Finishing my arcade top, few questions

[Cmid21]

Hello everyone,

I am in the last stretch of my first arcade build. It is a pedestal and I have the base and control box finished. Just need to complete the top. The base is made out of MDF and I will be using MDO for the top (where the buttons and playing surface will be) I will be painting the entire thing, no decals/vinyl wraps etc.

Before I started I wanted to solicit some advice from you experts.

1. Is an acrylic/plastic etc. 1/8“ surface necessary? I am thinking it isn’t, as MDO will have a smooth finish and I am not protecting any decals
2. Why essentially all people attach the iPac/control boards to the underside of the top instead of the bottom of the control panel section? It seems like those items would be "safer“ from bumps and bashed in the bottom of the control panel section not on the underside of the playtop. Is there a reason for this I am overlooking?

Thanks for any insights!

[MartyKong]

2) Because my joysticks/buttons which are wired to the ipac are on that side. I would think it would be more difficult to wire all your buttons, etc. to one surface and then run your wires to a second surface. Much tidier keeping them together - besides my top is on a hinge so for me that would create additional problems.