Metal Dome (aka snap dome, tactile dome) Supplier

[Oanu]

Hello Everyone,

I'm trying to design a low-profile, mini keyboard. As part of this, I am trying out different ways to make the keys switches. One of the better ways seems to be making the switches out of metal domes resting on the PCB and creating a silicone or rubber mat to go on top of it.

An example of the metal domes:


My problem is that I'm having a hard time figuring out where to buy low quantities of them. Even though they seem to be somewhat generic, I can't find anywhere to directly buy them. All of the manufacturers have samples, but it doesn't feel like the proper channel to get them.

In summary, how/where do I buy low quantities of metal snap domes?

[free_electron]

SNAPTRON

[dcel]

First where are you? Second, Welcome to the forum!
Snaptron in Colorado is where I just sourced mine from. They have a design sample kit you can order online. I placed the order and hadn' t hears from them, or got the samples, so I called them, very helpful.
Give them a try.
Chris

[Oanu]

First where are you? Second, Welcome to the forum!
Snaptron in Colorado is where I just sourced mine from. They have a design sample kit you can order online. I placed the order and hadn' t hears from them, or got the samples, so I called them, very helpful.
Give them a try.
Chris

I'm currently in Canada, but moving to the States soon-ish. Also, thank you, I've been registered on the forum for 3 years, I just haven't posted.

Snaptron has what I want, but I felt that around 50 was too many to sample, but not enough to actually place and order. Do companies like that do business with hobbyists?

[amyk]

50 is by no means a large amount... these are usually sold in bags of 1000+ or more.

[Ian.M]

Snaptron seem to actively discourage resellers/distributors.  There aren't even any on EBAY.   Can anyone suggest alternatives that can actually be ordered in reasonably small quantities (e.g bag of 100)?

[PeterFW]

In summary, how/where do I buy low quantities of metal snap domes?

The same question is on my mind, i have settled on something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50x-Tact-Switch-SMT-SMD-Tactile-membrane-PUSH-Button-switch-SPST-NO-4x4x0-75mm-/161184149182

Those are cheap china parts, but the same type you get from name brand companys.
But those might be too large for your application.

[Oanu]

In summary, how/where do I buy low quantities of metal snap domes?

The same question is on my mind, i have settled on something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50x-Tact-Switch-SMT-SMD-Tactile-membrane-PUSH-Button-switch-SPST-NO-4x4x0-75mm-/161184149182

Those are cheap china parts, but the same type you get from name brand companys.
But those might be too large for your application.

Those are a good size, but I've found others on Mouser that seem like they would work a bit better, for hardly much more money:
http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/CK-Components/PTS540-JM035-SMTR-LFS/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMsgGjVA3toVBPOYV%2f7yxh9MHsqsFwP8JLI%3d

It's also nice to order parts from a more reputable/reliable company.