Hi folks, I'm currently developing a mp3 player that is activated by something a little bit heavier and less soft than a human finger, I'm afraid that if I use those common switches I'll end breaking it, what other options I have of adding a more robust button? I don't wanna use sensors cause they got some delay and I don't like it. Thank you all!
If you go to eBay and search for 'push button switch' I'm sure that you'll find more than enough.
Try a vane switch.....
bluejets:
Try a vane switch.....
I'm curious on how does this one works
bogoio:
I'm curious on how does this one works
It is an opto-electronic device.
You insert a vane (which you have to supply/make yourself, it is not part of the switch as supplied) between the IR emitter and IR detector. Moving the vane in/out of the gap performs the switching.
You could try searching for "vandal proof" switches.
Would a common door bell button work?
Other robust buttons are piezo discs and capacitive sensors.
A piezo disc is what is used for acoustic instrument sound pickups. You can put a piezo on the back of a door and detect a knock on that door. I have smacked good piezo discs directly with a screwdriver handle with good solid hits and no damage but still a cover plate makes sense.
Cheaper and perhaps more versatile is capacitive sensing through a non-conductive cover. The Arduino Playground has an article giving the basics and on the web is more like if you surround the touch area with a grounded area (capacitance works with areas) then the return from the touch will be more definite. But you can get started by paperclipping a piece of foil to a jumper.
Sing out if you're interested, you will have a minor project or two to do just getting it right.
There are IR close proximity sensors with built-in IR led at 90 degrees to the detector. Only something close will trigger one. It's not exactly a button but they are dependable.
If the thing pressing the button is metal then a gear tooth counter or like may be your best sensor.