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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.
The two most notable changes between the JLX and JLX2 happen on the inside:
Below is a visual of available actuators for Sanwa JLF. The original JLF actuator has a 15.8mm diameter. Following this are actuators of increasing diameter. Use this to experiment with your preferred engagement sensitivity.
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:
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:
Guide Tips are inserts for the GT-8X Square Restrictor Gate that comes with the Sanwa JLX family. Each guide is color-coded and designed to provide a unique enhancement to lever travel, from the tried-and-true octagonal control of the yellow GTN-Y to the hybrid rounded square of the GTN-B.
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:
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.
You will receive the following with your purchase:
Balltops and other mounting plates are available separately.
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