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To MicroSwitch or Not to MicroSwitch -- That is the Question...

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d00dness:
Btw .. sorry for not asking this earlier, but can you refer me to some vendors for these switches?  Tks

pmc:
I was originally worried about the performance of micro switches, but I'm very comfortable with them now. They are very precise and tactile. I think they provide excellent control. You don't really notice them "click" during gameplay.

Why not try both?

-pmc

leapinlew:

--- Quote from: pmc on July 31, 2007, 09:54:30 am ---I was originally worried about the performance of micro switches, but I'm very comfortable with them now. They are very precise and tactile. I think they provide excellent control. You don't really notice them "click" during gameplay.

Why not try both?

-pmc

--- End quote ---

I agree about disregarding the click during gameplay, but I wonder about precise and tactile. I can run faster in Track'n'field with leafs than microswitches.

RandyT:

--- Quote from: leapinlew on July 31, 2007, 10:39:52 am ---I agree about disregarding the click during gameplay, but I wonder about precise and tactile. I can run faster in Track'n'field with leafs than microswitches.

--- End quote ---

Heh.  T&F is always the title that pops up in this debate.  It's true though.  If T&F is important, the old style leaf-switches might be a consideration.  Titles like Asteroids can sometime benefit from them as well, making those 4 dots exit the ship as close together as possible.

However, one does get used to the microswitches.  The biggest difference is the resistance against the button and the travel required not only to engage the switch, but to disengage it afterward.  So the actual motion is different.  One would expect that the extra throw of the microswitch pushbutton might be more tiring, but the extra resistance of the leaf switch can actually make one work harder.

I have always suggested that those who want faster cycling with a microswitch try using the buttons without the springs inside.  This will cause the button plunger to sit a little lower, but it also means that there is no longer that extra distance between the pushbutton and the actuator on the microswitch.  This means that releasing the button plunger would then only raise it to the level of the microswitch actuator at rest, rather than the level of the internal spring as before, which overshoots what is really necessary to reset the internal actuating mechanism.  Games like T&F would benefit from the increased cycling speed.

Microswitches, or "snap" switches are generally regarded as an improvement in durability, user friendliness (because of that tactile feedback indicating an actuation), and performance (less bounce, etc)  In the end, however, it's purely a matter of personal taste. 

RandyT

shardian:
There is a "flutter point", as I like to call it, in standard Happ microswitch buttons as Randy said. So in games like Galaga, you can depress the microswitch until you feel the switch resistance, then quickly flutter your finger to press the switch in a quick manner. Still, with a game like T&F, it would be difficult to hit multiple microswitch buttons in this manner. I'm a younger fellow and never played T&F in the wild, so I really don't mind. ;D

IMO, it is more of a personal, or nostalgic, preference. If you grew up on leaf's, then you will never be comfortable on micro's. If you grew up in the fighter era, then leaf switches and joys will feel foreign.

I love the clickety clackety of micro controls, and hate the resistance of a wico leaf joystick grommet (though I am growing tolerant of it on my Top Gunner cab ;)).

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