :)

It doesn't look like those switches will fit in my assemblies though so I'll see about picking up a few leaf switches later on.

oxtsu · Post by **oxtsu** » Sun Apr 02, 2006 7:44 am

No problem-oh, mr.H

shmups.system11.org

Where to get Japanese style microswitches?

Where to get Japanese style microswitches?

Re: Where to get Japanese style microswitches?