EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder Review: Build a DIY Arcade Controller

Introduction
If you’re building a custom arcade cabinet, upgrading an older control panel, or simply want to turn arcade buttons and a joystick into a PC-ready controller, the EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder Kit is a practical DIY solution worth examining. This kit is designed to connect arcade-style controls to a computer through USB, making it useful for MAME games and other compatible PC gaming setups. It includes a 5-pin cable and 10 individual 3-pin 2.8mm wires, giving you the basic connections needed for a multi-button arcade control layout.
The keyword Self Cleaning professional streaming encoder may sound like a completely different category, but the important distinction is that this EG STARTS product is a USB arcade controller encoder, not a video streaming encoder. Its job is to translate physical joystick and button inputs into USB controller signals that a PC can recognize. That makes it especially interesting for makers who prefer assembling their own control panel rather than purchasing a finished arcade stick.

For DIY projects, simplicity can be a major advantage. Instead of designing custom electronics from scratch, you can connect compatible arcade controls to the encoder, route the USB connection to a computer, and configure the resulting inputs through the game or emulator software. This approach can make a homemade arcade controller considerably easier to assemble.
Features
The standout feature of the EG STARTS kit is its straightforward USB encoder design. The board acts as the interface between traditional arcade controls and a PC. Once the appropriate joystick and button switches are connected, the computer can receive those physical inputs through USB.
The included 5-pin cable is intended for the joystick connection, while the kit provides 10 x 3-pin 2.8mm wires for connecting arcade-style buttons. This wiring arrangement is useful for common DIY control panels where a joystick is accompanied by several action and function buttons.

Another important characteristic is the advertised zero-delay design. For arcade gaming, responsive controls matter because fighting games, platformers, beat-’em-ups, and classic arcade titles depend heavily on timely button and joystick input. A USB encoder that introduces minimal input latency is therefore a logical choice for a project where responsiveness is more important than advanced electronics.
The compact encoder format also helps with custom installations. Rather than occupying a large amount of space behind the control panel, a small interface board can be positioned alongside the joystick and button wiring. This can simplify cable management, particularly when building a compact arcade enclosure or replacing an existing controller interface.
DIY-Friendly Connectivity
One of the biggest attractions here is the ready-made wiring. DIY arcade projects can become unnecessarily complicated when every connection requires separate crimping, soldering, or custom cable fabrication. The supplied cables reduce some of that work and allow compatible controls to be connected more directly.
The 2.8mm terminals are particularly relevant because many arcade push buttons use quick-disconnect terminals. Before ordering, however, it is sensible to verify that the switches and buttons in your project use compatible connector dimensions and wiring arrangements.

For someone constructing an arcade cabinet from individual components, this can be much more convenient than trying to build a controller interface from individual electronic components. The encoder essentially provides a bridge between the physical controls and the PC.
Pros & Cons

Performance in a DIY Arcade Setup
Performance is where an encoder like this has to justify its place in a gaming project. A controller interface can look excellent on paper, but the real purpose is simple: when you move the joystick or press a button, the PC needs to receive that input reliably and promptly.
The zero-delay concept is particularly relevant for classic arcade gaming. Fast directional changes and repeated button presses can expose weaknesses in inexpensive controller interfaces. With a suitable joystick and properly installed switches, the encoder is designed to provide the direct USB input behavior that a PC arcade setup requires.
It is worth remembering that the encoder itself is only one component of the complete control system. The physical joystick, microswitches, buttons, USB connection, computer, operating system, emulator, and game configuration can all influence the overall experience. If a joystick feels imprecise mechanically, changing the USB encoder alone will not necessarily solve that problem.

For MAME projects, the basic concept is especially useful. Instead of relying on a commercial gamepad, you can install an arcade joystick and individual buttons in the positions you want, then use the encoder to translate those physical controls into PC inputs. This gives builders considerable freedom when designing a control panel.
Why Use an Encoder for a Custom Arcade Cabinet?
A custom cabinet is fundamentally different from buying a ready-to-use game controller. With a DIY design, you can choose the cabinet dimensions, button layout, joystick position, artwork, display, speakers, and computer hardware. The encoder fills an important but relatively invisible role by connecting those physical controls to the computer.
This can also be helpful when restoring an older arcade cabinet. Rather than attempting to reproduce the original electronics exactly, a USB encoder can provide a modern PC-oriented connection. The result can be a convenient way to combine classic physical controls with contemporary emulation hardware.
The same principle applies to desktop arcade projects. You don’t necessarily need a full cabinet. A custom wooden or acrylic control panel can hold the joystick and buttons while the encoder remains underneath or behind the panel. Connect the USB cable to the computer, configure the controls, and the project can become a dedicated arcade interface.

Installation Considerations
Installation is relatively approachable for anyone comfortable with basic DIY electronics, but planning is still important. Start by identifying which terminals on the encoder correspond to the joystick and individual buttons. Then match the supplied cables to compatible switches and controls.
Keep the wiring organized instead of allowing individual cables to cross randomly underneath the panel. A clean layout makes troubleshooting much easier. If one button is not responding, for example, a clearly routed cable makes it easier to trace the connection from the physical switch back to the encoder.
It is also a good idea to test the controls before permanently closing the arcade cabinet. Connect the encoder to the PC, confirm that the joystick directions and buttons are being detected, and configure the emulator before securing everything into its final position. This simple step can save considerable time later.
Input Mapping and Software
Hardware installation is only half of a PC arcade project. The software needs to understand what each physical input represents. MAME and other compatible programs generally provide controller configuration options, allowing users to assign joystick directions and buttons to the appropriate game functions.
That flexibility is one of the reasons a USB encoder can be appealing. Instead of being locked into a manufacturer’s predefined controller layout, you can create a physical arrangement that suits the games you intend to play.

For example, a traditional six-button fighting-game arrangement can be built around the available button connections, while a simpler four-button layout can be used for classic arcade titles. Additional controls can be assigned for functions such as Start, Select, Coin, or other emulator commands depending on the project.
If your arcade setup also includes a dedicated gaming display, you may want to explore this Related Guide for another component of a PC gaming station.
Build Quality and Long-Term Use
For an internal arcade component, the most important consideration is consistent operation rather than appearance. Once installed behind a control panel, the encoder generally won’t be something you interact with directly. Its value comes from providing a stable interface between the physical controls and the computer.
Long-term reliability will depend on several factors, including the quality of the connected switches, cable connections, USB port, installation environment, and how frequently the arcade controls are used. A well-organized installation with secure connections can reduce the chance of accidental cable strain or loose terminals.
The replaceable nature of a DIY arcade system can also be useful. If a button eventually wears out, you can replace the button rather than replacing the entire controller. If the joystick needs upgrading, the physical control can potentially be changed independently of the encoder, assuming the replacement is electrically compatible.

Who Is This Kit For?
The EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder Kit makes the most sense for people who want to build or modify a PC arcade controller. It is a particularly relevant option for MAME enthusiasts, arcade cabinet builders, hobbyists, makers, and anyone who already has compatible joystick and push-button hardware.
It is less compelling if your goal is simply to plug in a finished controller and start gaming immediately. In that situation, a complete arcade stick may require less installation work. The appeal of this product is the customization it offers rather than turnkey convenience.
Another advantage is that it lets the builder decide how the final controller looks and feels. The encoder doesn’t dictate the cabinet design. You can select the joystick, buttons, enclosure, artwork, and button arrangement separately, then use the USB interface as the connection point to the PC.
FAQ
Q: What is the EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder used for?
A: It is designed to connect compatible arcade joysticks and push buttons to a PC through USB, making it suitable for DIY arcade controllers and MAME-style gaming projects.
Q: Does the kit include a joystick?
A: The listed package is an encoder and wiring kit. It does not mean that a complete arcade joystick mechanism and push-button set are included, so check the package contents carefully before purchasing.
Q: What cables are included?
A: The listed kit includes a 5-pin cable and ten 3-pin 2.8mm wires for connecting compatible arcade controls.
Q: Is this a video streaming encoder?
A: No. Despite the word “encoder,” this product is an arcade controller USB encoder. It converts physical joystick and button inputs into USB controller inputs rather than encoding video streams.
Q: Is it suitable for MAME?
A: The product is specifically marketed for MAME games and DIY PC arcade controller applications. Individual game or emulator configuration may still be required.
Q: Does zero delay mean there is absolutely no latency?
A: “Zero delay” is the product’s advertised design terminology. Actual end-to-end responsiveness can also depend on the physical switches, USB connection, computer, operating system, emulator, and game.
Q: Can I use it for a custom arcade cabinet?
A: Yes. A USB encoder is a common type of component for DIY arcade cabinet control panels, provided the joystick and buttons use compatible electrical connections.
Q: Do I need soldering skills?
A: The included wiring is intended to simplify connections, so a compatible setup may not require extensive soldering. However, basic DIY wiring knowledge is helpful when installing and troubleshooting an arcade control panel.
Final Thoughts
The EG STARTS Zero Delay USB Encoder Kit is a straightforward component for turning compatible arcade controls into a PC-connected gaming interface. Its 5-pin joystick cable, ten 3-pin 2.8mm wires, USB connectivity, and zero-delay-oriented design make it relevant to DIY arcade cabinets, custom control panels, and MAME gaming projects.
The key advantage is flexibility. Instead of purchasing a controller with a fixed layout, you can build the arcade experience around the controls and enclosure you prefer. For makers who enjoy assembling their own gaming hardware, that can be the most important feature of all.
Just keep the product’s role clear: this is a USB arcade controller encoder, not a professional video streaming encoder or self-cleaning streaming device. Check your joystick and button connector compatibility before ordering, plan the wiring carefully, and test the complete control setup before final installation.