Xbox 360 Controller - Mechanical Switches

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Reddog9287

03 Apr 2012, 00:55

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
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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.
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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.

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Icarium

03 Apr 2012, 11:01

Don't do that.

Those buttons are analog!

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Reddog9287

03 Apr 2012, 12:24

Icarium wrote: Those buttons are analog!
The radioshack buttons or the xbox buttons?

[EDIT] Doh :roll: 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
...white inner slider (which opens/closes the circuit).
Which is basically just what the other buttons do...

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Reddog9287

06 Apr 2012, 02:24

Done! Will post a few pics when I'm not too lazy :P

ripster

06 Apr 2012, 03:43

I was going to post pics of the actual Xbox innards but I'm too lazy too.

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Reddog9287

06 Apr 2012, 04:15

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.
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Here are the pads that are originally on the controller.
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The switches fit like so (see earlier CAD drawing)
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They are the same height! Perfect! (also see CAD drawing)
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With switch and "B" Button, perfect fit
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All seated
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I had to sand the buttons, I just could not get the switches soldered on perfectly to line up with them!
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Little modification to pads
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Hanging out on my wall
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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 :mrgreen:

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

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Ascaii
The Beard

06 Apr 2012, 10:09

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.

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Icarium

06 Apr 2012, 12:24

I wonder how the analog feature of the original buttons works.

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off

06 Apr 2012, 22:50

Ascaii wrote: contact from buttons to the pcb
An option would be just drilling holes in the solderpads instead of scraping then soldering to the pads.

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

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Icarium

06 Apr 2012, 23:07

Hm..I wish I knew where my Dead or Alive is to confirm this. I never played it on the 360.

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Reddog9287

07 Apr 2012, 02:18

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*

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Ascaii
The Beard

07 Apr 2012, 09:08

Yes! Workshop.

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off

07 Apr 2012, 13:52

Reddog9287 wrote:but there is no keyboard switch that is analog? I was under the strange impression that they were...
On that note, I'd say Topre switches are- although not to windows.
Get funky with a bigass (custom) controller: get analog keyswitch.

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Reddog9287

08 Apr 2012, 00:46

Posted in Workshop section!

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JesuswasaZombie

11 Apr 2012, 00:50

definitely going to try this...

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Reddog9287

11 Apr 2012, 00:52

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.

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JesuswasaZombie

11 Apr 2012, 00:55

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 :D

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Reddog9287

11 Apr 2012, 02:26

Ahaha great, see if you can get a pic! LOL

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Trent

12 Apr 2012, 08:15

Video with sound? Does one exist yet? YouTube this please!

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Reddog9287

16 Apr 2012, 01:27

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.

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off

16 Apr 2012, 13:20

Shouldn't both threads be consolidated somehow?
(+1 on the vid ;))

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Reddog9287

19 Apr 2012, 04:32

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

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Reddog9287

25 Apr 2012, 22:23


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