Pushbuttons
Pushbuttons are the simplest and most common form of control.
Microswitch Pushbuttons
Pushbuttons come is various forms and shapes, though the most common is the Industrias Lorenzo (iL) horizontal microswitch pushbutton (aka Happ Horizontal Pushbutton). They are comprised of...
- Button plunger
- Button housing/bezel
- Spring
- Microswitch
These buttons are sold by Happ, Ultimarc and GroovyGameGear.
Leafswitch Pushbuttons
Before microswitch pushbuttons appeared, leafswitch pushbuttons were the de facto standards and are still prefered by many people today. The main advantage to leafswitches over microswitched is that they're almost completely silent. They are comprised of...
- Button
- Button holder (usually with the actual leafswitch attached)
- Pal nut
As with most types of pushbuttons, they come in two lengths; long for wooden panels and short for metal panels.
Atari Volcano Buttons
Also known as cone buttons, volcano buttons are comprised of:
- Microswitch with illuminated red lens
- Plastic or aluminium cone
- Plastic mounting clip/brace
These were used as player start buttons in many Atari cabinets, the red button lens would blink when a player inserted a coin and remain lit during gameplay. Taller cones were used as fire buttons on Missile Command.