To slant or not to slant

[slk486]

I realize there have been similar topics, but I couldn't find any matching this one.

I'm having my custom arcade stick built and am having a hard time deciding on a button layout.
It basically comes down to if I want a slanted layout, like this one : http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout/sega1_m.png
or a more straight layout, like this one: http://www.slagcoin.com/joystick/layout/sega2_m.png.

I've printed both out and tried placing my hands on them both, but I'm not sure which one feels better. Depends on distance from me to the buttons and how I align the paper with myself. Sometimes the slanted one feels like I'm twisting my hand to get the right placement, but it receives high praise, so maybe there's something I'm not seeing?

Any advice, thoughts, experiences, etc, are very welcome.

[Sumez]

Sorry to be boring, but there's a good chance it won't make any difference at all. I guess if you played your entire life with one of them, you'll prefer that, but if you don't know which you prefer, just go with either one.
I've been playing with completely retarded layouts on certain cabinets before, without even noticing once into the game.

[slk486]

I was thinking that, but thought I'd try to do it "right"

[manatworks]

i used to get my hand on both of those layouts, i don't think there are that much different, i can't even tell tbh.

[Sumez]

Well, analyzing the two, #1 seems to fit a normal hand position better, but considering the two rightmost buttons are pretty much never used (except for "shortcuts" in console ports of fighting games), and most games don't use more than 2-4 buttons (depending on what you play), you'd rarely ever position your hand like that.
I think #2 looks better with the 2nd and 3d column aligned, and personally I'd probably be OCD'ish to align the rightmost column as well

#2 seems more classic to me as well, with the upper row closer to a typical Neo Geo layout.

[slk486]

i used to get my hand on both of those layouts, i don't think there are that much different, i can't even tell tbh.

It looks like that could be the concensus.

Well, analyzing the two, #1 seems to fit a normal hand position better, but considering the two rightmost buttons are pretty much never used (except for "shortcuts" in console ports of fighting games), and most games don't use more than 2-4 buttons (depending on what you play), you'd rarely ever position your hand like that.
I think #2 looks better with the 2nd and 3d column aligned, and personally I'd probably be OCD'ish to align the rightmost column as well

#2 seems more classic to me as well, with the upper row closer to a typical Neo Geo layout.

I don't play much of any fighting games, and I've actually been contemplating skipping the two rightmost buttons. I do agree that #2 looks better, but we're not talking a aestetics here Aligning the pinky buttons makes it uncomfortable for me, but as I said, I may choose not to include them. I'm leaning towards #2 two at this point, because it seems to me that my hand is resting more easily on that configuration.

Thank you for your input!

[NZA]

I prefer the slant. I use a Neo Geo Stick 2 for the Wii when playing Virtual Console shmups and it has a very aggressive slant that seems more comfortable to me than a flat layout. I would think the flat layout would hurt my wrist, but then again, "different strokes for different folks", or something like that.

[slk486]

I prefer the slant. I use a Neo Geo Stick 2 for the Wii when playing Virtual Console shmups and it has a very aggressive slant that seems more comfortable to me than a flat layout. I would think the flat layout would hurt my wrist, but then again, "different strokes for different folks", or something like that.

I'm referring to the alignment of top and bottom buttons in a 6/8 button layout, not the arch of the line
The slanted layout has the bottom buttons positioned slightly to the left of the top buttons (see links in op).
Looks like a great stick for VC NG, though!

[gray117]

I don't think it matters that much; do what you feel best with - arrange your hands on a print out and see if you think you'd reach or accidentally touch (often overlooked and very important for shmups where you tend to rest your hand more) certain buttons

However, personally, I'd be inclined to your straight variant. I believe its more common and anyway it would be my preference.

[NZA]

I prefer the slant. I use a Neo Geo Stick 2 for the Wii when playing Virtual Console shmups and it has a very aggressive slant that seems more comfortable to me than a flat layout. I would think the flat layout would hurt my wrist, but then again, "different strokes for different folks", or something like that.

I'm referring to the alignment of top and bottom buttons in a 6/8 button layout, not the arch of the line
The slanted layout has the bottom buttons positioned slightly to the left of the top buttons (see links in op).
Looks like a great stick for VC NG, though!

Oh, ok.

[slk486]

Even though hori and others seem to be moving to slanted layouts in all their new stuff, it looks like the consensus is that it doesn't really matter.

I'll probably go with then non-slanted, since it feels best most of the time:)

Your input is appreciated.