Steady Key option in mame.ini...function?

[Teknique]

What exactly does the steady key function in mame.ini do?  I tried a google search and only came up with something about hitting three keys at once?

[u_rebelscum]

Assuming you read the docs/config.txt file, I'll go into details.

It doesn't send input keys until after zero changes are detected between two frames.  This delays the inputs for at least one frame; even if all inputs are correctly seen at once, mame waits for the next frame to see that all the same keys are still down, before sending to the game.  If the keyboard is really slow, OTOH, it might take a couple frames to send the computer which keys are down (and up).  In this case, mame waits until the changes stop coming, how ever many frames that takes.  (source, lines 660-710)

Basically, this option helps slow keyboards (which already have a frame or two delay), and aids slow fingers (which can't press keys at the same time).  People with ipac or keywiz and fast fingers should not use this option, as it delays the inputs.  Does not effect gamepad or mouse type inputs.

[Teknique]

Thanks U_rebel.  I was wondering about a keyboard controllers interaction with this setting and you answerd the question.

Tek