project_MX, the GCCMX, is an all digital game controller using Cherry MX form factor switches and my custom logic board, project_S. Upon finalizing the design, I took 8 orders, organizing a group purchase of laser cut cases and delivering the final assembled controllers.

This was a prototype I made to try out keyboard switches in a controller for the first time, as well as to attempt soldering a USB-C port for the first time.

It uses the more primitive project_C circuit design as that was my current design at the time of making this prototype.

I was considering designing a case to fit this PCB, but I had plans for an updated logic board, project_S, so I didn’t bother completing a prototype that would soon be outdated.

After completing project_S I decided to come back to the MX controller idea. I designed a switch PCB that connects to the project_S pin headers, and designed a case to surround and hold all of the components. For the first prototype I decided to laser cut the case in clear acrylic to help explain how the controller works to people.

I had two issues with this prototype, the first being that a 1.5mm acrylic switch plate was not strong enough and would snap. This was easy to solve by using a steel switch plate for future revisions.

The second issue was with the layout I chose. I decided to move the switches as close together as possible to reduce hand movement and therefore strain. I found though that having the buttons closer together horizontally made the layout feel more cramped, so I changed that for the future revisions as well.

For the final prototype, I changed quite a few things. As mentioned, I moved to a steel switch plate and I tweaked the layout to be more comfortable. I also swapped the fasteners to be much more robust, and on this prototype I used an aluminum top to see if a metal top felt nice to use.

This is nearly the final revision. The only changes I made to this for the release was moving the bottom middle fasteners down a bit to match the top middle ones, and adding a bit more space surrounding the PCBs as the fit was a bit too tight.

After finishing the design, I took 8 custom orders at once to get everyone a better deal on the laser cutting service.

I then assembled and sold the completed controllers. The pictures below show some of the custom builds and some of the assembly process.