Analogue-sequencer

> > The current P3 switch boards will take standard tact
> > switches as well as the Multimec and Maplin parts, and
> > there are a huge range of different caps for those.
>
> Are you talking about pin geometry here, or are there
> electrical issues?

I'm talking about pin geometry.
Have a look at this image -
http://www.colinfraser.com/p3/images/Switch%20choice.jpg

You can see that each switch location on the PCB has 8 holes.
2 for Maplin switches, 4 for 'standard' tact switches, and 4 for the
Multimec switches. The tact and Multimecs have pairs of pins connected
internally, and just use 4 pins for stronger mounting.

> What does 'tact' mean? Is it a brand, or a some standard for
> fixing caps to a button?

It's short for 'tactile', meaning that they give a little click as you press
them to provide tactile feedback I guess.
They are made by ALPS, Omron, Diptronics, E-Switch, and others.
You'll find them in lots of electronic gear, including the TB303 and TR606.

> Do you think the Maplins last long? Can they take a good
> amount of beating?

The Maplin switches are of very similar construction to the keys in old 80's
home computers, and were used many years ago in 'proper' keyboard kits for
computers that had membrane or rubber keyboards, such as the Sinclair ZX81
(Timex 1000).
I have a number of computers from this period, and have never had to replace
a key switch.
They should easily last a long, long time.

Cheers,
Colin f



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