pushbutton

anyone know where to find a plastic or metal actuator for a front
panel push button for home theater equipment. I wanted to use a fancy
button actuator that presses against a simple tact switch. Seems like
all the consumer products out there use custom molded front panel
buttons. I don't want to pay for custom molding since I need about
250 buttons to start. I also don't like the look of the panel mount
pushbutton assemblies, too industrial looking.

Any ideas or sources?

Thanks!

 

Is this a once-off make, or something you will make lots of ?

I get custom-made membrane keypads made for jobs with atleast 10 units
that need to look nice.

Membrane keypads can be very nice for front panels - you can get the
printed with graphics, lots of colors, LCD windows, inbuilt led's etc.

decoding these in your device shouldnt be too difficult. Depending on
your circuit needs, they dont even need to be matrix'ed.

The prices range from about 10pounds to 25pounds per keypad (at qty's
of 20) depending on size and other requirements, led's, windows,
graphics etc. Atleast this is what i paid.
There is always an initial setup cost involved for them to setup their
templates.

Alex.

 

There is actually only 1 button on the front panel, but I'm making a
couple hundred total front panels. I think a membrane keypad is a
little overkill. I just want a inexpensive tact switch with nice
looking button cap that isn't industrial looking.

 

If you are looking for membrane keyboards then the company i work for
buys them from IGT Industries if its any help. The web site is
www.igt-industries.com The site is a bit crap but they are a good
company to deal with. They do all sorts so theymight well be able to
help you. Dont know if its any help.
Becki