Some Joystick Questions

[chuckster]

(Sorry if this belongs in the Questions that Don't Deserve a Thread" thread, but since I was double-dipping, and asking for clarification, I wasn't sure)

I have seen few threads discussing short throw/stiff joysticks with many conflicting charts and opinions on different joysticks, but no clear answers. I started with the JLF but it's deadzone and "snap" made dashing and precise movement in shmups and patformers a nightmare. I ordered an LS-56 after reading some threads on here and SRK that recommended it as a stick with tighter tension, but if anything it feels a little bit looser than the Sanwa! Am I just not sensitive to the difference, or are these sticks very similar?

Long story short, I'm looking for the stiffest joystick with the shortest throw and engage distance, and smallest deadzone. It has to fit in a HRAP3-SA, but other than that I'm open to anything. The LS-38 seems to be a step in the right direction, but I've heard the LS-32 has a pretty wide throw.

Also, I see an optical upgrade kit for the JLF on Focusattack, which seems like an easy swap, what is the consensus on optical sticks?


EDIT: I can shorten the throw on my LS-56 with a simple mod, but can I shorten the engage? That's my main complaint, besides the wiggle in the deadzone. Are there replacement micro-switches for the 56 that shorten engage and the wiggle? This would be perfect for non-fighting games.

[emphatic]

Look here: http://www.focusattack.com/kowal-ls-st- ... -joystick/ if you're in the US, otherwise, the shipping is ridiculous. They also carry this, that is what I've tried and love: http://www.focusattack.com/kowal-1mm-ov ... -joystick/

An optical PCB is completely silent, but lacks the resistance of the microswitches, so feels a lot looser. It's an acquired taste.

[chuckster]

Look here: http://www.focusattack.com/kowal-ls-st- ... -joystick/ if you're in the US, otherwise, the shipping is ridiculous. They also carry this, that is what I've tried and love: http://www.focusattack.com/kowal-1mm-ov ... -joystick/

An optical PCB is completely silent, but lacks the resistance of the microswitches, so feels a lot looser. It's an acquired taste.

Thanks! Sounds like an optical stick isn't for me, but those mods seem simple and just the thing to shorten the throw, do they also shorten engage? I guess that's the main thing I'm interested in. Also, would a LS-32 high-tension spring fit a 56?

[emphatic]

If you still have your JLF, you could get both products I linked and try them on both sticks. I don't think an LS-32 spring fits on a 56. Just take your '56 spring and pull it until it's twice the original height then re-install.

[chuckster]

Hmm, do you think the heavy spring and new actuator on the JLF would make for a tighter/more precise stick than the LS-56 with a short throw mod? Similar?

I actually fired up the PS3 for some Blazeblue and the LS-56 definitely feels tighter than the JLF, I just couldn't tell much difference before in MAME.

[donluca]

Go for the Seimitsu LS-40. You won't regret it.

I'm using it in my custom Neo Geo stick and I'm loving them. I'll be putting them everywhere I can.

[chuckster]

Once I get used to the LS-56, I was going to try the lighter LS-40, I figure I can get used to the movements and then the lighter stick should only improve my execution. I am really wanting to build a stick with 24mm buttons, I'm balls doing multi-press throws and such and so I prefer 8-button layouts and the 30mm buttons are just too far apart for me to really get comfortable. They are also useful in MAME for screenshot hotkeys.

I have to say, I've been thinking of building a cab just for that nice *thunk* of the old Happ-style sticks.

[ikaruga007]

A JLF with kowal's actuator and a stiffer spring is my favorite. Shortens both throw and engage dist. If you want even shorter engage dist, you can slip a tiny piece of paper into the micro switches.