JoyStick recomendations for Apple IIs?

eric

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Sep 2, 2021
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I have a few Apple II's now and one Kraft Joystick (got for $10) - I'll just say while it works - it's not fun to play with.

Original Apple Joysticks seem to go for a pretty penny (and who knows if they're that much better than the Kraft).

I also see some Apple II bluetooth options, but not sure how well they'd work.

What Joystick do you use? What reasonably priced joystick would you recommend for me?
 
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Oct 15, 2021
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CH Mach is flexible in terms of use and shouldn’t break the bank.

1637768881368.jpeg
 
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SteveHere

Tinkerer
Kraft KC3s are my "Go To" choice. A couple of things to watch for. There are models that are Apple II / IBM Switchable, when you look on eBay people don't always know what they have, so make sure to look carefully at the pictures (the switchable ones have two plugs on the end of the cord and a switch on the bottom). The most likely part to fail on these is the Potentiometer inside and it's a 150K Ohm part that is no longer made. Kraft used two different shaft lengths during the production run and they are not mechanically compatible, so you may end up buying a "parts stick" that won't yeild the part you are most likey to need, if you look at the specific model label and buy similar model numbers you are more likely to get the same length Pot. I don't know if the CH products sticks are more likely to work "out of box". I've bought three of these and got two working sticks out of it.
 

rdmark

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Oct 3, 2021
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It finally arrived from Korea! If you have small hands like me, I can warmly recommend the above. The analog stick and action buttons are all very responsive, and have a great tactile feel to them. While it's not evident from photos, it has a thick felt-like bottom for a relatively comfortable grip, although the edges of the PCB may still be hard on your hands after long gaming sessions. The bare-bones look may be offputting for some, but I find it quite appealing in person!
 

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Kay K.M.Mods

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Sep 23, 2021
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I think this is my original idea, but it was published in Call APPLE mag.
I like arcade machines, so I needed a joystick that would react quickly. The Apple II joystick, whose information changes depending on the angle of the axis, has a disadvantage in this mechanism. It doesn't actually work in flight simulators. However, it is very useful for arcade games such as Digdug and Pacman.

The first Joystick I made was for the Mac, but mainly for playing Pacman.
 

Javmast3r

Tinkerer
Oct 27, 2021
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Here's part of my collection, I can tell that my favorite is the Mach III, followed by the Apple Joystick. Others vary from fair to bad, but also depends of your style of playing and holding it. Lately have acquired a fondness for the Advanced Gravis one, quality-wise and comfortable.
 

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