It is important to remember that Cherry Style micro switches have three connections. 


NC- Normally closed, this means that when the switch is not activated, this is connected to ground.  If you connect your signal to this line it will be on all the time, ie your button or joystick will seem like it is always pushed.  This opens when the switch is pressed so it can be used to turn off an led... more to come in another "solution"  


NO- Normally open, this is typically where you want to connect your signal lines.  This remains open until the switch is activated and then connects the signal to ground. 


Finally you have ground, this is the ground for the switch.