Hey all,
Wanted to post an update now that I’ve got a working version of the molded switch I’ve been messing with.
What it is:
- Flexible urethane overmold (about ~0.7mm over the actuator)
- Internal tactile switch + PCB
- Low-profile, sealed design meant to replace aging/failed buttons
Why I started this:
A lot of the original buttons on older markers are either:
- cracking
- delaminating
- or just flat-out failing
I wanted something that:
- feels close to stock (or better...it feels better 😁)
- holds up long-term
- can actually be reproduced consistently
Where it’s at now:
I’ve got:
- A repeatable mold process
- Consistent actuation through the urethane
- Working assemblies that are holding up to testing
The current version uses a ~60A urethane which gives a nice balance between:
- durability
- flexibility
- tactile feedback
What I’m still dialing in:
- Long-term durability (diving/sliding/snagging scenarios)
- Finalizing assembly workflow so results stay consistent
Plan going forward:
I’ll be building a small batch and getting a few into people’s hands for real-world use before calling them “done.”
Looking for input:
- Any specific failure modes you’ve seen (tearing, delamination, water ingress, etc.)?
- Preference on feel — softer vs firmer actuation?
Not taking orders yet — just trying to make sure this is actually worth putting out there and that I’m solving a real problem.
Appreciate any feedback 👍
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