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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: bmcdonald on August 08, 2010, 05:41:29 pm

Title: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: bmcdonald on August 08, 2010, 05:41:29 pm

What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?    I've learned that 8 is probably more than needed, but the holes were already drilled and the buttons purchased.  I'd be very grateful for insight and understanding on how number the buttons for use with my Mini-Pac

1 2 3 4     or      1 2 3 7         or     5 6 7 8  or   OTHER?????
5 6 7 8              4 5 6 8                1 2 3 4

Our family's cabinet will mostly be used by my 5-year old and I to battle various aliens and monsters and other nefarious bad guys playing MAME games.  We will also play some fighting games but not so many as to twist Noah's young mind...LOL

Thanks much,
Brent

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: ranma on August 08, 2010, 06:06:16 pm

I have 7 buttons, on purpose and I used this (for MAME):

1 2 3 4
4 5 6


This way four buttons games have them all on the same row (neo geo mostly) and fighters use the first 6 of them. I can't think of anything interesting that uses more than 6 anyway.

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: jimmy2x2x on August 08, 2010, 06:13:08 pm

I would say the third layout, with button #1 at the bottom left

You don't want to be reaching over buttons all the time to press the primary action buttons (buttons 1,2 and 3 are the mains)

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: Ginsu Victim on August 08, 2010, 09:33:24 pm

4567
1238

You can always set MAME to see 8 as button four also.

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: Turnarcades on August 08, 2010, 09:38:44 pm

I used the second layout in my first cab.

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: Edwards80 on August 09, 2010, 04:06:31 am

1237
4568

That way 6 button fighters/any game using more than 3 buttons will be normal. You can always remap games individually if you find anything doesn't suit.

:EDIT: Just realised Ginsu Victim suggested the same.

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: Ginsu Victim on August 09, 2010, 08:32:46 am

Quote from: Edwards80 on August 09, 2010, 04:06:31 am

:EDIT: Just realised Ginsu Victim suggested the same.

Wrong.

Title: Re: What is the optimal way to number the buttions in a 8-button layout?
Post by: Edwards80 on August 09, 2010, 09:14:14 am

 :banghead:

Scratch that comment.

bottom line is, you can always remap if you don't get on with the layout.