Switches and Sensors

This area deals with accessibility standard switches and compatible gaming equipment. Click on the images below for more details on each controller and from where you can purchase these from.

Please feel free to e-mail for help on anything that is unclear, or to share new information.

Switches and Sensors

There are a mind boggling array of accessibility switches, sensors available. I recommend 3.5mm plug switches for general use.

Switch suppliers include: OneSwitch.org.uk (see below), Dad in a Shed (UK), Inclusive Technology (UK), Pretorian (UK), War Fighter Engaged (USA) and Able-Net (USA). See more below.

Sanwa Accessibility Switches

From OneSwitch (UK).

Small boxed arcade push-buttons for switch use.

Light Pressure Switches

From OneSwitch (UK), Atec and MarbleSoft-Simtech (USA)

Inexpensive light touch switches with 3.5mm plugs. Comes with a sticky back to aid in positioning.

"Shout Box" Sound Switch

From OneSwitch.org.uk

Use sound or a light puff of air to act as a switch. Adjustable sensitivity. Use the in-built mic or use a PC (3.5mm plug) standard one. Latch, pulse and momentary settings.

Proximity Switch

From Ablenet (USA)

Zero pressure switch. Move within the 10mm range of the Candy Corn sensor switch to trigger it.

Sip Puff

From Origin Instruments (USA)

Sip (and) puff switches allow users to take control over two (or more) separate controls.

Software Switches

A range of virtual switches can take advantage of computer technology.

Camera switches: Map out an area in space, and if something passes through it or moves it, it triggers a switch event, such as a left-click.

Dwell switches: Hover over an area with a mouse pointer for a pre-set legth of time to click, or bring up a contextual menu.

Neuro Switch

Electromyography muscle switches.

From: Emego (UK) and Control Bionics (North America)

Bite Switch

Originally designed for skydiving photography, this switch will need to be carefully rewired to a 3.5mm jack plug. It also requires a strong bite which may become tiring.

From: Music Tablet Store (Europe), Conceptus Camera Switches (France, Germany, USA), AirTurn (USA)

Blink Switches

"Eye Blink Sensor" from: Enabling Devices (USA), "tash Scatir Switch Deluxe" from various (Australia, UK and many others) and "Fibre Optic Blink Switch" from Special Needs Computers (Canada).

Second hand you may be lucky enough to find a Toby Churchill Eye Blink switch.

Tongue Switch

Originally designed for skydiving photography, this switch 'should' work as a standard accessibility switch using a 3.5mm plug to 2.5mm socket adapter.

From: Conceptus Camera Switches (France, Germany, USA)