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Button layout question
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Nephasth:

--- Quote from: paigeoliver on October 09, 2012, 06:05:14 pm ---A lot of people find the curved layouts harder to play on.

--- End quote ---

A lot of people tend to adapt with what's laid out in front of them.

My layout was created (before testing it out on any games) based off the natural placement of my fingers when spread to distance between the centers of the buttons as laid out by the slagcoin layouts. I also went with this layout to be able to mimic (not exactly duplicate) multiple layouts such as the MK series, NeoGeo, and many others (most games are 2-3 buttons anyway). Even though I can use the bottom row for a "close" NeoGeo layout, my preference is also that of Chuck's when it comes to NeoGeo games: top 3 buttons and the 4th being the first of the second row (not the 7th button) with my thumb. I find the 7th button to be a bit a strectch with NeoGeo games, but I switch between playing the bottom 4 in a row and the top three with the first of the second row from time to time. For some 4 button games (non-NeoGeo) I use the first two buttons of each row. A buddy of mine has a dedicated MK, and even though my layout doesn't match the original and I have U360s in the Beast, he has no problem kicking the ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- out of his opponents on my machine.

Out of the many people who have played on the Beast, nobody has complained about any of the controls (or anything with the machine). Pretty much everyone is just blown away to see an arcade machine in a home environment. So, to echo the majority, it does boil down to personal preference. But I do favor having the 7th button on the lower left like how TheShaner, t3design and I have ours placed. You're the one building the machine, you'll be playing it substantially more than anybody else, you'll know the ins and outs of the hardware and software. If you're happy with it in the end, you did it the right way.
Cynicaster:
Yeah, I used one of the Slagcoin layouts with 6 buttons and a slight curve.  The 2nd and 3rd buttons of each row are in line, with the 1st button in each row offset downward slightly.  If I built again, I’d do it the exact same way.  My fingers are not all the same length, and the slight arc compensates for this almost perfectly—the buttons sit directly beneath my fingertips at rest without having to strain my hand.  My brother has his buttons in a straight line, and I can’t stand it.  I was playing Bank Panic over there once, and I had to quit because the strain required to keep my index finger inline with the others started causing pains in my hand and wrist.  I don’t play MAME to develop repetitive strain injuries. 
yotsuya:
Another vote for Slagcoin. I wouldn't do it any other way. No 7th button for me, either.
ron310:
Thanks for all the input. I decided (for now) to drill the 3 new holes and cap the top 4th. I'll eliminate the capped button when I redo it down the road.
I started by routing space for the extra 3 buttons.


Then I moved the encoder


The I drilled the acrylic

I took this to give an idea of how thick the acrylic is

Now I'm waiting for the delivery of my buttons, wire and connectors.
I'm also going to do the cp overlay in a 3d vinyl of white carbon fiber.
I'll post more when it's done.
ron310:
These are my 2 options



I'm leaning towards 6 buttons and cap
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