List of joysticks by manufacturer
The Japanese arcade joystick market is dominated by two manufacturers: Sanwa and Seimitsu.
The most commonly found joystick models in Japanese candy cabinets include the Seimitsu LS-32, LS-40 (in Neo Geo cabinets), LS-56, and the Sanwa JLF.
Both manufacturers’ line-ups remained mostly unchanged from the mid-1990s to the mid-2010s, until they began releasing new models and variants to appeal to the consumer (fightstick) market.
Sanwa
Flagship models are the JLF and JLX2 sticks. Sanwa joysticks (without mod) have a noticeably longer engage and throw distance compared to Seimitsu sticks.
Since 2022, Sanwa has been selling individual parts (actuators, springs, etc.) to allow for user modification and customization of their joysticks.
| Model | Year | Notes | Switches | Exposed shaft length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLW | ||||
| JLF | MS-O-2P | 34 | ||
| JLF-TPRG | 2014 | Silent version of the JLF | Omron D2RV-G-SD3 reed switches | |
| JLX | 2023 | Updated version of the JLF. Equipped by default with a thicker actuator | ||
| JLX-TPML | Silent version of the JLX, features silent leaf adjustable microswitches | |||
| JLX2 | 2025 | Revised version of the JLX, revert to the same actuator as the JLF | ||
| JLX2-TPML | 2025 | Silent version of the JLX2, features silent leaf adjustable microswitches | MLS-57AU leaf |
Seimitsu
Seimitsu joysticks are especially popular among shmup (shoot 'em up) players for their shorter engage and throw distances.
| Model | Year | Notes | Switches | Exposed shaft length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS-32 | ?–2015: Panasonic, Since 2016: Omron |
27.5 | ||
| LS-33 | Does not use bearing, compact stick. | 26 | ||
| LS-40 | Used in a number of Neo Geo cabinets | 29.9 | ||
| LS-55 | Does not use bearing | 33.4 | ||
| LS-56 | Stick with the stiffest spring | 32.2 | ||
| LS-58 | 2011 | Updated version of the LS-56 but with a lighter spring | 32.2 | |
| LS-60 | 32.2 | |||
| LS-62 | Compact version of the LS-58 | 24.2 | ||
| LSX-57 | ||||
| SEL-70X | Quick release shaft, non-rotating | |||
| SEL-70X-S | Silent version of the SEL-70X | |||
| LSX-NOBI | Designed for Nakayama 'Nobi' Daichi |
Note: Since 2016, Seimitsu has switched to custom-made Omron microswitches after Panasonic stopped production.[1]