Mushy buttons and input lag

[triticus]

I've got a Gameboy Zero with seemingly slow inputs and super mushy buttons. I really have to crush the start select buttons and I feel like inputs are being completely missed. Could it be as simple as the way the PCB and buttons interact? Maybe I need to get the PCB closer to the front shell? Or could it be a software problem or a pi zero not being able to handle the game? Seems to be pretty consistent across multiple games.

[VeteranGamer]

I've got a Gameboy Zero with seemingly slow inputs and super mushy buttons. I really have to crush the start select buttons and I feel like inputs are being completely missed.

this could/should be a support section post


you haven't given any info about what you've actually got in your build.....

if you have you control inputs via a micro controller, then that could be the issue and you may/should be able to adjust it.....

if the controls are via the GPIO....
then the culprit most definitely is going to be the silicone pad (this could also be the case with the micro controller setup)

I personally have found that the cheap/repro silicone pads that you can get (mainly from China) are just NOT great....
especially the ones for the Start & Select and the Dpad.....

I would look at getting some slightly better made ones....

https://www.retromodding.com/collection ... icone-pads




.

[tinkerBOY]

Clean the contact pads on the pcb board. If the issue persists then try another silicon pads like VeteranGamer has mentioned. Also make sure the screws are not too tight.

[triticus]

I'll update with hardware specifics in a bit. I grabbed a new set of pads from retro modding. They definitely have improved things. I think the buttons themselves are a factor. I'm skeptical of the design of the back of the dpad for instance, it's hitting the raised part of the pad at an angle because of the flat back of the button. I feel like there should be a nub for each direction so it hits more cleanly.

Like the start/select hit much better. But they are not sitting as proud of the case as I would expect. The down on the dpad hits 60% of the time.

[infinitLoop]

I'll update with hardware specifics in a bit. I grabbed a new set of pads from retro modding. They definitely have improved things. I think the buttons themselves are a factor. I'm skeptical of the design of the back of the dpad for instance, it's hitting the raised part of the pad at an angle because of the flat back of the button. I feel like there should be a nub for each direction so it hits more cleanly.

Like the start/select hit much better. But they are not sitting as proud of the case as I would expect. The down on the dpad hits 60% of the time.

yeah, i'd say the buttons definitely play a part. personally, i like the nes style buttons from retromodding to compensate for that mushy d-pad feel. they have a sharper edge (and maybe a little thicker?) so it just feels better to play with, imo. i think its mainly just those cheap buttons and pads that you can get that real bad responsiveness from.

[Refusor]

I've got a Gameboy Zero with seemingly slow inputs and super mushy buttons. I really have to crush the start select buttons and I feel like inputs are being completely missed. Could it be as simple as the way the PCB and buttons interact? Maybe I need to get the PCB closer to the front shell? Or could it be a software problem or a pi zero not being able to handle the game? Seems to be pretty consistent across multiple games.

Hi Triticus,

Yes, that was a main issue that I've met with 3 pcbs : one simple PCB, and 2 AIO pcbs. And I've tried many sillicon buttons from differents providers.It was improve a little, but not yet.

The solution is quite simple : relfow the contact on your pcb with a solder iron (flux + "chiseled" tip) ; and brush reflows controls with isopropylic alcohol.

and all will be fine.

[GigaCat]

Can vouch for Refusor's solution. Applying a careful amount of solder to the contacts (make sure not to bridge any connections or you're basically holding that button forever), input didn't require nearly as much brute force.

[tinkerBOY]

Or use a fine grit sandpaper to carefully scratch the contact pads.

[Helder]

The solution is quite simple : relfow the contact on your pcb with a solder iron (flux + "chiseled" tip) ; and brush reflows controls with isopropylic alcohol.

and all will be fine.

This should work for cheaper pcbs that went with a solder finish. If they are using the gold finish then just alcohol on the pads and button carbon pads should be enough to clean both. I've gotten away from using the solder finish for button pads because of this.

[Refusor]

The solution is quite simple : relfow the contact on your pcb with a solder iron (flux + "chiseled" tip) ; and brush reflows controls with isopropylic alcohol.

and all will be fine.

This should work for cheaper pcbs that went with a solder finish. If they are using the gold finish then just alcohol on the pads and button carbon pads should be enough to clean both. I've gotten away from using the solder finish for button pads because of this.

You're right Helder about this. Notive that I've never used this technic on good PCBs as Tinkerboy or Kite provider (I've 4 type of different PCBs ; Kite , ebay, Tinkerboy and Renegade Labs....yeah PCBs are my passion )

However, a lot of people were bought some cheaper pcbs, so this technic is very efficient on them : notice also this kind of issue wasn't appear on goods PCBs.I've tried (and succeed) with the following technic :

1°)toothbrush and isopropylic alcohol
2°)flux (tested with 2 type of flux)
3°)wiring (3 type of solder with or without silver)
4°) toothbrush and isopropylic alcohol.

But sure, if you succeed only with cleaning with alcohol, just made it that way ; and you're absolutly right about pcbs with gold cover on it.