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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Wanting to play with Octa Gate?
Then you've definitely came to the right addition to the new family that is the makings of your stick! This is a definite necessity when using an octa gate. I didn't use it much with a square as I personally had dashing issues with a square gate but this is an absolute dream with octagonal gates. Makes the travel distance more equal and shorter throw distance. Can't complain about that! ^.Faith on Dec 14th 2017
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Absolute Necessity
When I get a new lever, the Kowal actuator is the first modification I make. If you demand hair-trigger controls, this should be at the top of your list. Josh on Dec 12th 2017
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Bigger is Better
Dont let ppl fool you bigger is better! i have the standard JLF switches and the this actuator makes the quarter to full circle motions easier. To be fair i have heard that this actuator is not as effective with other switches but as i myself have not tested it i cannot say for sure. But with the standard switches for both JLF and Hori Hyabusa it works wonderfully. Elvi589 on Nov 1st 2017
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I love it
I love this little thing, I like to play a lot of old arcade games and this works very well. Unknown on Oct 24th 2017
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Damn, I got tighter game!
With the Hori RAP-N, the Kowal little fatty actuator teamed with the Kowal Hayabusa Octopus restrictor plate are a must buy for a tighter, precise game. The stick was sick before but now it's amazing. The improved handling has made my movements safer with no accidental inputs, more precise and all round on point. Good for when things heat up. Took me an hour to get used to it. Note: just the octopus and the actuator that comes with the RAP-N, which is thinner, do not work too well together. And vice versa here too. The fatty and the octopus are a combo for a reason, which they really should mention in the official review. I play GGXrd2 and I highly recommend this RAP-N combo for GG. Supers, dashes (air), DPs, quarter circles and SNK-style inputs are much easier. Much the same on SFV (Nash) too. For classics Samurai Shodown V, Last Blade and KOF it works incredibly well. On platformers Metal Slug and Sonic Mania, the stick works great and is a lot more fun. Highly recommend this combo. Xoftrot on Sep 17th 2017
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it IS a little larger
I'm not going to lie, the difference in activation distance was minimal to me. i feel like the microswitch governs that motion more than anything else, and this actuator didn't reinvent the wheel. I'm sticking with it and maybe some things do turn out to be better that I just haven't found yet. Eric on Aug 28th 2017
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Works as advertised
This item works really well allowing for inputs to register quicker. It has made the gameplay for several games more comfortable to me. Tenzo on Jul 29th 2017
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Love it so much I bought a second!
This device transformed my JLF. I play Octo gate and the difference was amazing. I also tried a second for my Hori Hayabusa in combination with Kowals Octo gate, and it makes an arguably perfect lever better. As a side note, I did have to adjust my combo timing slightly to line up with the faster stick inputs. Highly recommended. Craw on Jun 29th 2017
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It rules
It does what it's made for and does it great Unknown on Jun 25th 2017
