Most compact momentary foot switch

[Mick Bailey]

I'm looking for a really compact momentary foot switch that either needs to be a soft-touch or membrane type. As a last resort I'll make my own, but really wanted something off the shelf. All the usual ones I've found are too big and I have a real challenge to cram a lot of stuff into Hammond 1590B sized box - microproceesor board, + support electronics, three switches, foot switch, 4x pots, 4x 1/4" sockets, DC socket, bezel-mount LED and opamp etc. It's easy to build this into a larger box, but I challenged myself to get everything as compact as possible.

I've spent a long time looking, but everything is filtered and skewed towards the same stuff, so maybe someone has seen something that may work out.

[g1]

Are you looking for something with smaller than usual size of actuator?

[xtian]

I mean, you could use a tac switch and 3D print a foot button...

[Mick Bailey]

The actuator needs to be a regular size. I can machine up a button assembly in stainless to hold a tactile switch, but the intention is to create a piece of equipment someone else could build without too much difficulty. With this in mind, something off the shelf would be better. I don't have a 3D printer, but have machining facilities.

I've got some Alpha momentary switches but these have an overly strong click action. The body size is acceptable though and it may be fairly straightforward to replace the innards with a tactile switch. It needs to be sensitive enough for easy double-clicking with the foot.

[g1]

You've probably already seen all these, but if not they may give you some ideas.
https://www.banzaimusic.com/Pushbutt...hes-Momentary/

[Mick Bailey]

Thanks, I'd overlooked the description of one of the switches: In the link there's a low force version of the Alpha switches I have and this looks to be just what I need.

[J M Fahey]

Just curious: in my book the words "Tact/membrane" switch and *foot* activation don´t go in the same phrase.

[Mick Bailey]

They're used a fair bit in stomp box products ( thinking mainly of Line 6 but I've come across others) where fast switching with minimum contact bounce is needed. The actuators have a double spring arrangement, one for the button return and another that applies pressure to the tactile switch - this means that the switch operation force is minimised and is always independent of foot pressure.

Rather than pay the steep overseas postage cost for a single switch I've just made one from a redundant Alpha switch. A few minutes had the actuator turned up from some brass rod and I made it so the 12mm tactile switch can be easily replaced.

This type of footswitch is ideal where a double click is needed (tap tempo etc). I need to use the switch as single press for note hold/sustain, double press <350ms for bypass, then when in bypass, single press returns to operation.