Introduction: A Bite and Button Switch Designed to Give People With Disabilities Easy, Adaptive Control.
We created a bite switch and a button switch designed for easy, comfortable use by people with limited mobility. The button can be pressed by hand or positioned under the chin to be activated with jaw movement, while the bite switch responds to gentle pressure from the teeth or tongue. Both are built to be simple, adaptable, and affordable — making accessible control more available to those who need it most.
Videos of them in use (Mouth switch)
Video of them in use (Button)
Supplies
Step 1: 3D Print Button Parts
Download and print button.
Attachments
Step 2: Apply Copper Tape
Place copper tape starting from the side of the square base.
Run it to the center of the circle on top of the small circular ledge.
Make sure the tape lies flat and maintains contact where needed for conductivity.
Step 3: Cut and Insert Straws
Cut two straw pieces to fit next to the copper tape .
Insert each straw piece to button and secure with hot glue so they don’t fall out.
Step 4: Add Top Button
Place the top button piece over the circular ledge, aligned properly to press down and make contact when used.
Make sure top of straw has hot glue on it allowing the pieces to stay connected
Step 5: Connect Makey
Use alligator clips to connect the copper tape to your Makey Makey board.
Ensure connections are firm and conductive.
Step 6: Test and Use
Press the button by hand or under the chin using jaw movement.
It should trigger input via the Makey Makey — enjoy accessible, low-effort control!
Step 7: Print Mouth Switch
Download and print the mouth switch.
Step 8: Apply Copper Tape to the Bottom Piece
Carefully insert copper tape into the bottom half of the switch.
Ensure it fully covers the small rectangular area inside.
Extend the tape onto the small exterior platform so the alligator clip can connect later.
Step 9: Apply Copper Tape to the Top Piece
Add copper tape to the underside of the top half.
Make sure it reaches just above the small rectangle so that it aligns with the tape below when pressed together.
Again, ensure the tape extends to the small platform on the bottom for easy clip access.
Step 10: Check Contact Points
When the top and bottom are pressed together (by bite or tongue), the copper tape layers should make contact to complete the circuit.
Step 11: Connect to Makey Makey
Use alligator clips to attach to the exposed copper covered platforms.
Clip each lead from the Makey Makey securely for a reliable connection
Step 12: Test and Use
Activate the switch by biting gently or using your tongue to press the top and bottom together.
If everything’s aligned, it should send a signal through the Makey Makey — and you’re ready to go!
