If you're shopping for a DIY claw machine kit, you'll probably notice that the mainboard comes with one of two types of displays: an LCD screen or a digital tube display. They do the same job, but they look and feel quite different — and knowing the difference can help you pick the right one for your needs.
LCD Display vs Digital Tube Display: What's the Difference?
An LCD display shows information as plain text — things like "Grab Strength," "Coin Count," or "Game Over." It's straightforward and easy to read, even if you've never used a claw machine before.
A digital tube display, on the other hand, shows numerical codes. Each number corresponds to a specific function or setting. At first glance it might seem less intuitive, but once you know what each code means, it works just as well — and many users actually prefer it.
Interestingly, in the North American home market, kits with digital tube displays outsell LCD versions by a wide margin. So if you're building for that market, the digital display is probably the safer choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Honestly, neither is inherently better than the other — it comes down to personal preference and your target market:
- Choose LCD if you want something that's immediately easy to read and understand, with no learning curve.
- Choose digital tube if you're targeting the North American home market, or if you want voice announcement support.
Voice Announcements and Voice Control
One thing worth knowing: our claw machine mainboard with the digital tube display supports English voice announcements in setting background . That means You can also adjust certain parameters using voice commands, which makes setup and operation a lot more convenient.
What About the Small Green Card?
You might notice a small green card included in your kit. Just so you know — this card is no longer in use. It was originally designed to drive the indicator lights for prize outcomes on older models, but current models use standardized LED lights that don't need it. We still include it in the kit for now, but you can safely ignore it.
Need Help Understanding the Display Codes?
Since each numerical code on the digital display corresponds to a specific function, we provide detailed instructions via email after your purchase. If you have any questions about your claw machine mainboard or need help setting it up, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Ready to upgrade your mainboard? Browse our arcade spare parts collection to find the right mainboard for your claw machine kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an LCD mainboard and a digital display mainboard?
An LCD mainboard shows settings and status in plain text (e.g., "Grab Strength", "Coin Count"), making it easy to read without any prior knowledge. A digital display mainboard shows numerical codes instead — each code maps to a specific function. Once you learn the codes, it works just as efficiently, and many experienced operators prefer it.
Which mainboard type is better for commercial arcade use?
Both types are suitable for commercial use. The digital display mainboard is the more popular choice in North America and is preferred by experienced operators who are familiar with the code system. The LCD mainboard is a better fit for locations where staff turnover is high and ease of operation is a priority.
Does the digital display mainboard support voice announcements?
Yes. The digital tube display mainboard supports English voice announcements and allows certain parameters to be adjusted using voice commands, which simplifies daily operation and setup.
Can I upgrade from a digital display mainboard to an LCD mainboard?
Yes, the mainboard can be upgraded independently. If you want an LCD display for your existing claw machine kit, you can order the 71cm LCD Mainboard Edition kit or contact us to source a compatible LCD mainboard for your machine.
What does the small green card in my kit do?
The green card is a legacy component that was originally used to drive indicator lights on older claw machine models. It is no longer in use on current models, which use standardized LED lights. You can safely set it aside — it will not affect your machine's performance.