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Every millisecond counts in the competitive world of airsoft. It's isn't always about just about having the coolest gear or the sharpest tactics; it's about how fast your trigger can respond to your commands. Most rifles come pre-equipped with some microswitch or MOSFET electronic now days, but this wasn't always the case. Some old guns may still be running a rough mechanical switch system, which can slow down your semi-automatic rate of fire capabilities. At it's worst, pulling a mechanical trigger for just a little shorter than it needs to go can lock up your gun, giving your enemies a chance to strike while you're choked up. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into these miniature marvels, unraveling the secrets behind how an advanced electronic trigger unit or MOSFET can help streamline your semi-auto trigger spamming experience.
Microswitch? Mosfet? Optical...? What's the difference?
First, let's unravel the mystery of microswitches. Microswitches are an electronic button that replaces the mechanical trigger switch in your airsoft gun. Unlike mechanical triggers, which complete the electric circuit upon being pulled and rely on a mechanical cut-off mechanism, microswitches relay electronic signals through a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). This fundamental difference sets the stage for enhanced control and precision by shifting the control of your motor to a smarter circuit board, allowing for better consistency and, sometimes, programmability.
It's essential to note that while microswitches are a type of MOSFET, not all MOSFETs are microswitches. A standalone MOSFET can certainly give you a faster trigger response by directing all of your battery's power to the motor. However, you may still encounter a bottleneck in the form of the mechanical cut-off that introduces a delay before your next trigger pull. This delay can be frustrating, especially in high-intensity airsoft scenarios where every millisecond counts. This is where microswitches step in to make a difference. While they don't inherently make your trigger faster, they do make it more consistent. The precision of electronic signals sent through a microswitch ensures that your airsoft gun responds reliably and predictably every time you pull the trigger, which can be a game changer in an intense skirmish where you need your rifle to perform as smoothly as possible.
But if you're looking to take your trigger game to the next level, consider exploring Optical MOSFETs. These innovative units replace your mechanical switch with a light detection-activated one. The advantage? A high degree of configurability and the potential for lightning-fast trigger pull speeds. With optical electronic trigger units, you can fine-tune your airsoft gun's trigger response to match your preferences and playstyle with remarkable precision. These options can often require aftermarket installation ( sometimes not! check out EMG / SAI Licensed GRY AR-15 AEG Training Rifle w/ JailBrake Muzzle w/ GATE ASTER Programmable MOSFET (Configuration: CQB / Black Non-ITAR) ) and are typically the some of the priciest. However, they more than make up for the price with how effective they can be at turning your boring AEG into a rampaging beast of airsoft domination.
That's cool and all, but what's actually the best option?
This topic can get opinionated very quickly due to varying tech experiences and product inconsistency, but here's the author, Tyler J. from Evike.com's, opinion on the matter.
Unfortunately, the answer isn't too simple. While I've said that replacing trigger contacts can make your trigger more consistent, there are still some high end brands that opt for keeping the tried and true mechanical system alive. KWA, for example, does not include MOSFETs in any of their products. Instead, they keep up with modern demand by reinforcing and perfecting those basic switches to their highest degree. MOSFETs do aid in trigger response, but can also be a sensitive area in the rifle to battery over-discharge, or in some cases, even the lighting in the room. For the airsofter highly concerned with the longevity and robustness of their product rather than the spammability of their trigger, sticking to a strong set of basic mechanical trigger contacts might be the best option.
GATE ASTER SE Airsoft Drop-In Programmable MOSFET Module (Model: V2 Basic / Rear Wired / No Trigger)
Check out KWA's rifles for unprecedented reliability! https://www.evike.com/brands/19/KWA/
Not all of us need our rifle to last five years fighting in mother nature's wrath. Heck, as airsofters, how many of us can see ourselves playing with the same gun five years from now? To those with that sort of dedication to their rifle, I commend you. However, most of us like to mix up our arsenal now and again, and having a rifle that can dominate during it's time of service is all we're looking for. To that, Microswitches and Optical MOSFETs are your answer.
Your semi-auto rate of fire mainly comes down to three things: The trigger mechanism you're using, the balance of your gears and motor, and, what's frequently overlooked, is the speed of the finger pulling that trigger.
Trigger Mechanism
I'll highlight a few microswitches and an Optical MOSFETs to elaborate on the differences you'll be getting. Microswitches, more often than not, have a tactile response to being pressed. You'll recognize it as a little "bump" or "click" after pulling the trigger.
When paired with a strong motor and high quality gears, that tactile response can aid in the speed of semi-auto capabilities by giving you a definite contact point for completing your trigger pull. Some notable examples of this tactile response can be seen in G&G's ETU on the ARP-9, or EMG's E.F.C.S. that can be found on their RDB17. Microswitches are also commonly found pre-installed in a rifle right from the factory, removing the hassle of having to install the upgrade part aftermarket. Keep in mind though, some microswitches are integrated into part of the gearbox, and thus make them incompatible with other after-market trigger components!
What microswitches usually lack is the high degree of programmability Optical MOSFETs come pre-equipped with. Since the trigger uses light to detect trigger movement, there is no "tactile" feel upon a trigger pull. Its simply as if you're gliding the trigger through air, only resisted by the spring that gives it it's tension. No clicks, no bumps, just a smooth-straightforward pull. What many airsofters like to do is pair this with an adjustable trigger (I recommend the MAXX!) to reduce some of that loose trigger time for a more repeatable pull. Utilizing the optical programmability, they can reduce the trigger movement needed to fire a shot to an incredibly small degree. Paired with the adjustable trigger, this combination is known as a "hair trigger," as you really only have to press it a hair's length to fire a shot. Optical MOSFETs can carry quite a bit of weight when it comes to fast consecutive semi-auto, but can be brought to their true potential when paired with a strong motor and fast gears.
Now, while I've said that mechanical trigger contacts can offer a greater deal of longevity, I'm also not saying that microswitches and optical MOSFETs are unreliable in the long term. More than anything, it depends on how the parts are installed and put together. A faster shooting gun will also come with more stress on the internal components. If those components are too stressed and not put together with enough care, things could go wrong. For those looking to get a faster trigger without the risk of shaky parts installation, I highly recommend Evike's Performance Shop tech services, where our experts with years of tech experience can work together to ensure your rifle is put together with the highest degree of perfection this industry has to offer.
The integration of a Microswitch or an Optical MOSFET can radically enhance your airsoft gun's trigger response. Whether you prioritize precision or speed, or just straight reliability, there's a trigger switch setup for you, no matter what type of play you prefer! If you're concerned with what trigger unit will come with the rifle you're looking to buy, check out our YouTube page, where we provide in-depth reviews about a variety of our airsoft products.