What arcade stick and buttons do you use?

[Aleksei]

Hey guys,
I just want to know what arcade stick and buttons do you prefer/use, even if you prefer other controllers.
I use a Seimitsu LS-56 stick with Smoke Seimitsu PS-14-K 30mm Pushbuttons.

[Aquas]

I prefer Sanwa JLF stick and buttons. I can't ride the gate of seimitsu's like I can a Sanwa. I ride hard.

[dan76]

Seimitsu LS-40 and PS-14's (or 15's, can't remember). I also have an LS-56, but the LS-40 has a shorter engage/throw distance.

I've been thinking recently of putting the old Suzo back in for SDOJ.

[Weak Boson]

Used an LS-32 for a long time which I like very much. Recently got a LS-40 which is good but mounted too low, I need to get a different mounting plate but I just haven't got round to it.

For buttons I've got sanwa in both cases. Can't remember exactly what type but not the more expensive ones that's for sure. I would like to try some seimitsu ones but I don't have any particular reason to at the moment. Buttons don't seem as important in shmups as they do in fighting games, though.

[hermit crab]

Buttons don't seem as important in shmups as they do in fighting games, though.

Except in the games with no autofire.

[cave hermit]

I've been considering getting a fightstick for my 360, but my budget isn't that large; is this one any good? http://www.amazon.com/Xbox360-Fighting- ... fightstick

[klausien]

After building one stick, I ended up building a second because I wanted player two to have the same level of precision in control. My preference is Seimitsu. I don't like the hair trigger Sanwa buttons have, and I think the JLF is too loose for shmups. I also prefer the sound of Seimitsu push buttons.

My first stick was an LS-58 and it is still my number one. It has the shortest throw of any stick, making it the ultimate shmup weapon. My other stick is an LS-32, which I love just about as much for shmups, and actually prefer for fighting games. If you need one stick to do it all, LS-32 all the way. I was always a PS2 Saturn pad guy, and still love them, but once I got a true arcade controller, I couldn't believe what I was missing.



They are both Namco/Hori Tekken 5 10th Anniversary shells with hacked PS1 Dual Shock PCBs.

[chempop]

LS-56 w/octo gate and sanwa buttons. The Sanwa buttons really are easier to tap for a split second panic bomb, and are much better for rapidly tapping. Strangely, I use Seimitsu 24mm for start because they are harder to press so I won't accidentally have player 2 join (like Kamui did in her stunfest run).

[Bonus!]

I'm about to buy a Hori Real Arcade Pro.

On a side note, the guy who cleared DDP DOJ Death Label used an unmodified fighting stick, which leads me to conclude that all this debate about using parts of a particular manufacturer or the alleged need to swap all parts of a stick that was made for fighting games is somewhat exaggerated.

[Jelly]

I'm using a Hori Real Arcade Pro 2, it's a PS1/PS2 stick, which makes it compatible with all my consoles using adapters. I'm incredibly pleased with it, since I just cannot justify having several arcade sticks.

(borrowed picture)

[Softdrink 117]

On a side note, the guy who cleared DDP DOJ Death Label used an unmodified fighting stick, which leads me to conclude that all this debate about using parts of a particular manufacturer or the alleged need to swap all parts of a stick that was made for fighting games is somewhat exaggerated.

I don't think anyone is necessarily suggesting that you *need* one type of stick/button or the other. It's all about personal preference and what feels good in your hands. Some of the best players on this board don't even use arcade sticks. However, it's generally accepted that a shorter throw (IE a 'tighter' stick) feels better to most for shooting games.

It's also worth keeping in mind that not all sticks come with 'name-brand' parts, which can actually be significant. I've played on knockoff Sanwa buttons before, and they were terrible-- they were mushy, inconsistent, and had a nasty tendency to stick.

Personally, I can play equally well on Sanwa or Seimitsu parts. But both of my personal sticks use an LS-58 right now, because I find them marginally more comfortable for extended play sessions than Sanwa. I have no preference on buttons unless I'm playing Mushihime-sama, in which case I definitely prefer Sanwa for the much faster tapping rates I can achieve.

[KennyMan666]

HRAP EX-SE, full Seimitsu. For the X360, so also for the PC. Would love to somehow make it compatible with the PS2 as well since my old PS2 stick is a pretty shoddy cheap fightstick.

[slk486]

Home made stick with an LS-40 and PS-14s. Using the McCthulu and an Imp so i can use it with PS3/360 and all the retro consoles through RJ45, with a straight through DB15 for arcade.

[Aleksei]

Would love to somehow make it compatible with the PS2 as well since my old PS2 stick is a pretty shoddy cheap fightstick.

This is what I use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Contr ... 0971860317

[kennyrh]

I have used an X-Arcade 2-player stick but after a lifetime of gamepad devotion I find shmups pretty slow to respond with it.

Is that just me or am I seeing the difference between a pad and a proper stick ??

[KennyMan666]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Contr ... 0971860317

I see nothing there saying it can make X360 controllers work on PS2, only PS3. But are you saying you use it for that?

[shmuppyLove]

I've been considering getting a fightstick for my 360, but my budget isn't that large; is this one any good? http://www.amazon.com/Xbox360-Fighting- ... fightstick

I picked one up for $40 used, and it's pretty average, actually. The joystick is fine enough but the buttons are starting to bother me and squeak a bit. They're a bitch to change though, as they're soldered directly to a PCB.

On the plus side, it's a good size, 6-button layout, has two independent turbo settings for each button and a headphone port.

[Domino]

Using the Hori Real Arcade Pro VX-SE stick (all Seimitsu parts).

Joystick is LS-32-01, I replace the default gate with a circular gate for easier 360 motion. I knock down the buttons from eight to six since I only need it for MAME/PC only.

[BeruBeru]

Would love to somehow make it compatible with the PS2 as well since my old PS2 stick is a pretty shoddy cheap fightstick.

This is what I use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Contr ... 0971860317

I got a stick with Cthulhu PCB for PS3/PC, does it work without lag when connecting a ps3 controller to xbox360?

[hermit crab]

What I've been using lately...



Has the smallest Seimitsu stick that happened to be available at the store when I was buying parts. Can't remember which one it is, maybe the LS-32? A small (30mm) balltop on top, like on the Neo Geo controller. Sanwa OBSF-24 (24mm "start buttons") in a scaled down 7-button Vewlix layout. PS360+ encoder. The panel is covered with leather.

Sorry about the poor quality photo, it was bad to begin with and the image host made it even worse, but I'm sure you get the picture, heh heh.

[Astraea FGA Mk. I]

My primary stick is a HRAP EX-SE with its default Seimitsu parts, being a LS-32 and PS 14 G buttons.
My modded Dreamcast stick has a LS-56 and PS 14 KN buttons also Seimitsu. I think the LS-56 is pretty shitty in comparison to the LS-32 but I'm adjusting...
Then I have my two PS2 Neo Geo Stick 2s for PS1, PS2 and Neo Geo on MAME.
I also have a HRAP VX-SA with its default Sanwa parts, which I sometimes use for a bit of a change.

Overall the parts in my EX-SE are my favourite.

[SunJammer]

I recently swapped out the PS-14-G buttons in my EX-SE for sanwa OBSF-30s to replicate the parts in the Hori RAP AX S+G, and so far I'm pleased but DAMN are they sensitive. rest your finger on the bomb/hyper button at your own peril

LS-32 for life

[emphatic]

I used to love modding brand joysticks (SUZO 500) to fit my needs, but I'm old and handicapped, so I've settled for the LS-56 as it's a great stick as is (still has the cheap Seimitsu deadzone wiggle that I loathe). Very curious about the LS-40 though, as it's supposed to be very nice for shmups. And Seimitsu buttons as I can't stand the loose SANWAs. You should all keep an eye on Paradise Arcade if you like easy enhancements for your LS-56 including custom gates etc.

[klausien]

The LS-58 is just an LS-40 with a matching transparent shaft cover and dustwasher. The LS-32 is a better all around stick, but the shorter throw of the others I mentioned is better for shmups.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

I like how Paradise Arcade includes a free Hawaiian candy sampler with each order from them. The one I got arrived as a melted sticky and gooey mess but quite tasty nevertheless. Beside our own rancor with his exotic Kit-Kats, PA is the only known arcade-based mail-order business to include such a free candy sampler with orders indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Aleksei]

klausien

^ Very nice! I'm a big Darius fan and I approve!

I see nothing there saying it can make X360 controllers work on PS2, only PS3. But are you saying you use it for that?

I'll get back to you on whether it works when I move and try it.

I got a stick with Cthulhu PCB for PS3/PC, does it work without lag when connecting a ps3 controller to xbox360?

I don't have a PS3 to try it on, sorry.

I like how Paradise Arcade includes a free Hawaiian candy sampler with each order from them. The one I got arrived as a melted sticky and gooey mess but quite tasty nevertheless. Beside our own rancor with his exotic Kit-Kats, PA is the only known arcade-based mail-order business to include such a free candy sampler with orders indeed.

I also ordered from Paradise Arcade, quick shipping, great prices, I remember eating a flavor of Kisses I've never seen before . I recommend buying from them.

[Elaphe]

Suzo Universal STC 500 stick (lowered) and Industrias Lorenzo's PSL-L concave pushbuttons with light microswitches.

Honestly, I prefer playing games with a keyboard rather than with a Japanese stick.

[Astraea FGA Mk. I]

I recently swapped out the PS-14-G buttons in my EX-SE for sanwa OBSF-30s to replicate the parts in the Hori RAP AX S+G, and so far I'm pleased but DAMN are they sensitive. rest your finger on the bomb/hyper button at your own peril

This is why my VX-SA doesn't get much use, I like to rest my fingers on the buttons and I've never had accidental inputs with my Seimitsu buttons.

[Drachenherz]

Ah, this topic suits my momentary stick-modding craze...

Allright, the last couple of years I amassed quite a few sticks...

X360:
Madcatz TE Fightstick S.
Modded it. Put a Seimitsu LS32 in it, kept the Sanwa OBSN Buttons, used a plexi and a Mushihimesama Futari Artwork. I use it intermittently for my Xbox-Shmupping and/or on the PC. This one:



My other Xbox 360 Stick is the Hori Real Arcade Pro EX-SE (or should I say: "THE SEX"?)
Left it unmodded (apart from changing the balltop), as the already built-in Seimitsu LS32 and the 'mitsu Buttons are allready great.



PS3:
On the PS3, I use either a HRAP3 which I modded with some Seimitsu clear buttons (don't remember the type anymore) and did some artwork modding too. I left the stock Sanwa JLF stick in it. I use this stick on the pc too, as the X360 stick.



The other PS3 Stick is a custom stick. The case was made by Ecksnine, he truly did a wonderful job with the wood. Stick is a Sanwa JLF, Buttons are the same clear Seimitsu Buttons as on the modded HRAP3. I love this stick!



Lately, I managed to finally re-mod my fist completely custom made stick for use on ansuoergun (yes, also the wood casing was made by me - with some help of the father of a friend). I use a Sanwa JLF in it with all sanwa buttons. As I was modding the stick in order to use it on the supergun, I made a little mod on the stick spring: I inserted an additional Seimitsu LS 32 spring over the JLF spring. The result? A super tight Sanwa JLF! I love it, super tight control for my shmupping needs.




Now, as I got a PS2, I just had to get a stick for it. I managed to get a Hori Tekken 5 LE Stick for it for free. All with stock Hori parts, which I can't stand. I am in the process of modding this one, so I haven't got any pics online of it. I'm using a Sanwa JLF in it (the spare one I kept from the Madcatz TE). I also modded the spring in this JLF. But instead of putting in an additional spring, I just pulled the JLF spring. Result: Super Tight shmupaaaaaastick! Buttons are some spare Sanwa OBSN I had lying around. I will put some pics up as soon as I finished this one. Pwomise.

Edit: Holy mother of... I just realised that with the T5-Stick, I have a total of 6 Sticks now... And it all started so innocently... With a Hori Fighting Stick EX2 (which I sold). The other sticks? I... I... can't bring myself to sell even one of them... *sigh*

[monouchi]

LS-58 on all of them. Best stick IMO. (LS-58 is a LS-56 but with a softer spring.)