Honestly it's a matter of preference, the chronos push buttons don't stay down like the rocker arms in DGT clocks so I personally don't have that trust built in me to be sure it registered so I tend to reflexively glance at it sometimes to be sure and many people I see double or triple press it to make sure which I find annoying, the buttons are also very small, literally they are IBM mechanical keyboard caps so I prefer the big rocker style action of DGT clocks. As for the sensors, they are very sensitive so a slight touch with bare skin is enough to trip it, for this reason I would prefer it over the Chronos buttons, like the buttons once you get used to them you won't have any doubt that you pressed it. So my preference is DGT style rocker > Touch Sensors > Chronos Buttons
Clocks: sensors or buttons???
I hit the buttons with captured pieces sometimes, and this doesn't work with touch sensors.
I've also never had an issue with not being confident that my press registered (Chronos buttons) on the first press. There's good tactile feedback. Maybe it's because I'm more used to it than (say) an opponent who's more used to DGT's rocker... I guess that'd give him/her a slight disadvantage : )
Just also want to add that, although the Chronos clocks also have 2 LEDs on top to indicate player turn, I've never really noticed/looked at them during games (even long games) because the button feedback is really good (never really a doubt that the press registered).
Just also want to add that, although the Chronos clocks also have 2 LEDs on top to indicate player turn, I've never really noticed/looked at them during games (even long games) because the button feedback is really good (never really a doubt that the press registered).
Will be replacing old Excalibur at some point and will most probably be with a
Chronos, have never owned one but have played with both sensor and button versions plenty, yet still can't decide which to go with. Couldn't agree more about button feedback. Either way definitely prefer these two opptions to others available, though I guess they are all pretty well suited to what they're made for.
The lights are a real aid to a refresh n reboot while observing other games going on (one of the main reasons to get up from the board in the first place).
Anyone else prefer rocker arms (DGT ect) for any particular? Sure see lots of these around, wonder if there is some reasons other then that they are quite inexpensive. To me not being able to see the delay is kind of a deal but mostly play with increment so not so big.
Only things can think of that would sway me towards sensors over buttons (or plungers, rocker arm style clocks) is that they would be a pretty big plus in places were quiet is critical, like a library or a room where someone is sleeping; and the compulsion to monkey spank a sensor is virtually nonexistent since there is no give to them.
Have always thought Excalibur clocks were about the loudest clocks around (see video) but somehow that loose plunger chop grew on me. Would probably get used to the silence of sensors just as well perhaps.
Hitting your clock with a piece is fine until others do it, forcefully I might add, so for me not being able to use a piece is a plus.
Hitting your clock with a piece is fine until others do it, forcefully I might add, so for me not being able to use a piece is a plus.
Really good point Arasibo, somehow hadn't thought of this. Guess have never seen anyone do this to a Chronos. Clock respect?
In my experience most people are mindful, but there's blitz, kids and then there is always at least one guy who lets out all his frustration by slamming the first poor clock in sight.
This is anecdotal of course, a few years ago some dude sent my clock flying a few feet and hit the ground when he slapped it with a piece, I had another clock break but admittedly with "normal" blitz usage, I attribute that one to wear and tear, but such wear and tear would not have happened with a touch device. None of these devices was a chronos.
People mention switching back to buttons because of the distraction of having to keep checking to make sure the sensor registered their punch. Apparently sensor beeps aren't allowed in tournaments (which seems strange as a button push on most clocks is a lot louder then the sensor beep on the chronos, for example). Which do you choose? and why?