The NEW Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: jimj on January 26, 2022, 11:08:44 pm
-
I'm going to install a drawer pull (aka knob or handle) on the keyboard drawer in my cab. I could go with a normal black or silver pull, but I decided to check Google for any video game/arcade themed handles and I came across few interesting on Etsy (see the bottom of this post for examples).
Has anyone else ever used a video game themed knob? Are there any other options out there?
See examples of what I've seen on Etsy:
- Video game knob Etsy search (https://www.etsy.com/search?q=video%20game%20knob)
- Game Character Knobs - Boss Key Decor (https://www.bosskeydecor.com/shop/24382565/game-character-knobs) $18-$25 3D knobs
- Retro Arcade Game Knobs (https://www.etsy.com/listing/595830558/retro-arcade-game-knobs-bedroom-dresser) $4.50 printed white arcade knobs
-
Just use a wireless keyboard.
No drawer.
-
This palm size wireless touchpad flips between a lighted keyboard and a mouse. I made a hidden holster on my cabinet for it. The screen is black when in mouse mode. If you see the keys, it's in keyboard mode. The H18+ is amazing, $20 well spent.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776T8QDC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-
I put mine on the top of the cabinet.
A drawer is just a solution in search of a problem.
-
Just use a wireless keyboard.
No drawer.
100% this. You can put it on top of the cab or if you are like me, you can tuck it just inside of the coin door. Adding a drawer is one more thing that can break or not work quite right (and I also think a knob on the front of a cabinet is not going to look great but that's just me).
-
Wireless keyboards are a good option if you rarely use it, but I can see an argument for a drawer. Holding onto a keyboard with one hand and typing with the other gets old pretty quick, especially if you find yourself jumping between keyboard and controls often, with no convenient place to rest the keyboard.
But I wouldn't put any sort of pull on the front of the panel. It would make it look like an IKEA desk instead of an arcade panel. Instead, I would leave the face of the drawer to overhang the bottom and simply pull on the overhang. No knob necessary and could be made to blend in with a little effort.
-
I heard all the advice not to put drawers on my cabinet, but I am super glad I did because they are incredibly convenient. The secret (to keep the machine "authentic" looking) is just to make sure no one can see them. Mine has two drawers. The top one is a keyboard/mouse tray that opens with a small finger hole underneath that is completely invisible. The second utility drawer closes fully recessed under the top drawer/tray with its handle mounted so high on the drawer that it is completely invisible from all normal angles. You basically need to get on your hands and knees to see the handle. Yet both open easily by feel alone. I've had my machine for nearly 10 years now and nobody (and I mean nobody) ever notices the drawers unless I expressly demonstrate how they work. With that said, I agree that no knob/pull is always preferable to any visible knob--video game themed or otherwise. It's just an invitation (especially to kids) to, well...pull.
-
Thanks for all the replies. I have a SlikStik arcade cabinet (https://www.retroblast.com/reviews/slikcab_1.html) I bought back in 2004 that already has a drawer. It came with a hidden magnetic push latch but that broke (which I don't understand why it would break since the drawer was rarely used). I was thinking of replacing the broken magnetic latch with a regular knob/pull so I wouldn't have to work about it breaking again. However, I've now had second thoughts on the handle because I'm concerned if ever have young kids/toddlers around they may see the drawer handle and decide to hang on it or use it . So I may end up going back to a magnetic latch. I wonder if anyone makes a magnetic latch that doesn't break for no reason...?
I agree with RandyT and gildahl, even though I don't use the keyboard drawer often I do like having it there. I may end up adding some games that require a keyboard, so the keyboard drawer will be more useful then.
gildahl that's a great looking cab, I like the lighting effects.
This palm size wireless touchpad flips between a lighted keyboard and a mouse. I made a hidden holster on my cabinet for it. The screen is black when in mouse mode. If you see the keys, it's in keyboard mode. The H18+ is amazing, $20 well spent.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776T8QDC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That is a cool concept, I didn't know such a thing existed. I may buy one for my living room TV.
-
This palm size wireless touchpad flips between a lighted keyboard and a mouse. I made a hidden holster on my cabinet for it. The screen is black when in mouse mode. If you see the keys, it's in keyboard mode. The H18+ is amazing, $20 well spent.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0776T8QDC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That is a cool concept, I didn't know such a thing existed. I may buy one for my living room TV.
I was just thinking the same myself.
I suppose the complexity of your setup dictates how often youŽd need to use it.Lots of different controls on your CP,and a complex FE setup Im assuming need lots of regular maintenance.
-
Hidden drawers are great, sadly I don't have one. My empty rescue cabinet has a slim PCB front access door, thus my need for a tiny keyboard. On that door, I added a spring loaded magnetic push latch. If you decide to go down the hidden path, this same style of magnetic push latch should work for your keyboard drawer. Lots of styles and sizes to choose from https://www.amazon.com/s?k=magnetic+push+latch&crid=3GAWUHXPNNJ1D&sprefix=magnetic+push+latch%2Caps%2C128&ref=nb_sb_noss
-
here you can have mine for $25.00 (cheap).
-
Using TightVNC to get into the cabinet's desktop has been sufficient for my maintenance needs.