GamerFinger Mechanical Switch Replacement [Arcade Controller Modification]

Wouldn't it be revolutionary to equip arcade controller buttons with mechanical switches?
It's extremely durable, can be replaced to suit the player's playing style, and can be used for a long time by continuing to replace the switches as long as the case remains intact.

SuchExcellent cost performanceWhat mechanical switch is compatible with the GameFinger button?
I would like to try changing the switches and see which buttons are best suited for fighting games.

Blue switch? Red switch? The basics of mechanical switches

Did you know there are many different types of mechanical switches?
The feel when you press it and the weight required to turn it on change.
The switch part is "軸It is calledAxis ColorThe characteristics change depending on.

The market share for mechanical switches is mainly driven by switches manufactured by the German company CHERRY, and when people talk about "mechanical switches," they are referring to CHERRY MX switches.

First, I would like to give a brief explanation of the characteristics of mechanical switches.

Button weight
←Heavy Light→
Black switch Blue switch Brown switch Red switch Pink switch

Switch sound (sound when pressed)
Available...Blue switch Brown switch
None...Black axis Red axis Pink axis

It has become.
In addition to this, there are also other products made independently by gaming manufacturers, etc.Green axisAnd 'Orange shaft''yellow axis" etc. also exist.

GamerFinger button switch replacement

The silver axis is used

Now, let's take a look at the "GamerFinger" button.silver axisFirst, let's check what kind of characteristics it has.

A relatively recent type of mechanical switch.
Keystroke (press distance)is shorter than the other axes,Actuation point (where the switch turns on)It is characterized by its short length.
The sound when you press the switch is quietQuiet designIt has become.

They are suitable for FPS and fighting games that require fast reactions, and sales of keyboards with silver switches have been increasing recently.

The GamerFinger button is equipped with a silver axis from the start,There is no problem if you continue to use it like this.However, since it is a replaceable design, I would like to explore what axis suits my style of play.

Mechanical switch replacement

This time we have three replacement switches.
blue axis,red axis,Black axisIt is.

By the way, the replacement switch is1 yen per pieceYou can purchase it for about that price.
This time I bought it from Sengoku Densho.
For information on arcade controller parts, please refer to the article below.

First, you need to remove the switch that was originally attached, but before that you need to remove the lid.
It's more like a cover, or rather the top part of the button, and when you look at it from the side you can see that it's held in place by a claw.

This button
top lid
Inner lid
Body
It is formed in the order of
Once you remove the top clear part (top lid), you will then be able to remove the inner lid.

When disassembled, it separates into three parts:

Once disassembled, turn it over and place a screwdriver on the bottom of the switch that protrudes from the center hole.

Apply force little by little and tap gently to release the switch.
Here it is with the switch removed.

Then replace the switch.
Simply align the terminal with the hole in the button body and press from above.

The exchange is now complete.

Try it out

I replaced the switches with blue, red, and black to check how the buttons felt when pressed.

blue axis
The clicking sound when switching is very satisfying.
The GamerFinger buttons themselves are silent, so if you need the sound of pressing the buttons, we recommend choosing the blue switches.
The switch is not pressed until you hear a click, so accidental presses can be prevented.
However, there is a "play" period before the switch is turned on, so you might mistake it for having been pressed until you get used to it.
RatherIt's more suitable for people who play shooting games than fighting games.Maybe.

red axis
It has almost the same performance as the silver axis, but has a longer actuation point and stroke.
If you want to play with your fingers on the buttons but still want a certain level of quietness, I think you should choose the red switches.
I use a silver shaft.I didn't press it just now!If you experience this frequently, you should move to the red axis.
On the other hand, if you use the red axis,I just pressed that!If you experience this frequently, a silver switch may be the better choice.

Black axis
The switch is so heavy that you will never accidentally press it by just placing your finger on it.
Perfect for those who prefer switches with high repulsion.
It is more suitable for people who use pushing type operations than for people who use flicking type operations.
I get the impression that it's not really suited to fighting games.

Silver switches are the most suitable mechanical switches for fighting games.

What I felt after using several types of axes

・The actuation point should be reasonably short.
If you don't play with your fingers, the silver axis has the fastest response.
・The blue switch feels similar to the Sanwa standard button

I think each axis has its own unique characteristics and is great, but when you look at it from a fighting game perspective, the only options are the silver axis.
In the fighting game world, where high-speed input is important, the specs of the silver axis were certainly attractive.

I think I now understand why the GamerFinger buttons use silver axes instead of other axes.

I also replaced the lever ball.

Since I was going to replace the buttons, I thought I should also buy lever balls, so I bought some along with the buttons, and as a bonus, I'd like to explain how to replace them.

First, remove the lever ball.
There is a minus notch in the lever shaftSo press that spot with a flathead screwdriver.

Lever ball and shaftCounterclockwiseTurn it around and remove the ball.
*Please be careful when working as it is tightly fastened.

This time in the opposite wayclockwiseTurn it to attach the lever ball.

If you don't tighten it properly, the ball will come loose during play, so tighten it firmly.

Complete

Extra bonus

The difference between the regular Sanwa Lever Ball and the HAYABUSA Lever Ball.
The HAYABUSA lever ball is made of gold, giving it a luxurious feel.

↓If you want arcade controller parts

Modify your arcade controller in Akihabara! There are plenty of button and stick parts shops

↓How to replace arcade controller buttons

Easy arcade controller modification! Even beginners can do it by looking at this! [Button replacement]

↓GamerFinger button replacement

Fighting Edge Blade + GamerFinger [Arcade Controller Mod]