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Comment by buescher

7 hours ago

Piezo harvesting switches and similar (I think there’s a flywheel design out there too) are quite expensive, not terribly reliable or consistent, and require substantial activation force. Conventional switches and batteries that can last for years in remote push buttons and sensors are extremely inexpensive in volume.

Lmao no, my doorbell is one (doesn't have a battery at) and has been going for 7 years strong, as long as I've lived in this place.

Sure you have to press it very slightly harder than a regular switch and the travel is a little more, but not by much.

I think the doorbell cost like £20 in 2020, actually lemme check Amazon...ah in fact it was 15.99£ (now it's £20.99 hmmm) "TECKNET self powered doorbell".

The Quinetic switches I use are extremely reliable and consistent. I've been mentally making a note of when the switch does not trigger the light, and it actually hasn't happened once yet and I've been using them for about 10 years.

You're right that they're expensive and need a decent activation force. They also are quite large and make a quite loud clicking noise which might be annoying for a sensor application.