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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!
Installed in tandem with a 2lb spring on my Sanwa JLF-TPRG-8BYT-SK. The difference was night and day.
The biggest problem IMO with the standard Sanwa JLF is that the neutral and dead zones are simply too large. This item fixes both problems and makes the JLF feel more responsive.
Double QCF motions became much easier and accurate and instant air attack execution improved. These are problem areas most players struggle with. While this problem doesn't solve the execution issues you may have, it does make them easier to work with.
I will be upgrading every lever that can accept it with this item going forward. Unknown on Jan 21st 2020
The Kowal actuator is a must have upgrade for my Sanwa jlf sticks. Also works well with the Hori Hyabusa stick when used with the Kowal octagonal gate. Does exactly what the description says and now I can’t go back to stock actuators. Unknown on Nov 20th 2019
I put 4lb springs also bought on this site in my 4 player arcade cabinet and then also added these. The 4lb springs made a HUGE difference. I am not sure I can tell much of a difference with theses added on top fo the 4lb springs. They aren't bad, but the 4lb springs was the real upgrade. Josh on Oct 2nd 2019
Installed on a hayabusa stick, fill perfect and yes, I can notice an upgrade in the motion execution. Carlos on Aug 29th 2019
I'm very happy on how this worked out for me. Neutral positions feels solid and I feel that my inputs are more consistent when performing half circle motions. Can't see myself having a stick without one anymore. Joe on Aug 26th 2019
Try it out for yourself and feel the difference.
Highly recommend getting if you've never used one before. Unknown on Aug 22nd 2019
This will definitely make your stick feel better and comfortable, you can do just frames more easily than ever, and do quick circles with this. Definitely a must for Tekken, I don’t Know about the others, It’s the same I guess also. I definitely recommend this product for modding. JustOTGFrame on Aug 20th 2019
The oversize actuator is perfect for quicker responses and fast inputs. My Dp's are cleaner and my IAD's are lighting fast. If you have a Japanese stick you should pick this up. Unknown on Jul 1st 2019
Originally, I was going to buy a Seimitsu stick because my Sanwa’s throw distance was waaaaayyyy to long. Finding this was the best thing that happened to me because I spent a little more than $4, as oppose to $20. This is better for Americans used to the Il/Happ sticks or even Korean sticks with shorter throw, but still with that Sanwa feel. If you’re a Tekken player, buy this with either a 2lb or 4lb spring. Trust me, the difference is night and day! Kaden “MetalKaden” Flores on Jun 30th 2019
I've bought two of these and as far as I'm concerned, they are a must. They make sticks feel so much more responsive which helps most notably with movement (dashing, backdashing) but also with the speed at which you can pull of circular motions like QCF.
I have one on a Sanwa lever and the other on a Hori Hayabusa, with octagonal gates. They are essential in my opinion. D. on Jun 29th 2019