EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

Electronics => Repair => Topic started by: ballsystemlord on November 17, 2024, 03:34:23 am

Title: Repairing laptop; need advice on tactile switch manufacturer to go with.
Post by: ballsystemlord on November 17, 2024, 03:34:23 am

Hello,
I have an older laptop who's only problem is that the mouse button switch failed. I've not yet opened the laptop up, but it feels like it's a basic 4p dip switch which you see used everywhere. Because it's a mouse switch, it's going to take a lot of abuse. So, I decided to look for something with more endurance. I'm now browsing mouser and I see for the highest endurance switches I can choose between the following manufacturers:

C&K Switches
E-Switch
Omron
Alps Alpine
Apem

IDK which of these would be considered the best. I'm also uncertain if there's a particular switch design which, though different, I might bodge in to get a more permanent solution.

Anyone got advice?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Repairing laptop; need advice on tactile switch manufacturer to go with.
Post by: ballsystemlord on November 21, 2024, 12:06:35 am

I opened it up. The buttons look like half height SMD ones. Other than that, it's exactly what I expected.

Title: Re: Repairing laptop; need advice on tactile switch manufacturer to go with.
Post by: amyk on November 21, 2024, 04:59:26 am

I've had success with opening those switches up and polishing the contacts with cleaner.

If you really want to replace it, Alps and Omron are safe choices.