KOWAL [2026 Revision] Short Throw Upgrade Separator for Seimitsu LS-56/58/60/62/70X-01 Joystick

The Seimitsu LS-56-01 is a well regarding joystick, favoured by players of shmups and known for a medium to long throw.

This new 2026 Revision short throw upgrade from KOWAL utilises up to two (2) 3mm acrylic separator plates to add distance between the microswitches and upper portion of the joystick body.

Utilising the separator plates causes restriction of the throw distance, without loss of the ability of the shaft engagement to the microswitches. Importantly, this upgrade will not restrict or reduce engagement to the diagonals whatsoever. 

New features for the 2026 revision were achieved via a complete redraft of the plate schematics by KOWAL. In conjunction with precision laser cutting, this has equated to much stricter tolerances around the joystick body guide posts and greatly reducing uneven installation errors (common with the older plate version). 

Additionally, the resultant cleaner fitment helps reduce the barrier to entry for self installation.

Experimentation is encouraged using one or both plates installed to ascertain which throw reduction distance suits. Even at the maximum total height of 6mm (ie. both acrylic separeators installed), the joystick is not substantially deeper and will still easily fit into most arcade cabinet/fightstick applications.

These separator plates are also compatible with the Seimitsu LS-56-01 “octogate” and default square gate.

This 2026 revision short throw separator provides a substantial difference in joystick feel and performance to one of Seimitsu’s most favoured joysticks.

Moreover, fans of the legacy Seimitsu LS-22 joystick will favour this upgrade to recreate a similar example of that throw distance performance.

(Note: KOWAL is a world renowned name in the arcade community for his extensive knowledge and pioneering work on joystick mechanical functions and modifications)