What are people's thoughts on the launchball button vs a plunger?
Disclaimer: I haven't kept up with recent VP developments or new tables/scripts for a while.
It depends on
1. The particular type of plunger (Microswitch? Analog? Mouse?)
2. The particular table and plunger script
3. Personal preferences and expectations
Some tables/scripts were designed to require precise timing of the shot -- advantage Ball Launch button.
Some require a precise amount of pull/force to make certain shots -- slight advantage mouse plunger (see sig) or analog plunger.
Some require a combination of force and timing which is extremely difficult if all you have is a Ball Launch button or microswitch plunger -- major advantage mouse/analog plunger.
You can get the best of both worlds by having both a launch button and a mouse/analog plunger.
Do you know where I could buy customized launch ball button or a smaller one? A lot of the launch ball buttons I saw were huge.
Pick a button size/style you like.
If it doesn't have a clear/transucent cap get vinyl decals from Slammedniss.
If it has a clear/transucent cap print some custom inserts on Avery 8665/18665 (inkjet) or 15665 (laser) clear labels.
More info/links
here.
Scott