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Best-Performance Keyboard Encoder
RandyT:
--- Quote from: Lotus on December 07, 2003, 07:55:44 am ---
The features the Keywhiz has which the I-PAC doesnt are:
Cheaper
4 more inputs and a dedicated shift button input
--- End quote ---
You forgot some:
- Jumperless operation
- Instant switching between default and custom set
- +5v access at a screw terminal, instead of a jumper pin.
- Key sets can be reprogrammed an infinite number of times
- Double sided circuit board with plated through holes for highest reliability
- More advanced software support with integrated application launching which requires no keyboard
- Larger input buffer
- Easier implementation of single button shifted commands.
.. and it's 5 more inputs that are usable for player controls. ;)
Anyone who is looking for comparisons should take a look at TigerHeli's excellent comparison page to make sure you get accurate info.
--- Quote ---So it depends on what features you need/don't need.
--- End quote ---
Absolutely :)
RandyT
Gideon:
--- Quote from: RandyT on December 07, 2003, 12:43:58 pm ---Anyone who is looking for comparisons should take a look at TigerHeli's excellent comparison page to make sure you get accurate info.
--- Quote ---So it depends on what features you need/don't need.
--- End quote ---
Absolutely :)
RandyT
--- End quote ---
Hey, thanks for the link!
JoyMonkey:
I must have been asleep or something, I seem to have completely missed the announcement of the KeyWiz Max 1.5. When did these come out? I've been using standard KeyWiz's in the past and am 100% happy with them, but I guess in future I'll be going with the Max1.5 model.
Good job RandyT! You truely are a god amongst us nerds.
SirPeale:
You weren't asleep, there was no announcement that I'm aware of.
Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote from: Elias on December 06, 2003, 09:35:46 pm ---Functionality aside, what is the best-performing keyboard encoder? This would include the obvious no-ghosting/blocking/etc., and also speed and reliability during gameplay. Or do the top encoders all handle this the same way?
--- End quote ---
Feature wise, RandyT covered most of the differences and linked to my comparison, so I won't repeat that data.
IMHO, Hagstrom is a little pricey, good quality, but not specifically designed for arcade controls. No one mentioned the MK64. Either this, the Keywiz, or the I-PAC are all good options.
I don't know that you'll see an actual performance problem (at least in PS/2 mode) with any of these encoder, and I can't provide details, but if you look at the overall design and the tech data provided on each encoders page www.groovygamegear.com, www.ultimarc.com, www.mk64.com/ron, I would rate the performance as (Worst to Best) MK64, I-PAC, KeyWiz.
Technically, the MK64 is a Multiplexed unit, with separate chips reading a group of inputs and a central processor sequentially scanning each of these chips. I'm not saying there are performance issues with it, but it's not a very efficient process, but I'm not sure it needs to be.
The I-PAC/2 and KeyWiz are both single-chip encoders.
RandyT has very detailed information on his site about the performance advantages of the KeyWiz (see http://www.groovygamegear.com/Page3.html#13 about the "Single button Test".
How much difference any of this makes in practice is hard to say. The example I like from when the KeyWiz was released was "What difference does it make if I'm driving a Ferarri or a Focus, if I'm going to the grocery store on 35 mph streets.
But if the Ferarri cost 10-15% less than the Focus, the speed can only be an advantage.