Question about original Galaga controls!

[AE35]

Hey all!

I'm building a Galaga-machine, not original, just a standard cabinet with a marquee
built in.

Right now I'm using microswitches, but I just thought about what the original used..
Leaf or switches?

And do you think it's worth to go one way or the other?

Thanks!!

Nicholas

[CheffoJeffo]

Two-way leaf stick and leaf buttons.

Cheers.

[AE35]

Thanks!

So is it worth changing the microswitches to leafs?

[CheffoJeffo]

So is it worth changing the microswitches to leafs?

IMPO, always.

Cheers.

[Buddabing]

For the original Galaga "Feel", you need the leaf switches. IMO microswitches just aren't fast enough. I have an original Galaga so I'm qualified to answer.

[AE35]

Hmmm...and I just fell in love with the look of those Sanwa buttons in bright pink.

So, I get Happ Comp buttons and the ponyboy add-ons.

But when you talk about speed, does that matter when you only fire two shots at a time
(except when they're close to you...)

I don't think I've ever tried leafs. I can't remember playing an arcade that didn't go click.

[RayB]

But when you talk about speed, does that matter when you only fire two shots at a time
(except when they're close to you...)

You just answered your own question (I bolded it). Games of that era were meant to challenge reflexes. So... yeah, it makes a difference.

[Searcher7]

But when you talk about speed, does that matter when you only fire two shots at a time
(except when they're close to you...)

You just answered your own question (I bolded it). Games of that era were meant to challenge reflexes. So... yeah, it makes a difference.

I'm trying to figure out how leaf switches can be "faster" than micro switches.

Can anyone explain?

Darren

[Buddabing]

But when you talk about speed, does that matter when you only fire two shots at a time
(except when they're close to you...)

You just answered your own question (I bolded it). Games of that era were meant to challenge reflexes. So... yeah, it makes a difference.

I'm trying to figure out how leaf switches can be "faster" than micro switches.

Can anyone explain?

Darren

You can get shots off quicker with a leaf switch than with a microswitch, especially if the leaf switch is well-adjusted.

For a leaf switch to make contact (assuming normally open), when the button is pushed, two metal "leaves" meet and make electrical contact. You can then partially release the button just enough so that the two leaves separate, then make contact again.

For a microswitch button, you can't do that. There's a distance that the tiny button on the microswitch has to come up before the "switch off" action happens. This causes the minimum time between two presses of the microswitch button less than the minimum time between two presses of the leaf switch button.

This is just my opinion and it is subjective. When I played arcade games back in the day, everything was leaf switches and that's what I prefer. Someone younger may have played microswitch-based games and prefer those.

[danny_galaga]

there was a debate here not too long ago about the speed of the two types...

[AE35]

I can follow the argument in Track & Field, where I can see the logic of
'being one with the button' and 'dialing' in how much you have to release
it to break the connection and etc.

Still, in Galaga it's hard to see the all-true argument, but hey, if you
guys say it's the correct way what can I do? 

[RayB]

OK I have a Galaga. When I first got it, it had a microswitch joystick and I installed some brand new microswitch buttons. I was happy with it.

Then later, I restored the control panel art, added the original joystick, and figured it now deserved leaf switch buttons since that's more authentic.

Well, to my surprise, shots do seem to "launch" quicker. With a microswitch, you press down amd the shot fires off once the plunger goes all the way down and finally "clicks" in the switch.  With a leaf, the contact is made almost right away. The button only moves down a bit before the switch contacts. It's noticable.  Just barely, but noticable.

[AE35]

I see!

Are the springs in your bottons about the same as in Happ competitions?
(I plan to use those with the leaf-thingy-adapters)

Still keeping the microswitch joystick....that's alright I take it

EDIT:

But when you look at the Sanwa buttons(for example) the microswitches
are a lot smaller than the regular cherry. So, if they get small enough,
maybe the distance of the push needed becomes smaller...and maybe
that could even out the difference!?

[Stingray]

I don't really want to get invoved in the whole speed debate, but for authenticity's sake, you should use leaf switch buttons & sticks to get the correct feel.

-S

[AE35]

I had no intention of starting a debate, or a war. Has there ever been
one?

Okay, now I'm going to sound stupid again. Maybe you know the film
Wargames ...when you see the lead playing Galaga, it almost seems
like he's not pressing the button, but just have his fingers on it, and then
it goes ZAPZAPZAP...is that what it's like? no apparent up-and-down
movement?

[RayB]

Um, don't believe everything you see in movies....

[AE35]

 

[Glaine]

Would you like to play a game?

[RandyT]

I've recommended this before, but I'm sure there are those who haven't heard it so I'll do it again.

If the extra throw and tension of a microswitch based button is stressing you out, take the springs out of your button assemblies.

This does two things:

1)  It reduces the amount of resistance to more "leaf-like" levels.

2)  It reduces the distance the plunger must travel before actuating the switch

It might not be for everyone, but it's something everyone should at least try to see if it's beneficial to them.


RandyT

[davieboynj]

Thanks, Randy.  I'm going to give that a try...  sounds crazy enough to work!

[AE35]

The Sanwa buttons are also without a spring....only used the MS to return.

Quite different...we like it, my wife and I.

[Aurich]

 

If you love the look of the pink Sanwa buttons (I'm doing something with pink Sanwa snap ins in a Galaga/Midway metal CP myself actually, I don't blame you) you don't seem overly concerned with authenticity. Leafs are all fine and good if you want the true old school feel, but anyone who tries to tell you those Sanwa buttons aren't responsive enough has no idea what they're talking about. If anything they're TOO responsive for some people. They don't have the cherry click either, so it's closer to a leaf in a way.

You're not restoring a machine, do what makes you happy.

[AE35]

Well, yes.

Also, if I'm to use leaf switches with buttons with springs in them vs.
microswitches with buttons without springs, maybe it ends up being the same!?
Especially if the MS are smaller, and maybe has to be pressed less? I don't know.


So Texas, what happened to your machines!?!?