SANWA JLX-TPML-8YT-SK Adjustable Silent Leaf Microswitch Joystick

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1. Solid

   This lever when used in late night sessions keeps from waking up people in other rooms and keeps your opponent guessing at locals Unknown on Sep 1st 2024

2. REALLY Tight Inputs

   For context, I have the Sanwa Silent JLF, plenty of standard JLFs, and I've been using the new JLX controllers.
   
   These switches do feel unique in that you never feel a "click" or any type of input register on the internal leaf plates. I am a player who likes immediate feedback, and I was unsure if this would work for me. On the "3" default setting, they did just feel like my Silent JLF and did not really have a unique property to them. But on the "1" setting, the responsive inputs and fast action is making this one of my favorite sticks. I will always like the "click" of the traditional JLX, but this is quickly becoming my favorite non-traditional Sanwa. Lucipher on Aug 21st 2024

3. Microswitches that can be fine tuned

   As a base line this uses mostly the same parts as the new JLX, but if you look at the microswitches on the PCB assembly they have SANWA stamped on them instead of Omron. This looks to be custom and I hope they run with this idea. This is definitely for tinkerers and I may switch to it long term, but I think it can be improved further.
   
   I've tried many levers searching for something that feels just right, including a Magenta and a Suzo Inductive. Both of those offered custom tuning, but both of them had problems that left me wanting more. My current lever has zippy microswitches that I took apart and stuffed paper into so I could get the switches to engage faster (gift card trimmings were too thick), and an Otto V5 kit.
   
   I like the notched square restrictor plate that this is compatible with (separate item). This perk alone alone makes me see it as a *possible* upgrade over my current lever if I can tune it just right.
   
   This lever defaults to a very similar sensitivity to the JLF (I haven't tried a stock JLX). I can't imagine someone needing something less sensitive than the stock setting, but you have two whole options for that (-0.1 and -0.2). Meanwhile, going up in sensitivity increases by a larger amount (+0.15 and +0.3). Going up one step isn't quite enough for my taste, but going up two steps is too much. Or it might actually be really nice if I could solve problems that +0.3 creates.
   
   I'm using the 13mm actuator that came with my V5 kit for now because the top is wider and that reduces throw without reducing the dead zone too much. If you use the Sanwa P-R actuator with this JLX at +0.3 you'll engage with the slightest movement. That's neat, but IMO not ideal for fighting games. Even with it set to +0.15 you'll have snap-back issues when you use the P-R or P-B actuator and a higher tension spring wont save you. I'm using a 2lb spring and was disappointed with the performance of those variable tension springs (1.3~2lbs) even though I really liked the idea.
   Sanwas actuators only increase in size at the bottom so they don't reduce throw. They increase sensitivity. That's what the adjustable micro switches are for in this stick, so I don't see them as working well together. Maybe one of those Paradise Arcade aluminum actuators is an in-between size that's a better fit than the large one I'm using. I feel like this lever would be perfect with an actuator that's wider at the top for reduced throw but narrow like the old JLF actuator at the bottom to fit with the +0.3 setting.
   
   Unfortunately, even with the wider actuator to reduce throw (also reduces stored tension in the spring) and a constant 2lb spring, I can't use the +0.3 sensitivity option without unwanted inputs occurring on a release. This interferes with 63214656 inputs, as I'll get 6321464 and buffer a backdash. At +0.15 I only have that problem if I'm moving the lever way too hard and fast, so I consider that solved. But my Frankenstein lever is more sensitive than this AND solved that problem...
   
   As far as improving this product, I'm not interested in reduced sensitivity from the default setting. I'd rather have the fidelity of +0.07, +0.14, +0.21 and +0.28 if you can manufacture the switches with those tolerances. Maybe an alternate PCB option is in the cards if this one does well?
   
   They do need to sell this custom PCB assembly stand alone. I wouldn't want to buy a whole lever again when one of the switches goes bad. This item does raise the question of what's less expensive to manufacture, since you can increase sensitivity via the actuator, and since reduced throw pairs nicely with increased sensitivity. Maybe a slightly tighter restrictor plate is a solution that would go well with this product, as that's an easier part to replace than the actuator and could reduce throw... SlashGordon on Aug 8th 2024

4. Silent as described

   If you are looking for a stick that is almost completely silent, the only noise being from the restrictor or slap of the stick on the side of the arcade stick housing, this thing will meet your needs.
   
   It takes some getting used to, however, as from my experience I have needed to get used to no longer hearing the click of the switches. SteveL on Jan 8th 2024