The KOWAL™ 1mm oversize actuator is a simple, economical, and non-invasive performance modification for Sanwa JLF joysticks. It replaces the original Sanwa JLF-Series actuator, offering a shorter throw (-1mm), plus faster engage and diagonal (+1.5mm), while retaining the original neutral zone - a critical area that allows the joystick to properly return to center and set up the next direction.
Moves such as Mortal Kombat 9's "Instant Air Gas Blast" for Kabal, or Guilty Gear's X's "In Air Dash" are greatly improved. Other moves such as jump cancel specials (canceling the pre-jump frames of a super jump into a special attack, common with UMVC3) are easier to perform.
Actuators, zones, throws, and engage distance explained
In the diagram above: Neutral Zone (area where actuator doesn't touch switches) is indicated in BLUE; Dead Zone (area where actuator presses begins pressing switch) is BLACK; Activation (are where switch is pressing down) is RED. KOWAL™ actuator retains the neutral zone. This allows switches to perform normally.
Beware of actuators that decrease the neutral zone by simply making the entire actuator larger.
- Neutral Zone is area in which the actuator does not touch the switches.
- Dead Zone is the area that the actuator begins pressing the switch.
- Activation Zone is the area where the switch is pressing down.
- Throw is the maximum distance/angle the shaft can be moved in a particular direction. Longer throw means that it takes longer to return to neutral for the next move.
- Engage Distance is the distance or angle between neutral and the engagement of a given switch or set of switches.
It's important to remember that Dead Zone and Neutral Zone are not the same. Actuators cannot use the neutral zone for faster engage because the switch must have this area in order to function properly. The KOWAL™ actuator factors in the neutral zone so that it doesn't block the switches' own plungers. This allows the switches to function normally, enabling the actuator to correctly bounce back to the center upon release, ready for the next directional move.
Size Matters
There are other oversize actuators on the market. However, many of them do not properly factor in the Neutral Zone. Instead, they simply enlarge the entire actuator, cutting off the Neutral Zone and affecting the proper activation of the switches. This messes up the Activation Zone as well, and works against the intended goal of speeding up engage and shortening throw. If you see 1.5mm actuators or larger, keep this in mind -- anything larger than 1mm starts to mess up the proper function of the standard 200gf (operating force) JLF switches. Anything less than 1mm won't shorten engage distance effectively.
Compatibility, Design and Origin of the KOWAL™ Actuator
The KOWAL™ 1mm actuator is tested on both square and octagonal gates and best used with the stock Omron 200gf switches that come with the Sanwa JLF. It is designed in a lightweight nylon material, and its non-tapered shape allows the actuator to engage switches consistently.
Kowal is the name of a well-respected member on Shoryuken.com forums and elsewhere in the arcade community. He has extensive knowledge of the inner workings of many control devices. Kowal originally introduced the oversized actuator as a performance enhancement for SHMUPs (horizontal or vertical space shooters like Gradius, DoDonPachi, etc.) but was later found to work great with many fighting game titles. With his permission, we introduce the KOWAL™ brand of performance solutions that highlight accuracy and compatibility above all else.
Bundle and Save
Option bundle the KOWAL™ 1mm oversize actuator with a Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT Joystick, or Sanwa JLF-TP-8Y-SK Joystick (No Plate Installed) for just $3.95!
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KOWAL
Kowal 1mm Oversize Actuator for Sanwa JLF Series Joystick
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Just what I was looking for
I was hoping to take out just that little bit of slop in the joystick from the time you move it to the time the switch clicks. This worked! Unknown on May 8th 2025
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The Best Aftermarket Actuator On The Market
I personally have used the KOWAL Actuator in several different style Japanese levers. Ranging from the Hori Hayabusa, Sanwa JLF, Qanba Gravity, Qanba JOV 2 &3, and others. Their isn't another actuator out their like the KOWAL. It offers a huge improvement to responsiveness and feel. It only cost a few dollars to try out so if you are unsure I highly suggest trying it out Unknown on Mar 25th 2025
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Surprised at just how much it helped.
It might not seem like much, but this lil guy almost singlehandedly solved my stick not registering diagonal inputs consistently. Shipped quickly and performed exactly as I needed. A great purchase. loaf on Oct 31st 2024
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Tight motion
Coupled with the jlf short shaft and 2lb spring, the motion becomes tight and compact. This has greatly improved my execution. The stock jlf requires motions that are outside my hand's normal range of motion, so i would drop inputs.everything is easier now. Chris on Jun 14th 2024
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Perfect for SHMUPS and even Robotron
This along with the 2lb spring is SHMUP heaven. Your scores will drastically improve and gameplay will improve. So much more fun. I also also put this combo in the JLF's on my Robotron/Smash TV cab and in my opinion, it's better than the OG 8 way WICOs. L Man on May 9th 2024
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Need Reduced Throw?
I'd recommend using this with a 1.5lb, 2lb, or Yellow Spring on a JLF to really maximize the effectiveness of the actuator. I coupled this with an Otto V5 and it's definitely one of the best JLF setups I've ever used. I would avoid using this on the standard Sanwa square gate as you may get accidental inputs. Squircle or Octogates are heavily recommend with the Kowal. Branden Thomas on Apr 9th 2024
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High quality. Works perfectly. Check it out,Great Job!
Everything's seems fine. Great even. Tristan on Aug 17th 2023
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Had to file it down
The top lip of the wider (base) cylinder had to be filed down because it was making contact with the gate. This was causing a slight impediment to moving the stick in certain directions, depending on the orientation of the actuator. The original sanwa actuator has a shorter base that is more rounded at the top. James on Jul 17th 2023
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Noob review
I'm no expert nor have I had years of experience trying out different parts but this seems to feel better doing quick back dashes or forward dash. Especially having to run forward and then instantly hitting back to block a zoning tool. Unknown on Apr 12th 2023
