Posted by Prophet on 13, 2001 at 8:19 AM:
In Reply to: The traditional 6 button layout vs my 6 button layout posted by Aarbron on 13, 2001 at 6:04 AM:
Actually my homemade panel has a layout 2 style. But since aquiring my ArcadePC I've decided I prefer layout 1 style. Just my opinion, plus I think it looks more authentic.
Also, consider this: in your illustration you have a hand with fingers extended. However, do you actually play with your fingers extended? I don't - hold your hand over a panel and most likely you really have your hand cupped and your fingers pointing down. See?
So then - with fingers extended, yes, layout 1 seems bad because the fingers are different lengths and the tips are not in line. But with your fingers pointing down, now they're actually all in one line! Weird eh? :)
But you should use whatever layout pleases you.
-P-
: I've noticed most of the projects of control panels that use six buttons are like in Layout 1. The layout I have in mind is based on this one, but is a little different (Layout 2). The case is that Layout 1 is so widely extended, that I'm starting to consider there must be a reason for you to chose it. The layout I've chosen is not original. The modificaton consist in adapting the orientation of the buttons to the naturally inclined position of your right hand when you are sat in front of your stick. I've reached the conclusion that, in most games, there are two important buttons to use, and maybe a third button for secondary actions. Some games use four, and a few games use the six buttons. I could agree with the statement that Layout 1 is more clear with games using six buttons, but what happens with games where you merely have to jump and shot? You have to force the possition of your hand, don't you? This is the point where I am not very sure. I think it depends on how you click your buttons. First of all, I must say that I use my second finger (index finger) for button 2, and my fourth finger for button one, leaving the middle finger unused, and using my thumb or the fifth finger for the third button. More important than this is the part of your finger that you use for pushing the button. I've noticed that my layout is quite confortable for convex buttons, but with concave buttons I used to push with the middle part of my finger for button 2, with no problem in Layout 1, and without forcing the possition of my right hand. I have not tried Layout 2 with concave buttons yet, but I still believe it's better than Layout 1. Another thing that makes me think is: why do you place the buttons so close to the stick? Wouldn't it be more confortable to leave unless 5 cm between the stick and the buttons?