performance differences in leaf switch vs. micro switch?

joemagiera

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performance differences in leaf switch vs. micro switch?

So, besides the click of a micro switch, are there any performance differences in a leaf switch versus a micro switch? Any difference if they're on a push button or a joystick?

I don't think there is, but if someone thinks there is, I'd like to hear what, why, etc..
 
So, besides the click of a micro switch, are there any performance differences in a leaf switch versus a micro switch? Any difference if they're on a push button or a joystick?

I don't think there is, but if someone thinks there is, I'd like to hear what, why, etc..

There are some games that I'll argue, at length, require leafs. Track and Field and Hyper Sports come to mind immediately.

With micro switches, there are limits on the switch... it has to pushed in "so far" before it makes contact, and has to be released "so much" before it terminates contact. You're just not able (IMHO) to get the speed you'd need to do good on some games when you use micro switches. Leaves (leafs?) on the other hand are fully controlled by you. Fully adjustable and their reaction/response time (when properly cleaned and balanced) is much better than micros IMO.

Honestly, most of the time... you're better of with micros because they don't require as much maintenance as leafs. But (barring games that came with them and coin doors) you won't find them on any of my machines, that's for sure.
 
ive always wondered about track and field...Due to space constraints I play the pcb on a jamma cab that has micro switches. I can only seem to get my speed up to the 7th or 8th speed bar and can't get it any higher.. are you able to max out the speed bar with leaf switches on the dedicated? I'd like to find a local T&F dedicated to see if my speed improves or if i just suck.

Tom
 
It depends on the game and the speed of the switch closure needed for optimum play. On a game like Pac-Man or Frogger, you won't notice any difference at all. On a game like Robotron or Track & Field, you'll definitely see a difference. A buddy who played Robotron a bunch on his MAME (with microswitch joysticks) came over to play my original and couldn't believe the difference.

And if you can hear the click of your microswitches thru your control panel, then you don't have the game volume turned up enough...
 
i tried track and field with a microswitch just for giggles. Used test leads and alligator clamps hooked to my cp, and held the button in one hand and used the 3 finger technique with the other. There is no comparison. The microswitch just wouldn't give you the speed needed to play it well.
That aside, many games just don't really matter, but HS and T&F do. What are you planning on putting microswitches in?
I don't really think it matters a whole lot with joysticks. If you can get used to the clicking, they're fairly similar. Once upon a time i had a baby pac-man with each. No difference to me besides the clicking.
 
Well, with leaf switches, you can adjust the sensitivity by increasing or decreasing the gap of the leafs. Can't do that with micro's...
 
hate micros but they do work. i put them in games when i sell them to civilians.

when playing my pac game (Jr.)
and things get hairy, they dont provide the EXACTNESS that i want to survive.

i hate dying and losing a man because of the micro mistake IMO
 
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ive always wondered about track and field...Due to space constraints I play the pcb on a jamma cab that has micro switches. I can only seem to get my speed up to the 7th or 8th speed bar and can't get it any higher.. are you able to max out the speed bar with leaf switches on the dedicated? I'd like to find a local T&F dedicated to see if my speed improves or if i just suck.

Tom

the WR holder has to be within an hour of you
 
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