Looking for square, low-profile pushbuttons

[ebastler]

For a hobby project (which I hope to turn into instructions for others to re-build), I am looking for a specific flavour of momentary switches. I need to mount a few of them on the top side of a PCB, which will have all other components on the bottom (SMD only), such that the top looks "clean" and can be the front panel of the device.

So I am looking for momentary SPST buttons (tactile switches) with

• square keycaps, anywhere between 10*10 and 18*18 mm²,
• low profile, ideally 5 mm or less (including the cap),
• clean look, ideally you want to see the keycap only,
• SMD or through-hole mounting.

I was hoping to find a version of the popular 6*6 mm² or 12*12 mm² switches with a keycap that "goes around" the switch, largely hiding it. But nobody seems to make these. Flat square caps meant to go on one of those switches with a "stem" are available -- but will result in assembly that is too high for my taste, and will also have the cap "floating" above the visible switch; not the clean look I am aiming for.

Alternatively, I have looked for low-profile keys as used in notebook keyboards. But the best I can find are Kailh Choc switches and caps, which seem significantly higher than what's in my more recent notebooks.

"Reverse mount" switches which sit below the PCB, with only their cap/plunger extending upwards through a milled hole in the PCB, would also be a nice option -- but again, I could not find anything suitable.

Does anybody have a source for one of the above, or a better idea how to implement this? Thanks for any hints you might have!

[Terry Bites]

https://www.aliexpress.com/i/4000224636043.html

[ebastler]

Thank you, those look pretty nice indeed! A bit taller than ideal, but they look nice and clean and should certainly work well. Why did I not find them while staring at too many AliExpress pages? I will order some samples!

[liaifat85]

You can check these out: https://robu.in/product/12x12x7-3mm-tactile-push-button-switch-round/

[eleguy]

We have used sometimes series TL3315 switches from the E-Switch. These have really low profile (0.55mm). Available at least from the Digikey. Not too pricey and good feeling. Certainly depends what are you at the end up to but maybe good to check.

https://www.e-switch.com/product-catalog/tl3315-series-ultra-low-profile-smt-tactile-switch

their full catalog is nice

https://www.e-switch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rev4_Final_2023_ESWProductMatrix.pdf

[ebastler]

You can check these out: https://robu.in/product/12x12x7-3mm-tactile-push-button-switch-round/

Thanks! But how would I attach a square keycap to these? 3D-printing and a cap which "hides" the switch and glueing it on might work, but I would prefer a solution which is easily reproduced.

We have used sometimes series TL3315 switches from the E-Switch. These have really low profile (0.55mm). Available at least from the Digikey. Not too pricey and good feeling. Certainly depends what are you at the end up to but maybe good to check.

Many thanks as well! These defeinitely qualify as "low profile". I had come across these switches during my search, but had assumed that the tactile feel would be unpleasant. Great to get your hands-on impression that they are quite good! I'll get some samples with my next DigiKey or Mouser order.

[eleguy]

[Great to get your hands-on impression that they are quite good! I'll get some samples with my next DigiKey or Mouser order.

Well it is my opinion and depending on the use case. Don't get it granted you would like them too