Buttons or Knobs?

[earthmansurfer]

Curious guys, what is your preference in a detector, do you prefer something with more of a traditional analog feel, something with more buttons, or perhaps more of a combination like an Omega...?

For me, coming from a Nauty IIb to a T2, I was really really happy with the T2's ability to move around the menu quick, with it's, sort of, master knob way of controlling things. I used that detector for a few years for coins but then when I got an Omega in my hand I saw the value of knobs for a coin hunter. (Not that buttons can't do the same thing, just think it might be slower.)

I really like having the knobs available (and within easy access of my thumb) to move the sensitivity or discrimination. It is a great tool for a coin hunter (in particular I think). I just wish the knobs on the Omega had a bit more fineness to their control, as to get the exact number I want, sometimes takes me a few tries. (Something more like the infinite rolling T2 knob might work, with a bit of creativity to incorporate power an AM).

I like buttons for certain things as well, like switching modes (though if we could put in an infinite rolling knob like on the T2, I'd prefer that.)
The F5 has more knobs and I wonder how those users like it for the GB function. I definitely love the T2's trigger for pinpointing as well as possible other functions.

I haven't owned many detectors (3) so am curious what your experiences have been like. (In particular the difference between a "coin" machine and relic machine layout, I'm more interested in the former.)

 

[Elton]

All you ever need..But I do like tactile push switches..Knobs have a way of getting bumped.

 

[earthmansurfer]

You're more a relic hunter, aren't you Elton? I was saying how I noticed after going to the Omega how it seemed better for coins due to the layout. I still do like the T2's one knob layout, it worked really well.

I haven't bumped the knobs yet on the Omega (and they are very tight) but can imagine if you hunt in bush that that would surely happen.

What is a tactile push switch, I looked on google and it looks just like a button (I found no definition)? (I don't like the Omega buttons, especially for Pinpoint and changing modes, but they function.)

 

[Monte]

earthmansurfer, just a few quick (for me) comments:

When I look at any detector's overall design and function I have to take into account the main uses for certain features, the overall packaging of the product, and the basic intent of it. There are some models which have a terrible "pinpoint" audio regardless of how it is accesses. In particular, it is a competitor who uses either a Push-Button or a Touch-Pad. For quick access of an All Metal/Pinpoint mode, I have to admit I like a trigger toggle. Most Tesoro models have a toggle, but it is accessed with your thumb and is generally smaller. Of the Teknetics line-up, the T2 has a very nice-sized, easily-accessed trigger toggle even if the operator is wearing gloves. I find favor with this just as I have most of the White's line-up, such as the XLT or XL Pro or MXT or Classic series which also use a well-positioned trigger toggle.

Now, having said that, I also appreciate the fact that accessing "pinpoint" is a temporary and briefly-used task, for me, and I am not bothered at all if a detector has a dedicated Push-Button (like the Teknetics Gamma) or a Touch-Pad (Elton's reference to a "tactile switch' is the same thing) like that on the Delta or Omega. As long as any particular switch is easy to get to without fumbling onto adjacent knobs or toggles or buttons/pads, that's what is important.

I haven't bumped the knobs yet on the Omega (and they are very tight) but can imagine if you hunt in bush that that would surely happen.

Maybe, but it hasn't happened to me in any of the brushier sites I like to search. There are just two knobs and it is very easy to reference what their settings are. I've not had a problem with them!

What is a tactile push switch, I looked on google and it looks just like a button (I found no definition)? (I don't like the Omega buttons, especially for Pinpoint and changing modes, but they function.)

Well, the Omega and Delta use "tactile switches" which are also known as "touch-pads." A "Push-Button", like those on the Gamma or the ONE on the T2, are a different type of switch. Personally, I haven't had a problem with my Omega and I happen to like the Touch-Pad design on this model.

I feel some models on the market have way too many adjustment features to them, and I also like the way Teknetics has brought us decent-performing models. Just enough adjustment to tackle any site challenge and not a lot of fiddling around to try and 'tweak this' or 'tweak that'.

Monte

 

[Elton]

Look at the Delta 6000 thats tactile switches.. T2 is a push button switch..

 

[Elton]

Partial quote from Monte.."I feel some models on the market have way too many adjustment features to them, and I also like the way Teknetics has brought us decent-performing models. Just enough adjustment to tackle any site challenge and not a lot of fiddling around to try and 'tweak this' or 'tweak that'

I agree Monte they have just enough for what you may need.