HAPP vs Sanwa: How to Choose the Best Arcade Joystick and Buttons for Your LEP1 Customs Arcade Cabinet Kit
If you are a fan of arcade games, you might have noticed that different arcade machines have different types of joysticks and buttons. These are not just cosmetic differences, but they also affect the gameplay and performance of the players. In this support page, we will compare and contrast the two most popular styles of arcade joysticks and buttons: HAPP and Sanwa. We will also explain how to choose the best style for your LEP1 Customs arcade cabinet kit.
HAPP is an American company that produces arcade parts and accessories. HAPP joysticks and buttons are typically found in American arcades, especially in games like Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and Pac-Man. HAPP joysticks usually have a bat-shaped top, a tight spring, a smooth 360-degree motion, and a fast return to the center. The base of the HAPP style joystick is typically made of black plastic and is square-ish in shape. HAPP buttons are concave, meaning they curve inward, and they require more force to press down and activate. Some players prefer HAPP joysticks and buttons because they feel more solid, durable, and responsive.
Sanwa is a Japanese company that also produces arcade parts and accessories. Sanwa joysticks and buttons are typically found in Japanese arcades, especially in games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Metal Slug. Sanwa joysticks tend to have a ball-shaped top, a loose spring, a clicky 8-way motion, and a slower return to the center. The base of the Sanwa style joystick is made of thin narrow rectangularly shaped metal with the switches underneath. Sanwa buttons are convex, meaning they curve outward, and they require less force to press down and activate. Some players prefer Sanwa joysticks and buttons because they feel more smooth, precise, and customizable.
Both HAPP and Sanwa joysticks and buttons have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of game you are playing and your personal preference. There is no definitive answer to which one is better, but you can try them out yourself and see which one suits you better. However, if you are looking for a LEP1 Customs arcade cabinet kit that can accommodate either HAPP style, Sanwa style, or both, you might want to know the following information:
- The LEP1 Customs arcade cabinet kit in the HAPP style has cuts for HAPP style joysticks and all 28mm buttons. This means that you can use a HAPP style joystick and 28mm buttons for coin, start, and gameplay.
- The LEP1 Customs arcade cabinet kit in the Sanwa style has cuts for Sanwa style joysticks and 24mm coin/start buttons and 30mm action buttons. This means that you can use a Sanwa style joystick and 24mm buttons for coin and start and either 28mm or 30mm buttons for gameplay.
- We also offer an option called “Sanwa ALL30”, which allows you to use Sanwa style joysticks and either all 28mm HAPP style buttons or all 30mm Sanwa style buttons for coin, start, and gameplay. This way, you can mix and match your favorite joysticks and buttons to create your ultimate arcade experience.
Many sellers (particularly on Amazon) mix and match HAPP and Sanwa styles in joystick and button kits. Be sure to look carefully at the product images to determine what they are selling if the dimensions are not listed
We hope this page was helpful for you. Thank you for choosing LEP1 Customs!