Crowdfunding review -You are a geek and one of your buttons just popped up. What do you do? Go find a needle and thread and re-sew it, or replace it with a titanium button with a built-in NFC tag? If you are reading this article, I think we already know the answer to this question. Let’s take a look at the Tech-B web button that is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.
What is it?
Tech-B electronic buttons are metal (copper, bronze and titanium) buttons designed to replace existing or missing buttons on clothing or equipment.
Design and features
The Tech-B web button has two parts. There are “bolts” and “buttons” screwed on the bolts. You will receive a set of 3 buttons and 6 bolts of different lengths, so you can use buttons with thin or thick materials, such as jeans, straps, or even thick jackets.
Each bolt has a pointed head, which is used to pierce the fabric.
I decided to test the Tech-B network buttons with a pair of pants that I lost a long time ago. I have been too lazy to replace it and use a safety pin as a replacement button. I’m kind of a person like MacGyver😉
The first step is to remove the safety pin. Then unscrew the Tech-B button from the bolt. The hard part is piercing the fabric with bolts.
I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to do this because most buttons on pants, shirts, etc. will not leave a big hole when you remove them. Buttons are usually sewn with fine needles. To replace traditional buttons with Tech-B web buttons, I need a large hole. The tip of the Tech-B bolt will not go through the thin material of my pants. I ended up having to use the tip of a utility knife to cut a small slit.
Once the bolt is in place, simply screw the button into place. I’m a little worried that the pointed end of the bolt might scratch you at some point.
There is also a concern that the button may eventually loosen and fall off.
It’s not just a button, it’s also an NFC tag
In addition to being able to replace the missing button with the Tech-B button, it also has a built-in NFC tag. NFC stands for Near Field Communication. You can use your mobile phone to read and write tags to perform tasks such as sending text messages and turning off smart lights.I wrote an article about Use NFC tags to control your smartphone This explains more about it.
I was very disappointed that the prototype Tech-B button sent to me did not have a built-in NFC tag, so I could not test this feature.
what do I like
- Annoying button replacement
- Built-in NFC tags make them even more annoying
What will i change
- Includes a tool that can drill holes for bolts in the fabric
- Do not make the end of the bolt so sharp/pointy
Final thoughts
I think Tech-B network buttons are cool, but I hope they can solve the sharp problem of bolts, which is really useless because it is not sharp enough to actually punch holes in the fabric.
The Tech-B event ended on January 13, 22, and they have just begun to work towards their $5,000 funding goal. You can order a set of 3 buttons and 6 bolts, starting at $59. After the Tech-B event ends, the rewards are expected to start shipping in February 2022.
price: USD 59.00 and above
Where to buy: Crowdfunding
source: The sample for this review is provided by Tech-B.
