Thin power buttons?

Harnser

Weaksauce
Joined
Aug 3, 2014
Messages
71
I'm in the early planning stages of a SFF scratch-built HTPC case, and have been looking for power buttons to keep with the overall design aesthtic.

Originally I wanted a touch-activated button like the XBOX 360 Slim had, but capacitance buttons can't be bought pre-made so I gave up on that :)

I want a metal-finish button like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-039-DT maybe with LED lighting (it would be useful to know the machine is on), however I cannot track down less deep buttons, as the case is small and this sticks into space reserved for the SSD.

Why are most 12V momentary switch buttons an inch/inch-and-a-half (25mm-35mm) in length? Is there a source of shorter ones? I've seen a couple on aliexpress etc but not here in Europe.

There are alternative tactile switches like http://www.rapidonline.com/electronic-components/3ctl6s-ip67-tactile-switch-80565 but they're really ugly in comparison and not waht I'd want mounted on the front of my case.
 
How DIY are you willing to go? And how thin do you need it to be?
 
I can't do the metal turning to get a nice metallic button, but I can disassemble an existing one. So happy to consider building a button from components. Given I don't really want much travel on the button (more "touch on", not "push on") that could work too.

As to thickness - 10-15mm would be good.
 
What about a mouse switch, like an Omron?

D2HWA201D.jpg

push-button-switches-15954-2358323.jpg
 
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