Simple Makey Makey Bite Switch

This is a mouth activated button designed to activate a single button from a Makey Makey kit. It functions by biting down on the switch to activate it, and relies on the flexibility of the 3D printed plastic to bend the two contact points together. The plastic bag around it helps prevent any unwanted conduction when in the mouth, and allows for easy cleaning.

1. PLA
2. 1 Makey Makey Kit (includes alligator clips)
3. 1/2 inch wide Copper Tape
4. 1 Ziplock bag
5. 1 Rubber band

Download and 3D print the STL file below. It should look like the image above.

Once the 3D print is complete take it out and make sure it looks like the photo, i.e look for mistakes in the 3D print. Minor errors will not effect the switch's function ability.

Take your copper tape and rip out two pieces slightly shorter than the length of the switch.

Attach the copper tape to the top and bottom of the switch. Make sure they reach the end of the switch with the hole in it, but do not touch each other unless you squeeze the top and bottom together.

Open the Makey Makey Kit and follow the instructions in the kit for setting up.

Connect one end of an alligator clip to the ground of the Makey Makey board and the other end to top of the bite switch.

Take another alligator clip and attach one end to the desired button on the board and the other to the bottom of the bite switch

Put the switch in a plastic bag so the alligator wires are going out the opening, then use a rubber band to secure the bag’s opening so it stays closed, but is still removable.