Need advice on joystick/button color choices!

[Tiger-Heli]

Color co-ordination is not my thing, would like your opinion on the following:

Nothing is ordered yet, so I can make any changes I want.  For explanation, I am looking at two X-Arcade Solo style controllers, and one HotRod style controller with Rotary Joysticks.  All panels will use either black Formica or that Black Vinyl from Parts Express.  Rotary Joysticks are either Happ Mechanicals or custom based on the Happ Super, so black handles only.  Solo style controllers will use Competition joysticks which can have Blue/Red/Black/Green/Yellow handle options.

Original Plan was to have Purple buttons on the Main Solo panel, Green buttons on the Secondary Solo panel, blue buttons on the Hot Rod panel and black joysticks all the way around.  Still might go with this option.

Second Idea was that the Green joystick handle and Green buttons would look good on the secondary Solo panel.  Problem is nobody makes purple Competition joystick handles, and I can't see another color working, but maybe - Blue joystick - purple buttons, Red joystick - purple buttons, Green - purple, Yellow - purple.  (Black and Purple is fine, but I think one lone green joystick handle would look out of place . . .)

Third option would be using the purple buttons on the HotRod panel, and then using either Blue buttons and joystick on the Primary Solo panel or maybe yellow buttons and joysticks on the Primary Solo panel, not sure which would look better with the black background?

What do you guys recommend?

Finally, anyone who has used the colored joystick handles - Is there a problem with them showing dirt/finger oil and getting grungy-looking over time?  Do you like and recommend the look or do you wish you had stayed with black handles?

Thanks in advance!

[anthony691]

Well, I hate it when people go with all black... unless it calls for it; My cab is red with black trim and controls... black fits...  (I also have a red CP underlay and marquee) I couldn't see my cab with anything but black controls! Now ask people to take pics of shades of colors so you don't mess that up... people all the time complain "my buttons don't match my T-Molding" ect. Good luck

[armad1ll0]

I think that it all depends on the what the CP is for. If it's for a console then I want to match the controller buttons as much as possible. If it's for an Arcade machine then it's all up in the air. I went for a double row of Neo-Geo like colors for my multi system controller. Some think that it's too fruity. Another I did all black, and on others I've put in matching colors for PlayStation, Dreamcast, Gamecube and even Xbox. People get less lost on the controller when it matches the system IMHO...

Make CP's should look reminicent of the arcade somehow if you ask me. That's why I like the Neo Geo colors and or a play off of the classic Street Fighter Red White and Blue.

For my Capcom branded stick I did mix buttons for a two tone Capcom colored buttons.