Bumper microswitch broken

[corvellio]

Hi people, my steam controller's right bumper has stopped working well when pressed, only with full pressure and not all the time. I know, you may think it's something related to the trigger mount, which I needed to 3D print months ago because the originals were broken, but no, this time the issue is with the microswitch, so I need to know the part name of that microswitch to try getting a new one and soldering in place of the damaged one, do you now that part name? do you any info related? for instance, an online store where I can get this exact part or a bundle with other parts as well. Although I'm from Argentina (the country), I'll make the effort to import anything I need from anywhere to repair it, no matter how costly it could be.

[lagamemnon]

I'm a fan of iFixit and recommend also asking repair questions over there: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/Device/Steam_Controller

Based on the first photo for step 7 of the teardown at https://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Steam+Controller+Teardown/52578 the bumpers appear to use tactile dome switches.

They're little metal domes that close some contacts on the circuit board when pressed and pop back up when released.

A google search for how to fix a tactile dome switch shows several videos, and a few reddit threads from r/SteamController. This thread shows photos of someone replacing their bumper switches and links to the part they used at an online electronics store: https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamController/comments/u8fjd2/dome_switch_repair/

Depending on how the switches are broken, you may be able to get away with just cleaning out the circuit board and underneath the domes.

I recommend learning all you can about the parts and controller internals before attempting repairs. The iFixit teardown (and comments) may spare you some tragic surprises. The more you know the less chance you're going to ruin your Steam Controller while trying to fix it. It's time well spent if you want to keep your controller alive.

[corvellio]

Oh, you mean the parts labeled as s2 and s5 at the motherboard, no, I'm talking about the bumpers switches labeled as s8 and s10 at the motherboard but thanks to your comment I've found this [post related](https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamController/comments/srrymi/my_right_bumper_button_seems_to_be_failing_video/), where one user describes them as mid-mount surface mount tactile switch and shared a link to a [similar one](https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Alps-Alpine/SKSNLAE010?qs=sGAEpiMZZMt1iCLsaqcCFoSi8mrlrfAVvxADS0zWSOg%3D)

[lagamemnon]

I was even more confused than that. I was looking at the trigger full-press buttons.

If you try those Alpine switches, please let me know how they work out for you. I'll probably need to replace mine sooner or later.

The data sheet at https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/15/SKSN-1370963.pdf shows some alternative sizes. When the time comes for me to do it, I'll probably get in there with a caliper to make sure I find the closest match possible.

[~ Diviad ~]

It is a super simple fix. I typed something up the other day about it.
[Edit] NVM, the part you are saying is the actual electronic switch and not the plastic.
[Edit2] For anyone interested, there is a simple mod that both fixes (if already broken), protects it from breaking in the future, and silences the bumper buttons, with regards to the plastic piece that contacts the switch and shoulder button.

[alex.fullmoon]

Originally posted by ~ Diviad ~:

It is a super simple fix. I typed something up the other day about it.
[Edit] NVM, the part you are saying is the actual electronic switch and not the plastic.
[Edit2] For anyone interested, there is a simple mod that both fixes (if already broken), protects it from breaking in the future, and silences the bumper buttons, with regards to the plastic piece that contacts the switch and shoulder button.

- Says there's a simple mod
- Refuses to elaborate
- Leaves

Coukd you please give link to that?

[~ Diviad ~]

Originally posted by alex.fullmoon:

- Says there's a simple mod
- Refuses to elaborate
- Leaves

Coukd you please give link to that?

After re-reading the OP at the time, I realized my response was off topic, since the OP was about the "bumper microswitch", and not about fixing the plastic contact mechanism-thingamabob piece. I refuse to half-wittedly glance at a thread and post irrelevant posts that distract from the OP too much.

I've detail this a few times, but I can only find this one through searching:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/353370/discussions/0/4625854988055222960/?ctp=2

[alex.fullmoon]

Originally posted by ~ Diviad ~:

After re-reading the OP at the time, I realized my response was off topic, since the OP was about the "bumper microswitch", and not about fixing the plastic contact mechanism-thingamabob piece. I refuse to half-wittedly glance at a thread and post irrelevant posts that distract from the OP too much.

I understand that, but still, saying you have a solution to another issue and not mentioning what it is is not helpful. You see, I found this thread by googling about broken bumper thingie.

Anyway, thanks for your reply and link.

Also I just noticed that your previous comment was one year old. Still havent's updated my brain to 2025, sorry.

[~ Diviad ~]

Originally posted by alex.fullmoon:

Originally posted by ~ Diviad ~:

After re-reading the OP at the time, I realized my response was off topic, since the OP was about the "bumper microswitch", and not about fixing the plastic contact mechanism-thingamabob piece. I refuse to half-wittedly glance at a thread and post irrelevant posts that distract from the OP too much.

I understand that, but still, saying you have a solution to another issue and not mentioning what it is is not helpful. You see, I found this thread by googling about broken bumper thingie.

Anyway, thanks for your reply and link.

Also I just noticed that your previous comment was one year old. Still havent's updated my brain to 2025, sorry.

I found a slightly more detailed instructions that I wrote for another thread if you are interested. Message me if you want me to paste it to you