Isn't the Blackhawk fixed to the shaft.? How do they approach the problem.?
If they do in fact move the unit, then I think the reason boils down to the much wider Optics
board spacing. Most spinners use optics that are much closer together. They might be using a
custom higher-powered system.
However, Im not a fan of how they implemented the switches. The problem is that when you press
up or down, and are spinning at the same time... the discs are going to scrap the switches. This
will slow your movements down, as well as wear down the microswitch activators.
There is no such a problem on a true Discs of Tron spinner... and any friction is very minimal compared
to the drastic friction of the micros scraping.
Also, the DOT spinner uses leaf switches, which are easier to press, less fatiguing, quicker responses, and
no clicky noise.
I didnt say this before, but as others have noted... you dont really seem to have enough space for all the
parts you want to put on the thing. The DOT stick could smash your hand if placed poorly.. and the trackball
will be unusable with exception to menu operations. (else you ram your hands into the nearest joysticks)
The DOT stick mod you made also may need a heavier duty spring, because of the added mass and leverage
that the new shaft you put on has made. I also had that problem with my home-made sticks (however, mine
might have been a litter heavier, due to that they were made of wood. Then again, there were no metal inserts
either)
The computer case idea might be ok with controls that fit. But you could also achieve the same kind of thing (or better) with use of glued on decorative parts / wood, and cuts in specific places. Thus gaining you the needed space, and giving you the look you desire.
Ill try to pop a sketch up with the D-Spinner design a litter later.