FAIO Multiplexer with yellow Assistive switch connected to it

Using a computer, tablet, or smartphone typically requires using an input device like a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, or touch pad. However, this can be difficult or even impossible for some users, such as those with low hand dexterity or limited range of motion in their hands.

There are a variety of adaptive switches that can be used as an alternative input method depending on the needs of the user, but they are often unable to connect directly to the computing device.

The output methods of adaptive switches are mainly divided between wired and wireless methods. While the wireless method uses Bluetooth, the wired method is available through 3.5 mm stereo/mono jacks. Most host devices do not have 3.5 mm stereo/mono jacks to directly connect adaptive switches. Most host devices, however, accept peripheral devices that use common protocols for connection and communication such as USB and Bluetooth.

A switch interface provides a way to connect the adaptive switch to the computing device, and allows for multiple switches to be used at once. A switch interface acts as an adapter, allowing you to connect the switches to your computer, tablet, or smartphone using USB or Bluetooth.

There are many different open-source switch interface options available, and this guide will help you compare and choose the right switch interface for your needs.

Switch Interface Options:
Features FAIO Multiplexer FAIO Multiplexer Wireless Enabled-Controller Enabled-Controller-Mini AT Makers KeySwitch Rocket Switch Interface
Internal Lithium Battery and Charger

Whether the Switch Interface has an internal lithium battery and battery charger circuit.

 Yes, optional Yes, optional No No No No
Digital Switch Inputs

How many digital switch inputs are offered by the Switch Interface. These switch inputs use 3.5mm stereo/mono jacks.

 4 4 8 4 5 2
Joystick Inputs

Whether the Switch Interface supports Analog switch inputs which can be used to connect joysticks or other analog inputs. These switch inputs use 4 Conductor 3.5 mm stereo jacks commonly used in headphones.

 No No 2 dual axis joysticks 1 dual axis joystick No No
Chording Input

Whether the Switch Interface supports chording, the ability to input different functions by simultaneously activating two or more switches.

 No No No No Available No
Visual Feedback

Whether the Switch Interface supports visual feedback, such as an internal LED, External LED, or LCD.

 External LED External LED External and Internal LED Internal LED Internal LED Internal LED
Audible Feedback

Whether the Switch Interface supports audible feedback.

 No No No No No No
USB Connection

Whether the Switch Interface can connect to a host device using USB. Some devices, like smartphones, will require a suitable adapter.

 Yes, USB Type Micro B Yes, USB Type Micro B Yes, USB Type Micro B Yes, USB Type C Yes, USB Type Micro B Yes, PCB USB Type A
Wireless Connection

Whether the Switch Interface is able to connect to a host device wirelessly. Bluetooth is the most common option.

 No Bluetooth Bluetooth No No No
Keystroke Output

Whether the Switch Interface can output keyboard HID (Human Interface Device) data to the host device without additional software or drivers. This would allow you to type using the Switch Interface.

 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mouse Output

Whether the Switch Interface can output mouse HID (Human Interface Device) data to the host device without additional software or drivers. This would allow you to perform cursor movements and cursor button actions using the Switch Interface.

Yes (Morse mouse) Yes (Morse mouse) Yes (Morse mouse) Yes (Morse mouse) Yes Yes
Microcontroller Options

This section lists supported microcontrollers and development boards by the Switch Interface.

 Adafruit Feather 32U4 Basic, Adafruit Feather M0 Basic Proto, and Adafruit Feather M4 Express Adafruit Feather 32u4 Bluefruit LE, and Adafruit Feather M0 Bluefruit LE Adafruit ItsyBitsy M0 Express, Adafruit ItsyBitsy M4 Express Adafruit QT Py and Seeedstudio Xiao Adafruit Trinket M0 Adafruit Rotary Trinkey
Morse Code Interface

Whether the Switch Interface offers a morse code interface/mode and allows morse code reaction time configuration.

 Yes (Morse keyboard, mouse) Yes (Morse keyboard, mouse) Yes (Morse keyboard, mouse) Yes (Morse keyboard, mouse) No No
Settings and Customization

Whether the Switch Interface offers a method to change the settings, or a method to customize parameters in the Switch Interface such as reaction time.

 Can modify reaction time in Settings mode (hold switch D) Can modify reaction time in Settings mode (hold switch D) Can modify reaction time in Settings mode (hold switch D) Can modify reaction time in Settings mode (hold switch D) Editing the text file in CIRCUITPY disk drive Can modify reaction time in Settings mode (hold switch 1)
Gaming and XAC Support

Whether the Switch Interface can act as a standalone joystick or gamepad for gaming purposes. This can be achieved through standard Human Interface Device (HID) joystick profile if the Switch Interface has the required hardware and software. The standard HID joystick configurations are supported by most computers and android devices, but the Xbox Adaptive controller requires additional HID software configuration. This section also indicates whether the Switch Interface can act as a gamepad when it is connected to Xbox Adaptive Controller.

 Available for two types of microcontrollers No Available for two types of microcontrollers Available Available No
Dimension
(L x W x H mm)

The external dimensions of the Switch Interface enclosure.

 60.8 x 32.9 x 42 60.8 x 32.9 x 42 90 x 64 x 29 61 x 47 x 28 68 x 32 x 27 51.1 x 33.5 x 14.5
Mounting Options

The available mounting options supported by the switch interface. Mounting options can include drill holes, camera mounts, screws, and other externally attached components.

 Enclosure option with two camera 1/4-20 UNC thread Enclosure option with two camera 1/4-20 UNC thread Enclosure option with two camera 1/4-20 UNC thread Enclosure option with two camera 1/4-20 UNC thread No built-in option No built-in option
Supported Operating Systems

Which operating systems you are able to use with the Switch Interface.

 Windows, MacOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, Android Windows, MacOS, Android Windows, MacOS, Android
Cost (Without PCB)

The estimated cost of the electronic components, the enclosure, and any other hardware (e.g. screws). The price of the custom printed circuit board (PCB) is not included since it varies considerably based on quantity and shipping speed/method.

 $47-$60 CAD $60-$73 CAD $45-$59 CAD $25-$30 CAD $26-$31 CAD CAD $15.34

Connection and Power Options

What USB cables and adapters are required for each switch interface option?

Wireless options
Device FAIO Multiplexer FAIO Multiplexer Wireless Enabled-Controller Enabled-Controller-Mini AT Makers KeySwitch Rocket Switch Interface
iOS Not Available
  • Internal battery
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available Not Available Not Available
Android Not Available
  • Internal battery
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available Not Available Not Available
Computer Not Available
  • Internal battery
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • External battery bank and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available Not Available Not Available

Wired options
Device FAIO Multiplexer FAIO Multiplexer Wireless Enabled-Controller Enabled-Controller-Mini AT Makers KeySwitch Rocket Switch Interface
iOS Not Available Not Available
  • Lightning Male to USB Type A Female OTG adapter and a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a Lightning Male to USB Type A Female OTG and Lightning Female power cable, a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available Not Available
  • Lightning Male to USB Type A Female OTG adapter cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a Lightning Male to USB Type A Female OTG and Lightning Female power cable
Android (USB Type Micro B)
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type A Female OTG to USB Type Micro B Female power cable and USB Type B Micro Male OTG splitter, a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type A Female OTG to USB Type Micro B Female power cable and USB Type B Micro Male OTG splitter, a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type A Female OTG to USB Type Micro B Female power cable and USB Type B Micro Male OTG splitter, a USB Type A Male to USB Type C Male cable
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type A Female OTG to USB Type Micro B Female power cable and USB Type B Micro Male OTG splitter, a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Female OTG adapter cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type A Female OTG to USB Type Micro B Female power cable and USB Type B Micro Male OTG splitter, a USB Type A Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable, a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Female OTG adapter

 
Android (USB Type C)
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type C Female power cable and USB Type C Female OTG splitter, a USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type C Female power cable and USB Type C Female OTG splitter, a USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type C Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type C Female power cable and USB Type C Female OTG splitter, a USB Type C Male to USB Type C Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable and a USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type C Female power cable and USB Type C Female OTG splitter, a USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female OTG adapter
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type C Female power cable and USB Type C Female OTG splitter, a USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female cable
  • Optional: Battery bank, a USB Type C Male OTG to USB Type A Female power cable and USB Type A Female OTG splitter
Computer (USB Type A)
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
 Not Available
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Male cable
  • A USB Type Micro B Male to USB Type A Male cable
 Not required
Computer (USB Type C)
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
 Not Available
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type C Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type Micro B Male cable
  • A USB Type C Male to USB Type A Female OTG cable

Do you want to request a Switch Interface? On the four devices in our library — the FAIO Multiplexer, the FAIO Multiplexer Wireless, the Enabled-Controller, the Enabled-Controller-Mini , and the Rocket Switch Interface — you can click “Request” to start the process. You can also make a post in our forum and get in touch with the maker community directly.