So last night after work I was too tired (lazy) to hook up my arcade stick to my PC, so I played MS Pacman with my keyboard instead. It felt awkward but the controls are definitely more precise, and I'm finding that I play these early 80s arcade games quite a bit better with it.

My MS. Pacman scores are improving with fewer missed turns.

Playing Qbert with my 8bitdo arcade stick has always been an exercise in frustration but no issues at all on keyboard. Same with Donkey Kong, Popeye, and several Atari 2600/7800 games I tried too.

This may become my primary control method for these types of games. The only downside is my hands became tired more quickly than ususual, but with more practice that shouldn't be a problem long term.

Now I'm starting to understand the appeal of those button-only arcade fight sticks have become popular over the last couple years.