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Which ones do YOU prefer?
Amra:
Ok, Ive been studying this stuff for a while, and while I have learned a LOT, there is still much to figure.
For my first post, I would like to ask a question, actually two questions, and hopefully this can become a good post to help others to decide what it is i am trying to decide myself.
My first question is about joysticks.
Surely we all know that there are four most commonly used joysticks from happs (not including leaf switch controlls from wilco, maby on a diffrent topic)... I will tell you the types and a brief description, in case you DONT know the diffrent types.
1. Super Joystick ($14.20, on sale till 3/31/03 for only 7.99)
This joystick seems to be a basic design, returns to center by way of a spring, controlled by microswitches, but also has an actuator that allows it to change from a 4 way to an 8 way.
2. Ultimate Joystick ($13.05)
This joystick cannot change from 4 to 8 way, but comes in three varieties, 2 way, 4 way and 8 way. This one appears to be a basic design, returns to center by way of spring, and uses microswitches.
3. Competition Joystick ($13.05)
This joystick seems similar to the Ultimate, only can come with a heavier spring, meaning the joystick is tighter feeling, but only comes in 8 way. Other then that, seems same as ultimate joystick.
4. Perfect 360
kspiff:
Well.. it looks like you have all the facts.. and I can give my impressions, but it really all comes down to a matter of personal preference..
There are only a couple things I can say above and beyond the facts:
1.) If you like to hear your joys and buttons, go with microswitch-based components; if not go with leaf switch (or P360s also, as far as joys).
2.) If you like to 'feel' the corners distinctly (which to be honest is really only useful for fighting games and the like), go with Competitions or (blech) Ultimates; if not, -- and you can afford it -- the P360s are the way to go. I wouldn't recommend Supers myself.. I hate the cheap microswitches with actuator arms. Also good are T/J-sticks if you want easily switched 4/8-ways (esp. if you want a good ball-top joy).
I personally use Competitions and Competition PBs and think they're great.. but then again I mainly play fighters and horiz/vert shooters, don't care how loose/tense the joy spring is, don't use restrictors, have hams sewn on where my hands used to be, and on and on.. if all you want to do is play Pac and Galaga you would (probably) hate them.. you should choose the joystick that best matches your gaming preferences.
Frostillicus:
I would recommend the excellent joystick review OSCARCONTROLS.com put up on their site HERE.
They cover ultimate, super, competitions. Not many choose the 360.
WICO brand is good, but the 4-way leafs are hard to find.
As for buttons, I think most people go for horizontal pushbuttons - so stay away from the vertical ones(tendency to break down). I think the only diff between the three are slightly different sizes and the competition is concave.
good luck.
Distortion:
Actually, I prefer the Ultimates because the horizontal microswitches tend to be noisier since the button itself is completely hollow.
As for joysticks, I don't have much of a rounded experience, but I love my Happ supers.
rampy:
I use the Super-esque imitation X-arcade joysticks (9.99 plus shipping for 2 qty currently on ebay)
They are OK (read satisified not ecstatic) and were a budget driven decision.
The p360's are supposed to be "the best" but for me (even on sale) the price to value isn't their for me...
One important thing to note is which games you like to play (or will want to play ) BYOAC'ers that really like "modern" fighting games have different joystick needs than someone who prefers mr. do over MvsC (i.e. 4-way vs 8-way)
IF you have the bread, and want to primarily play 8 way games, it's hard to go wrong with the precision of the p360's... and then (space permitting) shlop a dedicated 4-way on your control panel (even leaf if that's your taste)...
The T/J-sticks over at ultimarc are a good compromise for 4way/8way type dilemnas...
It really all comes down to feel and what you liked playing in the arcade during your heyday...
If I was doing it again I'd want p360's and a dediated 4way.... OR a pair of t-sticks
*Shrug*
rampy
PS This was a great newbie/1st post... It was obvious that you did some research and asked a clear specific question about a speciific aspect of building your own arcade controls... Kudos for that...