I figured that I will ask before making another useless purchase. I bought a joystick/button/usb controller kit from Ebay but it turns out that the buttons are push type for a thin metal panel and will not work in a 3/4 inch plywood or MDF.
I guess I need the deeper buttons with thread and a nut that holds them against the panel. So my question is, what would you recommend? I do not need top of the line or the cheapest set. Something decent that doesn't break the bank and could withstand some use by kids from time to time.