Ah.. my bad. I see how that looks.
Get the X-Arcade solo. Get a USB adaptor for it. Turning off your machine to unplug the PS2 serial or having a keyboard attached to it blows. You want that thing to hotswap.
I've used random console sticks, not a Hori, with usb adaptors, and they can work. But the X never needs to be configured in any way in Mame or Kawaks. Ever. Well, I guess if you want to play Sexy Reaction with it...
When adapting a console stick to the PC, the marriage of the stick an adaptor can be frought with peril. They might be incompatible, they might lag, they might drop input. An X-Arcade feels better than most console sticks and you don't have to worry about lag, drops, or configs.
Plus it's sturdy as hell... except for one part. Lemme dig this piece up, gimme a sec...
Read this first.
Just to prepare yourself
Whoa, I forgot how those guys responded to that old thread. They really hate the X over there. Don't fret, for what you want to do, it's the perfect product.