Replacing a membrane keypad with microswitches

This is a rough outline of what you'll need to do to replace a keypad from a microwave, washing machine ,etc. with microswitches. It will offer enhanced durability and some savings.
The standard disclaimer applies- I'm not responsible if you kill\maim yourself, break your appliance, or set the cat on fire. If you don't think you're up to it, you're probably not.
I came up with the idea to replace the keypad for our microwave with microswitches 'cause-
1> It was out of warranty
2> Samsung charges Rs.800 for the membrance only, installation extra. For a fact, a membrane keypad usually costs around Rs.350. Plus I've been a little annoyed with Samsung since my phone died one month out of warranty.
3> Microswitches are more durable than membranes.
4> I wanted an excuse to crack open the oven and use my new hot glue gun. :D
  This is only a rough guide- your appliance will be a little different and the steps may slightly change as well. I'm sure there are better ways to do some of the things, even I would do it differently if I were to do it again. I will not be detailing how to open a bolt or how to solder. or use a glue gun (I think I need to learn it :) ).

Step 1 Detach the keypad panel

Open the oven cover, and get to the main controller board. It's the one with the display and keypad attached. Separate the keypad panel from the board. It should look somewhat like this when you're done.

Comments

[Pau3l]

Toshiba no longer makes my oven, so your idea is most attractive. It´s all easily understood, but which type and size of microswitch is used, and where do you get them?

[rvm]

Here in India we have local shops around, so I can't give you the details where to find them. But I can describe the switch- it's a SPST(Single Pole Single Throw) microswitch.
Somewhat like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3060978

But it is shaped more like this one:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062508&filterName=Type&filterValue=SPST

The 50mA limit is just fine when it comes to this application.

You can use one of these as well:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062544&filterName=Type&filterValue=SPST

It has a nice soft feel, but it lacks the "click" that I wanted.

[rvm]

@concinos- MY total cost (materials only)... is.... LESS than a dollar! So that makes it a good hack pretty much everywhere :D
On the other hand, the link you've posted includes the controller board as well, so that might be responsible for the higher pricing. The membrane itself is available here for around $19.

@profpat- I find conductive paint very messy unless it's for shielding :)

[concinos]

It is a good hack if you are not living in the US. The part costs $28 on RepairClinic so pretty inexpensive. here

[profpat]

very ingenious! i have a hard time re working those tracks with conductive paint, and the paint is so expensive too!