What brand/style/size of buttons/joystick to get?

[SpatzST]

I hopped on over to paradise arcade to check out what buttons they have and realized that theres many brands and styles.  I definitely want classic concave style buttons.  But what brand? Does it matter? Currently the one I considered buying was the "IL" brand concave buttons with the leaf switches.  I watched a video on what the microswitches sound like and I think I'd prefer the leaf style since it seems more "original" (please tell me if im wrong).

As for Joystick, I definitely want to go with ball top and the long shaft. But again.. what brand? Joysticks are sold in pieces? balls/shafts/switches?  Can you get a joystick with leaf switches?

Lastly... what is the difference between long/short buttons? Does it matter? and what is your standard size button?

thanks in advance
-chris

[jimmer]

ahhhh.... the eternal question.

[bearzilla333]

I will have to come across this decision my self in the next couple of weeks...

[Malenko]

This is ultimately an opinion thing, and everyone is going to have a different opinion on what is best. I would suggest you buy 1 of each button you are interested in, then see what one feels right to you.  Better to spend a couple extra bucks now rather than replace everything later.

[Hoopz]

Lastly... what is the difference between long/short buttons? Does it matter? and what is your standard size button?

thanks in advance
-chris

Generally, long buttons go in 3/4 inch wood panels while shorter buttons can go in metal control panels.  Most buttons are 1 1/8" (1.125 inches) in diameter.

[BadMouth]

Buttons are pretty much buttons.  The difference will be in the switches.
The only difference between long and short buttons is the thickness of the material they can be mounted in.
They will perform the same.

I buy buttons based on them coming in the color that I want. 

The big question with joysticks is what games are most important to you?
There has never been any agreement on a "best" joystick that does everything well.

A lot in this hobby is about little touches that will recreate the feeling you had when playing as a kid.
(unless you're young and didn't spend any time in arcades)
Someone who grew up playing pacman and frogger might prefer this:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=402
while someone who grew up playing street fighter might prefer this:
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/323-il-eurostick-joystick

Keep in mind that a longer shaft means a longer throw; you'll have to move the joystick farther to change direction.
That hinders you on shmups.

A sanwa JLW with 4/8 way switching added is probably as close as you'll get to a contender for all purpose.
http://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/8-way-only-joysticks/104-sanwa-jlw-tm-8-joystick.html
(leave the restrictor plate loose so it can be rotated by hand)
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=383
(This is a knockoff, but performs about the same.  spend the extra on the hand candy balltops, no seems or mold marks feels awesome)
http://www.ultimarc.com/servostik.html
(This is a genuine JLW with motorized switching)

[JDFan]

This is ultimately an opinion thing, and everyone is going to have a different opinion on what is best. I would suggest you buy 1 of each button you are interested in, then see what one feels right to you.  Better to spend a couple extra bucks now rather than replace everything later.

I'd agree with this though I'd get a couple of each for testing -- and remember you aren't really wasting anything since even the ones you do not like can still be used for the admin buttons.

[mgb]

Oh boy, this question again.
If you want classic concave buttons that are quiet, why not check out Gold leaf buttons from Ultimarc.
Also maybe a servo stick for 8-way, 4-way switching.

To tell the truth, something like a cherry switch or a soft touch switch on a standard IL concave is not really loud.
If your into the concave traditional buttons, you will probably wanna stay clear of the Sanwas and seimitsus.

[yotsuya]

Buy IL Concave buttons if you want microswitches, GGG ClassX Concave leafs if you want leafs. Closed. 

[WindDrake]

You also have the option of IL Concave buttons with Rollie Leaf Switches if you want leafs.

Sadly, I actually prefer the feel of the Rollie switches & IL Buttons Vs. the ClassX, which seem to have a harsh bottom-out and less resistance, due to the smaller leaf switch assembly.

Still a fantastic button, just my preference.

[SpatzST]

Thank you everyone. I suppose I'll go with  economical priced buttons, but nice switches/leafs. I also think I'm gonna go with the bat shaped joystick because I think I'll mostly be playing street fighter/marvel capcom/ etc.

Any other sites you recommend I check out? Besides the ones mentioned here already?

Thanks

[bearzilla333]

Yea this helped me out too, I will be buying my stuff in about 2 weeks.

[mgb]

Yup, looks like your best set up will be the il or happ concaved with some cherry switches and il eurosticks.
To me it sounds like this is what you'd be use to. And its the less expensive option.

[SpatzST]

Yup, looks like your best set up will be the il or happ concaved with some cherry switches and il eurosticks.
To me it sounds like this is what you'd be use to. And its the less expensive option.

You think I would be happier with microswitches for the buttons instead of leaf?
I am definitely going with the eurosticks and decided to get CLASSX concave buttons. Leaf switches are good or bad for fighter games? I was under the impression leaf switches are the most authentic feel.

[mgb]

Nah, you'll be fine with your choice.

[paigeoliver]

Your fighter games all had microswitches, but that is because leaf switches had almost been completely phased out by the time the fighting games came along.

All the Street Fighter games shipped with Happ supers, which have a totally different feel than the cheapo Asian style sticks people keep recommending for "people who grew up playing Street Fighter".

Yup, looks like your best set up will be the il or happ concaved with some cherry switches and il eurosticks.
To me it sounds like this is what you'd be use to. And its the less expensive option.

You think I would be happier with microswitches for the buttons instead of leaf?
I am definitely going with the eurosticks and decided to get CLASSX concave buttons. Leaf switches are good or bad for fighter games? I was under the impression leaf switches are the most authentic feel.

[SpatzST]

Your fighter games all had microswitches, but that is because leaf switches had almost been completely phased out by the time the fighting games came along.

All the Street Fighter games shipped with Happ supers, which have a totally different feel than the cheapo Asian style sticks people keep recommending for "people who grew up playing Street Fighter".

Yup, looks like your best set up will be the il or happ concaved with some cherry switches and il eurosticks.
To me it sounds like this is what you'd be use to. And its the less expensive option.

You think I would be happier with microswitches for the buttons instead of leaf?
I am definitely going with the eurosticks and decided to get CLASSX concave buttons. Leaf switches are good or bad for fighter games? I was under the impression leaf switches are the most authentic feel.

I already ordered the parts, but what joystick would you recommend?

[mgb]

He's recommending Happ supers. They're fairly similar to the eurosticks you ordered but they have a slightly different feel due to a round actuator and the actuator on the eurosticks is square.
If you're just trying to have something like what you played fighters on in the 90's, then you should be fine with what you ordered.

Alot of people push the Japanese sticks like sanwa and seimitsu but for what you're looking for here, there's no need. It would cost more and would not feel right to you.
 

[SpatzST]

Thanks mgb, you've been a great help.
+1

[mgb]

No problem.
I hope all goes well with the build.

[jimmer]

Buy IL Concave buttons if you want microswitches, GGG ClassX Concave leafs if you want leafs. Closed. 

Or GoldLeafs or Traditional leaf buttoms.  Case not closed.

I agree with the idea of trying a variety. That's what I did, and that's what I now offer my customers.

[mgb]

Buy IL Concave buttons if you want microswitches, GGG ClassX Concave leafs if you want leafs. Closed. 

Or GoldLeafs or Traditional leaf buttoms.  Case not closed.

I agree with the idea of trying a variety. That's what I did, and that's what I now offer my customers.

Actually for now, the case is closed. He already ordered the parts

[jimmer]

Actually for now, the case is closed. He already ordered the parts

Yeah, my comment was for the people who find this thread later. I don't want them to think there is an agreed answer

[mgb]

Yeah, I'm just messing with you.
You're right, it is best to try out multiple products when possible.
Alot of guys tend to advise just one thing as if nothing else will work.

Personally I like my Sanwas but I also like happ comps.
Alot of people here seem to like Zippyy joys and I think they're sloppyy