---
title: Using PCB's as expressive touch pads
---

If you salvage buttons from device, you might come across patterns like the one below in the PCB, below the button. By default, the two traces seen on the PCB, do not touch. But, when pressing a button, a connection is made between the two traces, allowing for a voltage to flow trough.

![PCB with a Button](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fibex.tech%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2Fpcb_switch_pads.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=03d7884aeef82b49dd41bb5dd3ae13d99915b3402011780013d00c97fd5ac12f&ipo=images)

This idea is applied in the recipe, but by using the entire PCB. By scratching of the green layer, the copper plate becomes visible. Usually the larger areas are `ground`. Now that the copper is exposed, you can directly solder on to the board, and connect the wires in the circuit where you'd like your switch to be.

## Schematics

_I do really need images/schematics/drawings to make this more clear!_

## Components

- A componentless PCB!

## Sound Examples

TODO

## Images

TODO

## Used In

TODO
Planned for Workshop #1 at the unrepair nights, 6th of januari 2025.
