# Arcade Buttons
## Overview
This guide provides further information about the various "arcade" style buttons in the Adafruit shop. These Arcade Buttons come in various shapes and sizes. Here's a link to the whole product category in the shop:
[Arcade Buttons](https://www.adafruit.com/category/757)
These buttons are not complex. However, they still garner a fair number of question in the forums. These typically are asking for additional information as people consider the buttons for their projects. What are the pin connections? How do you connect to the pins? What size hole to drill? Is part X removable? etc.
This guide is here to attempt to answer those questions. It's also set to free play, so no quarters needed. Read on...
## The Buttons
This guide does not cover all "buttons" in the Adafruit shop. Just the "arcade" style ones which all have a common hardware back end. The big chonky thread post on the back is one feature to look for. Some specific examples below:
### Massive Arcade Button with LED - 100mm Red
[Massive Arcade Button with LED - 100mm Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1185)
OMG WATCH OUT! This 100mm diameter arcade button with a **10mm deep plastic base** is so massive and inviting it may collapse upon itself and form a black hole from which not even light can escape! Until it does, however, it ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. Science...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1185)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1185/guides)
### Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Red
[Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1190)
BAM! This 60mm diameter arcade button is large and inviting and ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. We've seen these on some games of skill in arcades, they're easy to mount on nearly any kind of enclosure. They're not waterproof or weatherproof, so best used indoors.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1190)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1190/guides)
### LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbutton A.K.A 1960s Sci-Fi Buttons
[LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbutton A.K.A 1960s Sci-Fi Buttons](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4186)
We've got plenty of round and square buttons, but these **LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbuttons** are welcome to the party. These make us think of 1960's or 70's Sci-Fi control board buttons. As _everyone_ knows, triangular buttons are the _most..._
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4186)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4186/guides)
### LED Illuminated Push Button - 44mm Square
[LED Illuminated Push Button - 44mm Square](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6274)
This 44mm square button is inviting, and ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. We've seen these on some games of skill in arcades. They're easy to mount on nearly any kind of enclosure. They're not waterproof or weatherproof, so they're best kept indoors.
The...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6274)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6274/guides)
### LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 30mm Round
[LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 30mm Round](https://www.adafruit.com/product/492)
A button is a button, and a switch is a switch, but this LED illuminated arcade buttons is in a class of its own. Its the same size as a 'standard' 30mm arcade but has a built in LED that can be controlled separately from the switch action - either to indicate or just to look good.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/492)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/492/guides)
## Button Size
For general size and dimensions, check each button's product page. Down near the bottom should be a link or other image that provides sizing information. For example, here's the [30mm Round](https://www.adafruit.com/product/492) button:
Info: Dimensions are in millimeters.
The microswitch itself seems to be common to all the buttons.
# Arcade Buttons
## Connections
The basic connections are shown below. The button switch and LED are completely separate. So there are two connections for the switch and two connections for the LED.
- The switch is non-latching, normally open.
- The LED includes a current limiting resistor allowing up to 12V power.
These style connectors have been around forever and go by various names: "spade connector", "flat blade connector", etc. Soldering to them is totally fine. There are also pre-crimped mating connector wires available (see cables below).
For some reason, the switch and LED connectors are two different sizes.
- LED connectors, **WL = 0.256"**
- Use [PID 3838](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3838) connector wires
- Button switch connectors, **WS = 0.195"**
- Use[PID 3835](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835) connector wires
## LED Polarity
The polarity of the two connections for the LED can vary. **There are no LED polarity markings.** It will depend on how the LED assembly itself is inserted into the button assembly, which can go either way. The easiest way to deal with this is to try powering one way. If the LED does not light up, then reverse the connections.
It's also possible to look down into the LED assembly and note the flat side cut on the LED itself. That will indicate the cathode (-) side.
If you want to actually verify the polarity, the LED assembly can be removed and inspected directly. See the Disassembly section of this guide for further information.
## Quick Connect Cables
Ready made quick connect cables are available in various sizes. The non-button end is terminated in a 2 pin JST XH connector. The JST XH mates directly with the [Adafruit LED Arcade Button 1x4 STEMMA QT Breakout](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5296). If the JST XH connector is not needed, it can be cut off.
### Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)
[Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
Quick connector wire sets will make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.11" quick-connects pre-crimped onto 20cm long wires. The wires are then terminated together in a JST 2.5mm/0.1" spaced 2-pin connector (we...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1152/guides)
### Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack)
[Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835)
Quick connector wire sets make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.187" quick-connects pre-crimped. The wires are terminated together in a JST 2.5mm 2-pin connector. This connector will fit in 0.1" headers,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3835/guides)
### Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.25" (10-pack)
[Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.25" (10-pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3838)
Quick connector wire sets make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.25" quick-connects pre-crimped. The wires are terminated together in a JST 2.5mm 2-pin connector. This connector will fit in 0.1" headers,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3838)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3838/guides)
The size of the connectors for the switch and LED can unfortunately be different. Therefore multiple sizes may be needed. Check the product page for details.
# Arcade Buttons
## Disassembly
Removing the switch/LED assembly is needed for installing the button (see Usage section). Other than that, there is generally no need to disassemble the button any further for basic usage. However, we detail disassembly here for those wanting to potentially modify the button in some way.
Re-assembly is generally just the reverse of the disassembly shown below.
## Removing Button/LED Insert
This is actually a necessary step for final installation. See the Usage section for more details.
The switch and LED are both held together in a single assembly that fits inside the button screw post. It is held in with a twist lock.
- Hold the threads.
- Twist the switch in direction shown.
- The assembly should now be removable.
- The entire switch/LED assembly should come completely out.
Putting the assembly back in just the opposite. Look inside for the two black tabs that the assembly must initially be aligned with. Then push the assembly in and twist to lock it back in place.
## Removing LED
The LED and current limiting resistor are held together in a little assembly that can be removed from the button/LED. The LED and resistor can also be completely removed from this assembly.
- Hold the lower button part.
- Grab the tube with the LED inside.
- Pull the tube to remove it.
The LED is now removed.
By unwrapping the wire leads on the posts, the LED itself can be removed. Along with the current limiting resistor.
The resistor appears to be 680 Ohms.
The LED sub-assembly is held in place by a friction fit without any indexing. The LED polarity on the external pins will be a result of the orientation of this LED sub-assembly.
## Removing the Microswitch
The switch itself is held in the button/LED assembly via two posts. **Removing this is difficult and not recommended due to amount of prying needed.**
Two posts on the back side mate with these two through holes on the microswitch.
Pry up on these two tabs to lift the posts out of the holes.
The posts are long enough and the two tabs are stiff enough that this takes a fair amount of effort. The only reason to do this would be to replace the microswitch for some reason.
## Removing Button Cap Assembly
The button assembly can be removed as well. **Be careful not to lose the spring.**
- Squeeze in on the two white tabs holding the button into the black plastic post.
- Once tabs are pushed in, press down to start sliding the assembly through the black plastic post.
- The button assembly is now removed.
- The spring will likely go flying somewhere during removal.
## Removing Button Top Cap
The top plastic part of the button is press fit onto the button cap assembly. With some careful spudging, it can be removed.
Carefully pry up to get started. Once a little bit gets lifted, the rest will come out easy.
The smaller the button size, the trickier this removal is.
Once removed, there will be three pieces. The colored cap, a diffuser disc, and the base part.
A custom insert can be added. Keep in mind this will cover the LED as well.
The button plastic is clear enough to make the results readable.
# Arcade Buttons
## Usage
Installing the button is simple. The only caveat is that the LED/switch assembly needs to be initially removed and installed once the button is mounted.
The electrical connections are also simple. The switch is just a switch and the LED is just an LED.
## Installation
These arcade buttons seem to have standardized on a metric M24 thread. A through hole (clearance hole) size of 26mm or 1" diameter will work. Once the hole is cut, assembling the button is as follows:
Info: The panel thickness can be up to 1/2", with maybe enough threads for a little more.
Start with the backing nut and the LED/switch assembly removed.
Now install the button through the hole cutout.
Screw on the backing nut.
The button should now be solidly mounted to the panel.
The panel shown here is 1/2" plywood.
Now the LED/switch assembly can be installed.
The final result should look like this.
Now the electrical connections can be made.
Warning: Some button housings have two plastic alignment posts that prevent a flush mounting to the panel. These posts can be cut off.
## Electrical Connections
The switch used by the button is non-latching, normally open. Normally open means the two switch pins are open (not connected) when the button is not pressed. When the button is pressed, the switch pins are closed (connected). Non-latching means the switch closure only occurs while the button is pressed down.
Wiring the switch/button follows the same general guidance as any switch. See the following guide for more info:
[Make It Switch](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-switch/overview)
The LED is a basic 5mm LED with an inline current limiting resistor. The resistor is sized to allow for powering up to 12V which draws about 20mA. Controlling the LED in the button follows the same general guidance as any LED. See the following guide for more info:
[All About LEDs](https://learn.adafruit.com/all-about-leds/overview)
## Featured Products
### Massive Arcade Button with LED - 100mm Red
[Massive Arcade Button with LED - 100mm Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1185)
OMG WATCH OUT! This 100mm diameter arcade button with a **10mm deep plastic base** is so massive and inviting it may collapse upon itself and form a black hole from which not even light can escape! Until it does, however, it ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. Science...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1185)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1185/guides)
### Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Red
[Large Arcade Button with LED - 60mm Red](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1190)
BAM! This 60mm diameter arcade button is large and inviting and ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. We've seen these on some games of skill in arcades, they're easy to mount on nearly any kind of enclosure. They're not waterproof or weatherproof, so best used indoors.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1190)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1190/guides)
### LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbutton A.K.A 1960s Sci-Fi Buttons
[LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbutton A.K.A 1960s Sci-Fi Buttons](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4186)
We've got plenty of round and square buttons, but these **LED Illuminated Triangle Pushbuttons** are welcome to the party. These make us think of 1960's or 70's Sci-Fi control board buttons. As _everyone_ knows, triangular buttons are the _most..._
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4186)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4186/guides)
### LED Illuminated Push Button - 44mm Square
[LED Illuminated Push Button - 44mm Square](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6274)
This 44mm square button is inviting, and ready for all sorts of pressing and pushing. We've seen these on some games of skill in arcades. They're easy to mount on nearly any kind of enclosure. They're not waterproof or weatherproof, so they're best kept indoors.
The...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6274)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6274/guides)
### LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 30mm Round
[LED Illuminated Pushbutton - 30mm Round](https://www.adafruit.com/product/492)
A button is a button, and a switch is a switch, but this LED illuminated arcade buttons is in a class of its own. Its the same size as a 'standard' 30mm arcade but has a built in LED that can be controlled separately from the switch action - either to indicate or just to look good.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/492)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/492/guides)
### Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)
[Arcade Button Quick-Connect Wire Pairs - 0.11" (10 pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
Quick connector wire sets will make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.11" quick-connects pre-crimped onto 20cm long wires. The wires are then terminated together in a JST 2.5mm/0.1" spaced 2-pin connector (we...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1152)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1152/guides)
### Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack)
[Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835)
Quick connector wire sets make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.187" quick-connects pre-crimped. The wires are terminated together in a JST 2.5mm 2-pin connector. This connector will fit in 0.1" headers,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3835/guides)
### Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.25" (10-pack)
[Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.25" (10-pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3838)
Quick connector wire sets make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.25" quick-connects pre-crimped. The wires are terminated together in a JST 2.5mm 2-pin connector. This connector will fit in 0.1" headers,...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3838)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3838/guides)
## Related Guides
- [Adafruit Chainable DS18B20 Extender Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-chainable-ds18b20-extender-breakout.md)
- [Adafruit Sparkle Motion Stick](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-sparkle-motion-stick.md)
- [Adafruit OLED FeatherWing](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-oled-featherwing.md)
- [Adafruit AD5693R 16-Bit DAC Breakout Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-ad5693r-16-bit-dac-breakout-board.md)
- [DC & USB Boarduino Kits](https://learn.adafruit.com/boarduino-kits.md)
- [Adafruit PiCowbell Proto for Pico](https://learn.adafruit.com/picowbell-proto.md)
- [Scroll an SMS Text Message on your RGB Matrix](https://learn.adafruit.com/scroll-an-sms-text-message-on-your-rgb-matrix.md)
- [Adafruit PowerBoost 500 Basic](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-powerboost.md)
- [Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit LE](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-feather-m0-bluefruit-le.md)
- [Adafruit Proto Screw Shield](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-proto-screw-shield.md)
- [Adafruit ATWINC1500 WiFi Breakout](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-atwinc1500-wifi-module-breakout.md)
- [Adafruit 1.14" 240x135 Color Newxie TFT Display](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-1-14-240x135-color-newxie-tft-display.md)
- [Current Limiting Stepper Driver with DRV8871](https://learn.adafruit.com/current-limiting-stepper-driver-with-drv8871.md)
- [Using NeoPixels and Servos Together](https://learn.adafruit.com/neopixels-and-servos.md)
- [Adafruit Floppy FeatherWing with 34-Pin IDC Connector](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-floppy-featherwing-with-34-pin-idc-connector.md)