Illuminated Buttons

[subjimbo]

Hi all!

Long time lurker, first time poster.

First of all, I would like to say thanks to the community here. There are some great builds and ideas that I have been reading over the last few months in order to start organising my build.

I have been planning for a while now and have a very good idea of my theme, monitor size, CP layout and the bits & pieces I need. I had even ordered some test buttons and a joystick and made a basic CP with a iPAC2 to get the feel of playing games through Hyperspin. Build thread to come shortly 

My main dilemma is which RGB buttons to use. I am based in Australia so anything that's ordered from overseas will take anywhere between 10 - 30 days to arrive via USPS. If I really need too, I will order some batches of each and just have to wait it out I guess.

I really love the look of the black plunger in Flynn's Arcade build but I am also open to other suggestions.

I was looking at the Paradise Arcade iL - PSL-L:
https://www.paradisearcadeshop.com/buttons-il-industrias-lorenzo/809-il-psl-l-translucent-with-black-concave-plunger.html#/microswitch_force-50_gram_microswitch

I was also looking at the GGG Spectra-Eclipse:
http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=73&products_id=408

And also the Ultimarc Ultralux (for an option without a black plunger):
https://www.ultimarc.com/ultralux.html

I read in another thread that GGG has Clear Leaf Buttons that can be used with the RGB LED's but they are not listed on the site. You can also buy another set that has the black plungers for the same look.
Does anyone have these installed in their cabs that have some pictures?

Any assistance on the microswitches will be handy as well - There are so many and I am unsure what to go with!

Other than that, Ill know that I will have some question on which joystick to look at U360 VS ServoStick Vs others... but I might leave that for another day!

Thanks guys!

Jim

[mvolke1]

I use these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LED-lit-Arcade-Push-Buttons-Mame-Multicade-Choice-of-5-Colors-/281100072416

They have a pretty firm feel. If you like looser buttons, like Happ, these aren't for you. But the built and nice and I like a firmer button feel. It's not stiff, but just firmer than Happ. They have Zippy switches, if you've ever used those. The lights are nice. Not overpowering. I used a cell phone plug and cut the tip off to power them. I attached a pic of my arcade to show you what they look like. I have green, white, yellow and red buttons of this variety and I like them all.

[mvolke1]

Here's my thread on powering my buttons: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,141939.msg1469520.html#msg1469520

[aldub516]

I've used the ultimarc leds particularly for their "plug and play" ability with the iPac ultimate. They look great and are very easy to hook up. I've never tried any others but they did the job for me. Good luck with your build!

[Token]

I use these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-LED-lit-Arcade-Push-Buttons-Mame-Multicade-Choice-of-5-Colors-/281100072416

They have a pretty firm feel. If you like looser buttons, like Happ, these aren't for you. But the built and nice and I like a firmer button feel. It's not stiff, but just firmer than Happ. They have Zippy switches, if you've ever used those. The lights are nice. Not overpowering. I used a cell phone plug and cut the tip off to power them. I attached a pic of my arcade to show you what they look like. I have green, white, yellow and red buttons of this variety and I like them all.

mvolke1, the buttons you linked are one color per button, right? I think subjimbo is asking about RGB LED buttons (which can switch between colors).

[Green Giant]

I've used the ultimarc leds particularly for their "plug and play" ability with the iPac ultimate. They look great and are very easy to hook up. I've never tried any others but they did the job for me. Good luck with your build!

Did you go with the classicRGB or the ultralux RGB?  I know the main difference is basically concave vs convex.

[harveybirdman]

Hope you got the answers you needed, adding my obligatory dissenting opinion.....

Remember how all the classic arcade games had LED buttons?  Yeah me neither.....

You could always just skip them my friend 

[yotsuya]

Hope you got the answers you needed, adding my obligatory dissenting opinion.....

Remember how all the classic arcade games had LED buttons?  Yeah me neither.....

You could always just skip them my friend 

I did illuminated buttons on my first two MAME cabs, but I don't think I would do them anymore. I certainly won't put them on my dedicated cabs.

[lamprey]

I read in another thread that GGG has Clear Leaf Buttons that can be used with the RGB LED's but they are not listed on the site. You can also buy another set that has the black plungers for the same look.
Does anyone have these installed in their cabs that have some pictures?

I am using the GGG black housing with clear buttons. I put some black plastic resin inside the button to help black it out a bit more. Probably not the same as you are looking to do, but here is a pic if it helps:

[subjimbo]

Thanks all for the feedback!

I did illuminated buttons on my first two MAME cabs, but I don't think I would do them anymore. I certainly won't put them on my dedicated cabs.

Why wouldnt you use them anymore? Im curious!

I certainly wouldn't go LED on a dedicated cab either.. The first one (I'm guessing there will be more...  ) I am planning is going to run Hyperspin and I really like that the buttons light up for each different Console / Game.

[yotsuya]

Thanks all for the feedback!

I did illuminated buttons on my first two MAME cabs, but I don't think I would do them anymore. I certainly won't put them on my dedicated cabs.

Why wouldnt you use them anymore? Im curious!

I certainly wouldn't go LED on a dedicated cab either.. The first one (I'm guessing there will be more...  ) I am planning is going to run Hyperspin and I really like that the buttons light up for each different Console / Game.

Good question. Have done them and wired them up, I just kind of now feel like they're... gimmicky. On my first cab, they are used to show which buttons are active. On my second cab, they were RGB and lit up the same color as the buttons on the original machine (this was a vertical cab with only two buttons per player). But they really add nothing to the gameplay, it's more for show. I guess I would just invest my time and money into other things like obtaining and recapping a real CRT.

I don't regret my use of them, because they work right and just fine. They wouldn't be a dealbreaker on a future cab, though.

[harveybirdman]

I am planning is going to run Hyperspin and I really like that the buttons light up for each different Console / Game.

And that is the only acceptable, reasonable argument for them, good luck with your build!

[Slippyblade]

I don't know...  I'd dig a Street Fighter cab with light up single color bottons. The red, white, and blue would be cool lit up.

[yotsuya]

I don't know...  I'd dig a Street Fighter cab with light up single color bottons. The red, white, and blue would be cool lit up.

But add absolutely nothing to the gameplay.   

I'd rather spend the $$$ on joysticks that allow me to throw fireballs correctly than LED buttons, but we see guys spend $200 on LED buttons and $10 on a Xin-Mo/Zippyy combo and wonder why stuff doesn't feel right. 

[Slippyblade]

...but we see guys spend $200 on LED buttons and $10 on a Xin-Mo/Zippyy combo and wonder why stuff doesn't feel right. 

Ok, ok. Ya got me there.  Kinda like the cars you see on the road with the $1000 rims when the rest of the car is parti-color primer and barely runs.

[Speed Racer]

Hey Jim,

I also live in Australia and can recommend a few places.

For basic stuff, check out Ozstick (local Ultimarc supplier) www.ozstick.com.au If I remember right they only have single colour illuminated push buttons and not the RGB options 

I can also recommend GGG. I have made 2 orders that arrived in Sydney within 6-7 working days. I have tried their Standard Soft Touch (SST) and Micro Leaf switches and I really like both of them. Very light and fast action. It is worth thinking about what games you primarily want to play and pick a control setup and switches to suit those games.

Sounds like Paradise Arcade have the buttons you are really looking for - the black and clear combo look pretty sweet, if not terribly authentic as other have pointed out. Last I heard PA was in the process of moving their business - so it might take a while to get an order from them. Best to email them first to find out.

Good luck with your build 

[subjimbo]

I don't know...  I'd dig a Street Fighter cab with light up single color bottons. The red, white, and blue would be cool lit up.

But add absolutely nothing to the gameplay.   

I'd rather spend the $$$ on joysticks that allow me to throw fireballs correctly than LED buttons, but we see guys spend $200 on LED buttons and $10 on a Xin-Mo/Zippyy combo and wonder why stuff doesn't feel right. 

Very True. Speaking of Joysticks, what is everybody running? I have two Sanwa Sticks that I purchased under-mounted on a test control panel and I quite like them. Any other recommendations?
These are the ones I have: http://www.ozstick.com.au/product/sanwa-joystick/

Hey Jim,

I also live in Australia and can recommend a few places.

For basic stuff, check out Ozstick (local Ultimarc supplier) www.ozstick.com.au If I remember right they only have single colour illuminated push buttons and not the RGB options 

I can also recommend GGG. I have made 2 orders that arrived in Sydney within 6-7 working days. I have tried their Standard Soft Touch (SST) and Micro Leaf switches and I really like both of them. Very light and fast action. It is worth thinking about what games you primarily want to play and pick a control setup and switches to suit those games.

Sounds like Paradise Arcade have the buttons you are really looking for - the black and clear combo look pretty sweet, if not terribly authentic as other have pointed out. Last I heard PA was in the process of moving their business - so it might take a while to get an order from them. Best to email them first to find out.

Good luck with your build 

Thank you! I have used OzStick to grab a few Joysticks, Buttons and Encoder to run my test panel. Chris has been excellent via e-mail and over the phone with loads of advice. I would highly recommend to anyone in AUS.  If you are around these forums Chris, Thanks again!

When you say 'terribly authentic' are you relating this to the quality of the button or the fact that illuminated buttons were not meant for arcade cabs back in the day?

[Slippyblade]

I've only ever purchased Zippyy sticks.  For the most part I like em, though the more I use em, the more I'm thinking I want something with a better feel.  I've got Happ super and competition that came in a lot with some other parts.  Those are ok as well.  I don't think I've ever used a stick that cost more than about $13 so I don't have a lot of experience to compare against.

[Speed Racer]

When you say 'terribly authentic' are you relating this to the quality of the button or the fact that illuminated buttons were not meant for arcade cabs back in the day?

The latter. The quality of those buttons should be fine.

[subjimbo]

When you say 'terribly authentic' are you relating this to the quality of the button or the fact that illuminated buttons were not meant for arcade cabs back in the day?

The latter. The quality of those buttons should be fine.

I thought so, Just wanted to clear that up. Thanks 

[DaOld Man]

I used illuminated buttons on "A Little Rage".
Used LEDWiz to light them.
I like that the buttons you need for a particular game light up to let you know the buttons you will use for that game.

[mgb]

I can understand how someone would feel that RGB buttons are gimmicky and yes some are even tacky and cheap looking.

I'd say that the op here doesn't sound like he's gonna go all out on rgb and then cheap out on other controls.

I really like the look of the clear rims with black plunger buttons for rgb.
As a matter of fact, if I ever get moving on my sons fight stick, I have Sanwa buttons with that exact setup that I'll be putting in there.

For my VR build, I went with GGG ElectricIce2 buttons because I wanted the traditional Happ style concave button but with rgb for lighting buttons per game.
Not just for their light qualities but also because they go great with my design even when not lit.

[subjimbo]

I can understand how someone would feel that RGB buttons are gimmicky and yes some are even tacky and cheap looking.

I'd say that the op here doesn't sound like he's gonna go all out on rgb and then cheap out on other controls.

I really like the look of the clear rims with black plunger buttons for rgb.
As a matter of fact, if I ever get moving on my sons fight stick, I have Sanwa buttons with that exact setup that I'll be putting in there.

For my VR build, I went with GGG ElectricIce2 buttons because I wanted the traditional Happ style concave button but with rgb for lighting buttons per game.
Not just for their light qualities but also because they go great with my design even when not lit.

Nice build!

Yeah, the black plungers look really good. The current single LED buttons I have now (Red and Blue) really seem overpowering and the clear ring in these other buttons would look really good without becoming too invasive.

I have shot an e-mail to Randy @ GGG to get an idea on the Spectra-Eclipse buttons VS the clear ClassX + Black Plunger Mod... Still Pardisearcard looks good as well... decisions decisions!

[mgb]

Thank you.

I hope you get your answers and are able to make a decision that suits your project well.
It sounds like you're being diligent in your planning and that's important.
Good luck.
Looking forward to seeing the build.