Seimitsu's Alutimo Buttons - a Review

[NFGx]

I recently had a chance to play with Seimitsu's new Cherry MX-usin' Alutimo buttons, and I did some swappin' and wrote a review.

Short version: they're absolutely amazing. Swapping switches, tho, is fraught.

Long version.



(there's not really a place for this to go, so it's here. The photo is a showcase shot tho! Hori Fighting Stick V3 with Alutimo buttons in.)

 

[shelcoof]

I'm going to give these a try because of your write up!!!
Your review was what I needed to give them a go!
Thanks

 

[NFGx]

You're welcome!

I can't believe how good they feel, but will you agree? I look forward to your impressions when you get them!

 

[shelcoof]

I'll definitely let you know!

 

[Mirkvid]

You tested with the stock switches, then you dug into how to replace them, right? They're that good stock? I may need to pick some up.

 

[NFGx]

You tested with the stock switches, then you dug into how to replace them, right? They're that good stock? I may need to pick some up.

That's correct. The buttons themselves, made of a different plastic than most arcade buttons, feel more solid and more accurate, and smooth. In the review I compare them to marble, because they feel like the arcade button equivalent of polished marble. They feel like they're built to a higher standard and tolerance.

 

[shelcoof]

Alright here is my feedback regarding the Seimitsu Alutimo

After sitting on the fence for over a year I finally got my hands on the Seimitsu Alutimo Buttons thanks to @NFGx for giving me the nudge to take the plunge
Took them for a test drive all weekend after putting them in a few of my Arcade Sticks

Compared them to:
Sanwa OBSF
Seimitsu PS-15 [Modded w/Sanwa Switches]
Seimitsu PS-14
Hori Hayabusa
Hori Kuro

In short they feel like a very light, snappy, springy responsive Hori Kuro button with a slightly longer activation distance [Not that the activation distance matters really]
Most other buttons like Sanwa OBSF and Hori Kuro have shorter activation distances but feel spongy and at times sluggish returning back to neutral. The Alutimo snaps back to nuetral very fast and does not feel spongy at all.

In terms of build they definitely feel like a premium Seimitsu button. For those with Seimitsu button experience you will feel at home with how they feel.

Performance wise I really like them
BUT!!! Only in some enclosures
I'm a bit weird when it comes to buttons and levers
I'm very specific on what I like and how I enjoy my Arcade parts

I really like loud noisy clacky enclosures that make a lot of noise when I mash buttons
An enclosure solid enough where I don't feel any vibrational feedback but not too solid where the buttons sound and feel muted

For some of my Arcade sticks I still prefer Sanwa OBSF on how they sound and feel over the Alutimo

Aesthetically they are slightly bigger bulkier than the standard Sanwa OBS, Hori Hayabusa
Size is closer to the Hori Kuro buttons

Here's the biggest drawback to me regarding the Alutimo besides the price is the color selection. Mainly the yellow color
Yellow looks more like a neon yellow than the standard yellow both Sanwa and Seimitsu use on their other buttons
For those who love to customize their sticks and care a lot about color... this might be a deal breaker

It was a deal breaker for me when I planned on mounting the Alutimo on my Madcatz TE-S NOIR Neo Geo Blue MVS themed stick
The yellow colors did not match the start and select buttons. I had to go with the Seimitsu PS-15 modded with Sanwa switches for a lighter activation.
That reallyl bummed me out because the MadCatz TE-S was a stick I used often and I reallyl like the Alutimo

Aside from that I say go for it if your interested in trying them out