Understanding ARCADE BUTTONS

Arcade buttons are robust, durable inputs suitable for a wide-range of electronics projects - not only videogames and arcade machines, but interactive museum and gallery exhibits, public art installations, escape room props... and many more! They are not expensive, and they're easy to obtain from online suppliers or can be reclaimed from old scrap machines.

In this "deep-dive" tutorial video I'll try to demonstrate various useful things I've learned about them:
- How to insert custom text or images to display on the button front
- How to change the bulb supplied with an illuminated button designed to run at 12V to operate from a 5V power supply instead (such as an Arduino)
- The function of NO and NC terminal contacts on the microswitch
- The overwhelming (and, frankly, frustrating!) array of subtly different varieties of bulb holders you might encounter...

[neoflix]

Your channel is simply amazing.. I wish I had time in life to do every project

[jaycee]

I should watch your videos more often :)

[KrazeeKraftZ]

Helpful hints and tips as always, thanks Alistair, much appreciated

[robertedlund]

Really love your content Allister! Keep it up.

[KrazeeKraftZ]

Just ordered some of the large arcade buttons to make a puzzle for my Mario, Save the Princess Escape game scenario.

[lwo]

What a great little video. Thanks mate! Would love to see one of these on something like stepper motors but I think you've probably done one before as I saw your clock hand in a previous video

[justinmorris]

Could I use a button like this as an on/off switch for say a light box? :)

[uzibatish]

Can i install the green ones on my 8bitDo arcade controller?

[olimar]

What Are The Size Buttons That Are On Project Diva/Pop N Music Buttons?
.
Also Is It Better To Replace The Stock Switches To Omron Switches?

[DJRandomHajile]

How about lighting the button when they're pressed? Would that be done with relays or with having the button connected in series with the switch to a pin that's pulled up to 5v?