Sanwa Denshi manufacturer of the time-tested Sanwa JLF-TP-8YT Joystick has listened to player feedback since introducing its successor, the Sanwa JLX-TP-8YT Joystick. Doing so, Sanwa brings back some of the qualities enthisiasts admired of the original JLF, while improving aspects of the JLX.
A Sturdier Version Over the JLX
The two most notable changes between the JLX and JLX2 happen on the inside:
- First, its body is revised to now accomodate a new X-shaped washer. This washer is designed to reduce risk of misalignment or "floating" as the joystick pivots during play. This can lead to cleaner diagonal motion.
- Next, Sanwa returns the original Sanwa JLF P-5 Actuator in black. The Sanwa JLF P-W Actuator within the original JLX is 16.2mm wide at the base - just over .4mm wider than the original Sanwa JLF actuator at 15.8mm. This fallback to P-5 reintroduces the feel that some players say was missing with the JLX's white P-W actuator.
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Further Improvements Over JLF
The Sanwa JLX2 has achieved high-precision molding and improved input accuracy by changing the material of the component parts. Please review below some of the technical improvements over the JLF:
- LX-P-2 M base material changed from nylon to POM (polyacetal resin). It is less susceptible to environmental influences such as temperature and humidity.
- Adjusted the shape inside the M base where the bearing fits. Less rattling of the bearing than before.
- Changed bearing material from POM to nylon. Abrasion resistance and sliding against the M base are enhanced.
- The material of the micro printed circuit board is changed from paper phenol to CEM-3. It is less likely to warp than paper phenol and has improved durability.
GT-8X Restrictor Plate
Sanwa introduced the GT-8X restrictor plate with its line of JL-C performance mods. This gate is now the default in the JLX. This plate is compatible with the GTN series of lever guide tips/inserts:
- Sanwa GTN-Y Octagonal Restrictor Gate Insert
- Sanwa GTN-VI Round Restrictor Gate Insert
- Sanwa GTN-R Square Mod Type I Restrictor Gate Insert
- Sanwa GTN-B Square Mod Type II Restrictor Gate Insert
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Wide Compatibility with Prior Sanwa accessories
While the JLX is a marked departure from its previous model, many of the accessories, such as balltop and battops that use the M6 threading, still work with Sanwa's newest hardware. This is great news for most players who invested in Sanwa's lever ecosystem. However, guide-tips/inserts that were compatible with the JLF may not work with the GT-8X restrictor plate. Some of the newer accessories and performance mods include:
- Sanwa JLF Violet Spring (1, 1.5 Tension Load)
- Sanwa JLF Yellow Spring (1.3, 2 Tension Load)
- Sanwa JLF Blue Spring (1.5, 1.5 Tension Load)
- Sanwa JLF Red Spring (2, 2 Tension Load)
- Sanwa JLF P-5 Actuator
- Sanwa JLF P-R Actuator
- Sanwa JLF P-B Actuator
JLX2 to JLF Compatibility Notes
Certain components that comprise the JLX2 are compatible with the original JLF-TP-8YT. However, some are not. It's important to know this before purchasing individual parts in an attempt to upgrade the JLF. It is recommended that you do not perform this, as the mix of different materials may lead to a degraded experience.
- LB-35 sold separately.
- JLX-P-4: JLX dedicated bearing (Incompatible with JLF-P-4)
- JLX-P-2: M base dedicated to JLX2 (Incompatible with JLF-P-2)
- JLX2-MW: Washer for JLX2 M base (Incompatible with JLF-MW)
- XTP-MA: Printed circuit board with JLX micro (Compatible with JLF)
- JLF-P-W and GT-8X are compatible with JLF and are already on sale as custom parts for JLF.
What's Included?
You will receive the following with your purchase:
- JL-PP1 Dustwashers
- JL-P1 Mounting Plate
Balltops and other mounting plates are available separately.
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Sanwa Denshi
Sanwa JLX2-TP-8YT Joystick [Successor to Sanwa JLX]
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How does this not have more attention?
Whether in Asia, or in the West, coverage and analysis of this lever is scarce and limited. My short thoughts are as follows: • The lever feels akin to the original JLF models most arcade stick enthusiasts are familiar with. • Diagonal corners do feel very good when rotating, using a Square Gate for a few weeks now, I feel confident when I reach a corner, which is very useful for quick input/arcade style games like 2D shooters, or Fighting games. • Something I don't see often mentioned, but I feel should be brought up is how much easier it is to move this stick from a neutral position. It feels seemingly friendly for those with hand or finger injuries, as I've noticed much more gently I can make small movements without applying too much force. (Essentially, moving ← or → can be performed with a slight thumb movement, where as with a standard JLF, it would require just a fraction more pressure or force applied before the switch activates) I'm still exploring this lever, as I've yet to test a Diagonal Gate (my preferred choice with a JLF) but this lever makes me feel confident when using a Square Gate. This is an excellent device and I hope more professional coverage surfaces for analysis of one of Sanwa Denshi's newest product. Silence on Sep 26th 2025
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The Undisputed King of Japanese Levers Just Got Better
The JLX2 is Sanwa's second pass at improving upon the renowned JLF-TP-8YT. Where the JLX tried to reimagine the JLF too much for some tastes (larger actuator), Sanwa went back to the drawing board with the JLX2 and opted to focus more on Quality of Life-centric adjustments, because, well, the JLF was the golden standard for 30 years for good reason. Rather than change the feel of the JLF until it's something unrecognizable, they've updated it to be more stable and sturdy while maintaining the essence of what everyone already loved about it. All of that to say: to those familiar with the JLF, this doesn't shy away from the function or 'feel' in a tangible way. If you like the original this should be what you replace it with moving forward, and if you don't care for the JLF I would say the JLX2 isn't different enough to offer a new experience. Kevin on Jul 18th 2025