I’m building an electronic device that needs a button, and I really want it to be a silicone pad like the ones you find on midi controllers.
I had assumed it would be easy to buy one, but I haven’t been able to find it. I feel like I’m googling the wrong thing. I’ve found some assemblies with multiple buttons, but I only want one.
Ideally, I want a a complete assembly with the circuit board and the button. Something that is ready to wire like a regular push button. Any ideas where to find one?
This is great info, thanks. I’m still surprised that no one sells individual pads. I can’t be the only one that’s interested in something like this. Maybe a market opportunity for someone?
I don’t need it to be velocity sensitive, I just need it to be a simple momentary push button.
Like you suggested, I’ll look into casting my own.
Not needing velocity sensitivity makes things easier by an order of a magnitude. If you just need a momentary switch, you can most certainly find an off-the-shelf component that will fulfill your needs. In that case, it could make sense to order a silicone matrix, treat it as donor for individual pads and cut them to size.
The only issue then would be mounting the pad to the switch, but that shouldn’t be much of a challenge.
A matrix of silicone pads will cost you $1 - $2 on e. g. AliExpress, giving you plenty of individual pads to prototype.
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/MIDI-Silicone-Rubber-Contacts-4x4-Keypad_62556091213.html
Casting your own button would still be an easy option though.
Edit: oh and one more thing - individual covers for push buttons absolutely exist, naturally. You might want to search for “push button cover”, along with your favorite material and shape. It’s the individual, velocity sensitive pad along with a silicone cover that is not a thing.
Plus, if you have access to a 3D printer, simply printing a button in a flexible material (e. g. TPU) is absolutely an option, I’ve done that myself.