Differences between bypass mechanisms

[dbp512]

I've only been building for a few months, and in that time I've only used mechanical true bypass. I've wanted to try some other bypass mechanisms, so I ordered a relay bypass from 1776 with their multiplex. I was also going to get their optical bypass, but in a moment of foolishness I decided not to. Now that I have David Rolo's trio of circuits on their way to me, I was wondering about the difference between bypass systems, and what I should use for my fancy new circuits. 
 
I tried searching, but most results only talk about true vs buffered bypass. I haven't been able to find a quick summary of how these mechanisms differ, or why people would choose one or another. Mechanical true bypass is the cheapest, but optical isn't much more expensive. I've also seen countless people (including midwayfair on 3 different websites) recommending it, so I figured there must be something nice about it. Is it simply because it uses a 2 pole footswitch, or are there other reasons as to why people like it so much?

Also, what about relay? Its the most expensive at roughly $10, requires parts from a few different sources, and requires a microcontroller. People don't seem to praise it as much, which I assume is due to the cost and complexity, but I wanted to give it a shot at least once. Plus, I like the feel of the momentary switch

[playpunk]

The optical solutions use an octo-coupler to achieve "true" bypass with a dpdt switch. The alpha dpdt switches are really nice, and there is little if any pop when in use. Great bang for buck.

Relays are programmed, and use a momentary switch to click on and off. I have some relays and want to give this a try too.

Each one of these solutions is, more or less, true bypass.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dbp512]

I get that they all achieve true bypass (if were not nitpicking about the "almost zero" resistance of the opto). But is the only reason to use optical because the dpdt footswitch has a nicer feel and less popping? I have David Rolo's boards coming my way, and I figured I'd go all out and include nice bypass mechanisms. Based on people's suggestions I was going to go with optical, but I wanted to know why before I ordered 3 of them. Not that the cost is very high, I was just curious as to why they're preferred. It sounds like I might as well just order and find out myself.

[tol]

i REALLY like the optical bypass boards from 1776, rullywow, grindcustomsfx.

The reason I am avoiding 3pdt is the switches often fail. The dpdt switches are generally considered more reliable.

http://www.mrblackpedals.com/blogs/straight-jive/6629778-what-really-causes-switch-pop