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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
I've been using this for about a year now and it's great. I tried taking it out recently to see if it made a difference--it did. Starman on May 22nd 2021
This is one of those items you really NEED to try if you haven't already. Absolutely a game changer.
Unknown on Nov 20th 2020
It does exactly what it promises. There's less distance to travel to hit directions, so it feels much better to use. Unknown on Oct 6th 2020
LOVE what this piece did for the Sanwa stick on my Hori EX. I did a bunch of upgrades at once, and the stick is in top-form now. I also added the Octo-gate, 2 lb. spring, and new switches, and the stick is as good as any I’ve played. The oversized actuator really cuts the travel between switches and makes the stick much more responsive. Highly recommend it as an upgrade-I found it quite by accident, but when I read the description, I knew I would not regret getting it. Victor on Sep 3rd 2020
The less throw on the stick is helped even further with a heavier spring, but it does its job incredibly well. Unknown on Aug 24th 2020
Paired with Kowal Octagonal gate for Hayabusa lever, performs better than stock imo. Richard Caldera on Jul 8th 2020
I can definitely tell in both my sticks that have this actuator are "quicker" than other sticks I have. Unknown on Jun 10th 2020
Personally, it does not feel good with the stock square gate that comes with the JLF stick. It feels best when matched with an octagonal gate made by sanwa or kowal gate for Hayabusa sticks. If you want less throw, this is most likely what you're looking for. Javier U. on Mar 27th 2020
Coupled this with octagonal restrictor and 4lb tension spring on Sanwa JLF, much easier to do fire balls, dragon punches, sonic booms, slice kicks. Only thing I would change, get 2lb tension spring, 4lb just a bit much.. still doable. Eric on Mar 11th 2020
Love the change in feel and responsiveness of my JLF from this actuator. 100% worth a try if you are curious yourself. Gets the Sanwa JLF closer to Seimitsu-style actuation distance without making it as unforgiving as an LS-40 for example. Unknown on Feb 3rd 2020