« Review: Sanwa Denshi Silent JLF Joystick Lever »

A default Sanwa JLF lever with OMRON D2RV-G microswitches and .5MM colored actuator.For the past couple of years, Sanwa Denshi has been the king of arcade stick parts due to their success with their JLF lever as well as their OBSF buttons. Their recent efforts now were to lower their volume output as part of their "Silent" series.

In my review of the OBSFS-30 buttons, I was disappointed on how they turned out. While they served the purpose of having noise reduction, the performance turned out underwhelming due to the uneasy feel when pressed. Now it's the JLF's turn and fortunately, it's not a victim when in practice. It's efficient.

For those interested in getting the silent JLF, make sure to note that the full kit slightly differs from that of a regular JLF. The silent kit features new microswicthes that use a different harness system similar to American style levers than that of a regular JLF's 5-pin system. These new harnesses however have a converted end which allows easy connection to most commercial arcade sticks on the market. Another difference is a slightly bigger actuator found on the bottom of the lever.

Some store offer the microswitches and actuator for those who want to simply replace what's in their current JLF. For new folks who get the core parts with the actuator, it might have a bit of a tough time to replace the stock actuator but will get easier when removing the E-ring for the first time. The microswitches is much easier since it requires removing the JLF gate.

That said, the microswitches are the ones that keep the lever "silent," or rather noise reduced. These switches were created by OMRON, same folks behind the same switches found on normal JLFs. While regular OMRON switches have a audible and distinctive click, the new D2RV-Gs nullifies this and uses reed switch internals which keeps it low sounding.

In an audio comparison when using a modified Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Standard Edition, both microswitches were night and day as the D2RV-Gs sound output wasn't really picking up unless you hear it very close to the lever. While the audio files from recording are of relatively low volume, the microswitches on the silent recording is barely noticable while the default JLF track presents a more consistent output. In person, the difference is much more distinctive.

While it definitely succeeds in being close to quiet, does it perform as well as a regular JLF? Much like the noise, the regular JLF OMRONs have a distinct yet subtle response when moving at any direction. There is a certain give with those switches but the D2RV-Gs have a lower operating force which is near unnoticeable in practice. The result is very smooth action where you don't even really feel the switches at all. Outside of human error, there weren't any accidental inputs triggered from my tests. I was able to perform various Mishima combos in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, including more consistent EWGFs than regular Sanwa JLFs, and HD combos in The King of Fighters XIII with ease.

The biggest problem is that since the JLF kit and the microswitches especially are relatively new technology, it's very pricey. While you can find deals if you look around, the microswitches increase the overall price to almost the cost of standard arcade sticks on a discount. But with its very low sound output and how well it performs, the investment is definitely worth it.

Sanwa Denshi's work definitely paid off with reducing the volume of their JLF lever while still maintaining high performance. After the poor result from the buttons, the JLF lever redeems the line with flying colors. If you have enough money, you will be pleased by how well it works. Whether it's during tournament play or practicing at night with people sleeping, this lever does its job!

Full Sanwa Silent JLF kits can be found on Arcade Shock and Focus Attack while the microswitch/harness/actuator pack with candy and more are available on Paradise Arcade Shop!