Alternative ideas for these switches

Using Arduino General Electronics
1

I have a project that needs PCB-mounted pushbutton switches, like these from Sparkfun: Momentary Pushbutton Switch - 12mm Square - COM-09190 - SparkFun Electronics

Unfortunately, the reliability of these switches (mechanically, not switch bounce) is not sufficient for my needs.

Is there anything else I can use in place of five switches like this? Ideas?

2

DigiKey.com has PAGES of tactile switches. The most expensive ones are from Omron: http://www.omron.com/ecb/products/pdf/en-b3f.pdf

3

I spent about an hour on DigiKey's site last night. I wasn't able to find a pushbutton switch in this configuration with a height that was sufficient to poke through the box lid that I'm making. Even the Omron switches aren't tall enough. I also don't know how to make a switch cover to press lower height switches - although I'm open to learning how if anyone knows.

I might just have to try the Sparkfun switches, but I'm not expecting much.

4

If you want button height then the Panasonic EVQ11 or EVQ2 models might work:

http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-data/pdf/ATK0000/ATK0000CE11.pdf
http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-data/pdf/ATK0000/ATK0000CE33.pdf

You can get them in 9.5, 7.0, 5.0, and 4.3 mm button height. They only have two pins instead of 4.

The FSM series from TE Connectivity have heights up to 17mm:

http://documents.tycoelectronics.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=1825910&DocType=CD&DocLang=EN

5

Could you (crazy) glue something to the top of a switch button?

6

Switches for electronic keyboards have to survive millions of cycles, try one's designed for that?

7

Alligator:
I spent about an hour on DigiKey's site last night. I wasn't able to find a pushbutton switch in this configuration with a height that was sufficient to poke through the box lid that I'm making. Even the Omron switches aren't tall enough. I also don't know how to make a switch cover to press lower height switches - although I'm open to learning how if anyone knows.

I might just have to try the Sparkfun switches, but I'm not expecting much.

The buttons shouldn't poke through. Typically, they will sit on the PCB, and a separate button bit of plastic will poke through.

microswitch.png

8