Its really just a parts review and invoice breakdown, and I like playing with numbers.

Summary, in case your bored already.

Review by Tags:

Adafruit; Fast, Support, Tracking, Open Intentions.
   7 days, Saved $5.10 vs Futurlec

Futurlec; Price, Data Sheets, Don't Ask.
   20 days, Saved $29.21 vs Adafruit

Conclusion: It's a tie! Both have advantages. I would order from either again.

*Switch reviews, parts problems and solutions far far below. All part number included. All prices $US.

Adafruit Invoice:

(1) Premium Female / Female Jumper Wires – 40x6” #266 $6.95

(1) Tactile Button switch (6mm) 20 pack #367 $2.50

(1) Colorful Square Tactile Button Switch Assortment 15 pack #1010 $5.95

(2) On-On Alternating Power Button / Pushbutton 3-Way Toggle Switch #1684 $1.95 x 2 = $3.90

Shipping to Colorado: $7.71

Total: $27.01

Prices on tactile switches were almost twice as much at Futurlec. Shipping was about the same.

Saved $5.10

Futurlec Invoice:

(10) HEADS40 – 40 Pin .100 Straight Male Headers $0.19ea $1.90

(100) FHEADS40 – 40 Pin .100 Straight Female Headers $0.35ea $35.00

(100) FHEADS2 – 2 Pin .100 Straight Female Headers $0.04ea $4.00

(100) FHEADS4 – 4 Pin .100 Straight Female Headers $0.08ea $3.20

Shipping to Colorado: $6.00

Total: $50.10

I wanted 36 pin single row female headers. Futurlec had pictures of the top socket side, exact dimensions and data sheets, but only had 32 pin or 40 pin. I got the 40 pin. I should have got the 32 pin because the 40's make the mouse 40mm wider (2.54mm x 8pins x two sides), but I am still happy with the decision.

Side by Side: Not a fair comparison because of sizes, but:

Futurlec (100) Single Row Female 40 pin, exact specs = $35.00

Futurlec (100) Single Row Female 32 pin, exact specs = $30.00

Adafruit (50) Double Row Female 36 pin #1544, unknown = $59.50

Futurlec (10) Single Row Male 40 pin, exact specs = $1.90

Adafruit (10) Single Row Male 36 pin #392, unknown = $4.95

I Saved $24.50 on the females, $3.00 on the males, $1.71 on shipping, plus got some other sizes I wanted from Futurlec.

Saved $29.21  (if it was a separate order. I could have saved $34.21 if I got the 32 pin like I should have.)

Shipping Times:

Adafruit:
  Internet order 5/16/2014
  Shipped from “Limor Fried” in New York City
  Tracked and delivered by UPS 5/23/2014
Total: 7 days

Futurlec:
  Internet order 5/16/2014
  Headquarters in New York City
  Suspected delivery from Thailand
  Postmarked from Germany
  Packing invoice from Australia
  Delivered by US Mail 6/5/2014
Total: 20 days

Total saved from ordering from both: $34.31.

*Switch and Part Reviews

Headers:

The headers from Futurlec look perfect! There will be awesome header pictures in the next log.

I am not entirely comfortable with ordering from Futurlec. I would think the cost of emails and paper trails running through four countries exceeds any profit on my order. The end result is this kept me in budget and kept the project going, but leaves me with a feeling like I ordered from DarthVadersDeathStarWorldManipulationAndEmporium.com. I would probably do it again.

I did try to source from Mouser, Digi-Key, SparkFun, and some other popular sites among builders, but found prices to be two to twelve times as much. Ebay came close on pricing, but a real lack of details to the point where I didn't know what I would get.

Switches:

Adafruit delivered as promised; no complaints there.

My complaints below are how the parts integrate with my project.

6mm Tactile Buttons:

Small convenient size. A good loud clicking sound provides positive tactile feedback. Great for occasional buttons, but not for left/right mouse buttons because it takes too much pressure to operate them.

Accessibility concerns:

If you require a large oversized surface area for your keycap, it could act as a lever for this switch. (I am thinking more than 50mm)

I am more concerned with ease of use for fatigue. I would like low pressure, short throw, quick response and soft click.

Solution: Dead mice!

These will desolder well, and meet all of my needs. I am hoping to hack together some special keycaps/covers for them.

12mm Square Tactile Buttons:

They require a fair amount of pressure to operate, and they make a very loud clicking noise. The pressure and noise would make them inappropriate even for a QWERTY keyboard accessory. Getting the position and hole tolerances lined up for other panel type projects would be hard to get a finished look.

Possible solution: Custom keycaps for the 6mm buttons to make optional keys, and save the 12mm buttons for other heavy duty projects.

Female Jumper Wires:

I was hoping to use these as jumpers from the bottom of the female headers, but here is my problem:

All male and female headers have a 6mm pin and socket side, then a 3mm soldering side. The 6mm sockets don't quite reach the 3mm pins. I can't complain because because of the projects unique design, and this is not the intended purpose for headers and jumpers.

Solution: I am not unhappy with the purchase, and I am sure I can modify them by crimping and or cutting the socket inserts. I promise to document if I commit jumper surgery.

I would like to have a scale to measure switch pressures and calipers to measure switch throw distance. If I get something, I will go back and report all the specs I can.

I hope to acquire and test many more types of switches and key caps in the future, and try to apply them to accessibility solutions.