BIG, tactile buttons for controlling an mp3 player for example?

These are custom molded buttons, and are not cheap in a small quantity.

It is possible to purchase numeric keypads that would have a tactile response much like a telephone keypad, but it won't have play/stop buttons etc.

I suppose you could have separate buttons for that, but it may not be aesthetically pleasing.

Another option is to use plain round or square buttons, and assemble them in the layout that you want, and find a way to mark either the buttons or the panel, with

the symbols. It could be a printed label just attached below the buttons, or you could experiment with some more advanced labelling methods.

If money was no expense you could engrave them and fill with colored epoxy.

There are buttons with shaped triangular tops that could represent 'play', but you also need to consider the tactile response (different model switches

feel different). Here is a triangularish shaped cap. From memory the switches for that particular range are quite clicky but require slightly more force than

a rubber remote control switch.

If this is a commercial project, then it would be best to purchase one switch each of many types, just to experiment.

If you want a 'click' effect, some of them are known as 'tact' or tactile switches. You need to check the operating force.

If this is a one-off and you really want the rubberised effect and want to try to create your own, then it may be possible using a mold.

These are custom molded buttons, and are not cheap in a small quantity.

It is possible to purchase numeric keypads that would have a tactile response much like a telephone keypad, but it won't have play/stop buttons etc.

I suppose you could have separate buttons for that, but it may not be aesthetically pleasing.

Another option is to use plain round or square buttons, and assemble them in the layout that you want, and find a way to mark either the buttons or the panel, with

the symbols. It could be a printed label just attached below the buttons, or you could experiment with some more advanced labelling methods.

If money was no expense you could engrave them and fill with colored epoxy.

There are buttons with shaped triangular tops that could represent 'play', but you also need to consider the tactile response (different model switches

feel different). Here is a triangularish shaped cap. From memory the switches for that particular range are quite clicky but require slightly more force than

a rubber remote control switch.

If this is a commercial project, then it would be best to purchase one switch each of many types, just to experiment.

If you want a 'click' effect, some of them are known as 'tact' or tactile switches. You need to check the operating force.

If this is a one-off and you really want the rubberised effect and want to try to create your own, then it may be possible using a mold.

Thanks, Shabaz. Those caps look very much the thing. Sadly, the switches themselves say they have a supplier lead time of 73 days

I'm sure there are other places to find them though

Well, it might end up being a commercial project, right now it's a few prototypes. Might see if I can find anyone to send a sample pack of one of each type of cap.

Also found some "tact" switches - thanks for the hint! But again, many seem out of stock, but I have some ideas of names and part numbers now.

Thanks again.

I just remembered the name, Marquardt make some switches that are extremely close to a 'keyboard' feel much like old keyboards, see here for the caps.

The operating force is low, but they are responsive.

The caps are available from the manufacturer with numbers and other characters, so I suppose if it goes commercial you could purchase the

labelled ones, and maybe ask for custom characters for the play, stop, etc. But the caps are square, not triangular.