[Elecraft] Re: K3 buttons

[wayne burdick]

Laurent Ferracci wrote:

> I've downloaded and read the manual. Even in Hi-res, i cannot figure 
> whether the K3 has real (microswitches) buttons ...


Hi Laurent,

First I should mention that our very picky field testers have all said 
they really like the feel of the K3's switches. You'll have to try them 
yourself when you get a chance.

As for the construction:

The K3 uses full-custom, high-reliability switches selected 
specifically for their tactile properties and long rated lifetime 
(typically > 1M operations). They're fully sealed against moisture, 
which is important for use in high-humidity environments. Each switch 
incorporates a large polydome for positive tactile feedback (about .02" 
travel), and the contact surfaces are gold-plated. (These are not the 
hard-to-press, no-feedback matrix switches found on cheap calculators.)

The switches are molded into several custom shapes, including two 
rocker switches (BAND UP/DN and MODE UP/DN). They're labeled in two 
different colors, and the ink is protected by a hard-coat that's also 
rated for very long life. (I tried very hard to scrape or rub the 
labels off of the samples the manufacturer provided. You can't do it 
without a knife or a file.)

As a packaging designer, I find these switches -- which are similar to 
those found on other recent HF transceivers -- to be ideal for 
high-density front panels.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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