CS General Info: Difference between revisions

== Which controller should I buy? ==

''Konami Controller (JKOC)'' - An official controller by KONAMI, runs for about $90 from most online retailers. The keys are spaced correctly, but the turntable is smaller and closer to the keys. The keys are switchable so that you can emulate both the first and second player sides. People have problems with sticky keys, but you can mod your controller using cardboard to get around these problems.

''American Controller (KOC/USKOC)'' - Also made by KONAMI, this controller comes bundled with the American [[CS 2006|beatmania (2006)]]. These controllers used to retail for about $50, but nowadays they can be tricky to obtain depending on where you live. Since it was made and sold in the US it's easier to obtain there, but if you're importing to Europe expect to pay $100 or more. It has some slight differences from the Japanese controller mentioned above; most are cosmetic, but it is worth noting that the buttons are significantly redesigned and the traditional "plunger" design has been completely replaced, and are therefore much less prone to sticking. This controller is leaps and bounds better than an unmodded JKOC, though JKOCs can more easily be modded to a player's exact preference in terms of key travel distance by adding or removing layers of cardboard. Though it comes bundled with the American beatmania, this controller is fully compatible with the Japanese versions of IIDX.

A Chinese manufacturer of various BEMANI controllers sells several editions of IIDX controllers. High quality arcade feel controllers that are customizable to be arcade perfect. Independent overseas seller makes some people nervous, shipping is brutal, wait can take a week to a month, but the quality is excellent.

''Gamo2 PHOENIXWAN'' - Pricey at $300, and up to $450 with certain customizations. It's the gold standard, pretty, easily serviceable, and of course, customizable. The buttons can be turned upside down to emulate the player 2 configuration. The new turntables emulate the LIGHTNING MODEL cabinets that are slowly replacing the original IIDX cabinets in the wild.

''Konami ASC'' - The official arcade-style controllerS by KONAMI. They're huge, they're pricey, and for some, it's worth it. The price tag is quite hefty, but with arcade perfect dimensions, clicking keys, and switchable from first player to 2nd player, lots of people have purchased them. Expect to pay around $350-400 when all is said and done.  

''Third-Party US ASC'' - two US controller makers that were well-known in the pop'n music community produced ASC-like controllers for IIDX. These manufacturers are known for having long production times, good playability, and reasonable prices. Note: As of 2024, DesktopArcade and Ransai are dead.