Xbox 360 Controller - Mechanical Switches
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Hello all, I am new here, so I thought I'd like to contribute a little bit.
I had an idea recently which I am going to be working on very soon, I just have to make a decision on one part:
I am going to modify my Xbox 360 controller to use mechanical switches for the A, B, X, Y, buttons instead of the rubber switch.
I need help deciding which switch type to use for this (I am not that familiar with the types). My preference is a lighter switch (ie. low actuation force) but with a tactile/clicky feel to it. It also has to be small!
Here is a screenshot of a CAD drawing of the controller's board. White = button terminals. Red = Switch size
The Cherry MX Blue switches (my favorite) measure 15.6mm X 15.6mm which does not fit. You can see that it overlaps
Here is a CAD drawing of just any old tact switches from RadioShack. These are "SPST 12VDC/50mA 5.0mm High Tact Switch". The red extension on the top is a representation of the "B" button on the Xbox Controller.
Here is the link for that switch: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... er+%243.99
I can include some other measurements if you would like. Thus far I only have the concept, measurements, and various CAD drawings. I can design a new switch for you all to view and comment on as far as how functional it will be.
Thanks!!!
~Reddog9287
[EDIT] In my research, I found out that the Razer Onza has mechanical buttons, however this will be a little bit of a different thing. With a type of keyboard switch (granted I can find one) it will have a smooth feel, as well as a sort of "travel" to it. It also aims to be cheaper, and a simple modification to a controller that you already own.
I had an idea recently which I am going to be working on very soon, I just have to make a decision on one part:
I am going to modify my Xbox 360 controller to use mechanical switches for the A, B, X, Y, buttons instead of the rubber switch.
I need help deciding which switch type to use for this (I am not that familiar with the types). My preference is a lighter switch (ie. low actuation force) but with a tactile/clicky feel to it. It also has to be small!
Here is a screenshot of a CAD drawing of the controller's board. White = button terminals. Red = Switch size
The Cherry MX Blue switches (my favorite) measure 15.6mm X 15.6mm which does not fit. You can see that it overlaps
Here is a CAD drawing of just any old tact switches from RadioShack. These are "SPST 12VDC/50mA 5.0mm High Tact Switch". The red extension on the top is a representation of the "B" button on the Xbox Controller.
Here is the link for that switch: http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... er+%243.99
I can include some other measurements if you would like. Thus far I only have the concept, measurements, and various CAD drawings. I can design a new switch for you all to view and comment on as far as how functional it will be.
Thanks!!!
~Reddog9287
[EDIT] In my research, I found out that the Razer Onza has mechanical buttons, however this will be a little bit of a different thing. With a type of keyboard switch (granted I can find one) it will have a smooth feel, as well as a sort of "travel" to it. It also aims to be cheaper, and a simple modification to a controller that you already own.
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
The radioshack buttons or the xbox buttons?Icarium wrote: Those buttons are analog!
[EDIT] Doh of course both are, but there is no keyboard switch that is analog? I was under the strange impression that they were... I have to look again.
[EDIT 2] Right, so my understanding was that
Which is basically just what the other buttons do......white inner slider (which opens/closes the circuit).
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Done! Will post a few pics when I'm not too lazy
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Alright Ripster, I'm done being lazy now, here's how it all went down:
I decided to go with the regular tact switches from RadioShack for now. Next to Roosevelt (dime) for comparison.
Here are the pads that are originally on the controller.
The switches fit like so (see earlier CAD drawing)
They are the same height! Perfect! (also see CAD drawing)
With switch and "B" Button, perfect fit
All seated
I had to sand the buttons, I just could not get the switches soldered on perfectly to line up with them!
Little modification to pads
Hanging out on my wall
Finished product has a tactile feel when the button is depressed and looks just like a stock Xbox 360 controller. It makes pressing the button easier -> faster reaction in games. Tested out in Halo: Reach; works like a charm
The Razer Onza tournament edition does something similar with its buttons but hey, this cost me $4.00 and twenty minutes! Can't beat that!
If anyone is interested, I will post a "How-To Guide" for this.
~Reddog9287
I decided to go with the regular tact switches from RadioShack for now. Next to Roosevelt (dime) for comparison.
Here are the pads that are originally on the controller.
The switches fit like so (see earlier CAD drawing)
They are the same height! Perfect! (also see CAD drawing)
With switch and "B" Button, perfect fit
All seated
I had to sand the buttons, I just could not get the switches soldered on perfectly to line up with them!
Little modification to pads
Hanging out on my wall
Finished product has a tactile feel when the button is depressed and looks just like a stock Xbox 360 controller. It makes pressing the button easier -> faster reaction in games. Tested out in Halo: Reach; works like a charm
The Razer Onza tournament edition does something similar with its buttons but hey, this cost me $4.00 and twenty minutes! Can't beat that!
If anyone is interested, I will post a "How-To Guide" for this.
~Reddog9287
- Ascaii
- The Beard
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Main keyboard: CM Novatouch, g80-1851
- Main mouse: Corsair M65
- Favorite switch: Ergo clears, Topre
- DT Pro Member: 0019
The answer is always yes. I would be interested in how you made contact from buttons to the pcb and got the seating wiggle free. Mod section please =D
Last edited by Ascaii on 06 Apr 2012, 20:53, edited 1 time in total.
- off
- Location: the crapper, NL, EU
- DT Pro Member: -
An option would be just drilling holes in the solderpads instead of scraping then soldering to the pads.Ascaii wrote: contact from buttons to the pcb
And regarding the supposed analogue buttons-
TIL xbox1's controller face buttons are analog (8-bit). Yet the 360's aren't. Supposedly. Sources: 1 2 3
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Interesting idea Off! I can't seem to find the "Mods" section -.- do you mean "Workshop" Ascaii?
[EDIT] In reply to Icarium, those buttons are actually not analog. I said they were before but I was thinking reverse (analog was digital and digital was analog). Haha *facepalm*
[EDIT] In reply to Icarium, those buttons are actually not analog. I said they were before but I was thinking reverse (analog was digital and digital was analog). Haha *facepalm*
- off
- Location: the crapper, NL, EU
- DT Pro Member: -
On that note, I'd say Topre switches are- although not to windows.Reddog9287 wrote:but there is no keyboard switch that is analog? I was under the strange impression that they were...
Get funky with a bigass (custom) controller: get analog keyswitch.
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Posted in Workshop section!
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
DeathRay take a look at the Workshop section to see how I did the soldering! I highly recommend doing this it's a really great feel.
- JesuswasaZombie
- DT Pro Member: -
Can't wait to see the look on my room mates face when they wan't to watch netflix and the xbox controller is in pieces
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Ahaha great, see if you can get a pic! LOL
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Trent I'd love to make a video! I've been a little busy with work and school (and watching Top Gear ) but I'll make one when I get a chance.
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
Yeah I'd like for the threads to be consolidated but I guess it's okay for now. Video is coming I promise! I just have to finish it up sorry guys been so busy with school and work over here
- Reddog9287
- Main keyboard: 1999 Apple M2452
- Main mouse: Razer Mamba 2012
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -