Arcade buttons are the critical interface between you and your game. This 2025 guide compares the top-selling arcade pushbuttons from leading brands like Sanwa, Seimitsu, and Hori alongside popular generic options. We break down their technical specs, tactile feel, sound (silent vs standard), and compatibility to help you choose the best buttons for competitive play or a DIY arcade project.
Arcade Button Comparison Chart (Top 2025 Models)
| Brand/ Model/ Size | Actuation Force | Microswitch | Silent Version | Mounting Type | Modding Ease | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanwa OBSF-30 30mm | ~55g | Integrated (Omron SW-68) | Yes (OBSF-30 Silent available) | Snap-in | Easy (drop-in for most fightsticks) | $$ |
| Seimitsu PS-14-KN 30mm | ~85g | Integrated (Tokai, stiffer) | No | Screw-in | Easy (requires nut tightening) | $$ |
| Hori Hayabusa 30mm | ~50g (est.) | Integrated (proprietary) | Yes (in limited editions) | Snap-in | Easy (standard 30mm fit) | $$ |
| EG Starts Standard (Happ-Style)30mm | ~75g (typical) | Separate (Cherry-style micro) | No | Screw-in | Moderate (needs more panel depth) | $ |
| EG Starts Illuminated LED 30mm | ~60–80g (varies) | Integrated (built-in LED switch) | No | Screw-in | Moderate (extra wiring for LEDs) | $ |
Understanding Arcade Button Types and Sizes
Arcade pushbuttons mainly come in two diameters: 30mm and 24mm. The 30mm size is standard for action buttons (the ones you mash during gameplay), while 24mm buttons are typically used for auxiliary functions (e.g. Start/Select) or in specialty all-button controllers. All major brands offer both sizes to fit common arcade fight stick layouts. Ensure you get the correct size for the holes in your panel.
Another key difference is the mounting method. Japanese-style buttons (Sanwa, Seimitsu, Hori) often use snap-in mounts that clip into thin metal control panels (2–4 mm thick). Snap-ins are very easy to install – just push them into the 30mm cutouts and they lock in place. In contrast, some buttons use a screw-in design (with a threaded barrel and a nut). Screw-ins, like the Seimitsu PS-14-KN, are great for thicker panels or wood arcade cabinets because you can tighten them down. However, in tight fight stick enclosures, the nut might conflict with nearby parts, so always check clearances.
The choice between snap-in vs screw-in doesn’t significantly affect electrical performance, but it does affect compatibility. For example, Sanwa OBSF-30 are snap-ins ideal for metal fight sticks, whereas Sanwa OBSN-30 are the screw-in variant for custom builds. Many enthusiasts prefer screw-ins for custom panels due to their versatility of install, whereas snap-ins are quicker to swap when modding a commercial stick.
Lastly, consider button style. Japanese buttons (Sanwa, Seimitsu, etc.) have a flat or slightly convex plunger and use a built-in small microswitch, resulting in a very smooth, low-travel, quiet press. American-style buttons (like classic Happ/iL concave buttons) use a larger concave plunger and a separate microswitch (often a Cherry switch) that gives an audible “click” and a heavier feel. This means Japanese buttons tend to actuate with less force and travel, while American-style ones are sturdier and louder. If you’re building a retro JAMMA or MAME cabinet in the American style, you might opt for those concave Happ-type buttons; but for modern fight sticks and Candy cabs, the slim Japanese buttons are far more common today.
Top Arcade Button Brands in 2025
Sanwa Denshi
Sanwa is widely considered the gold standard for arcade fight stick buttons. Sanwa’s OBSF series (30mm snap-in buttons) are the default in many tournament-grade fight sticks (e.g. Mad Catz TE, Hori RAP) because of their proven performance. These buttons have lightning-fast actuation and a feather-light touch – around 50–60 grams of force to activate. In practice, that means even a gentle tap or a quick slide of the finger will register, which is ideal for executing rapid combos. Sanwa buttons are also extremely smooth and quiet in operation. The integrated microswitch (Sanwa’s SW-68) makes very little noise (no loud click), so the button press feels like a soft tap with a quick spring back. In fact, Sanwa 30mm buttons are often praised as having “the best reaction time” and being the “smoothest and quietest” buttons available.
Sanwa buttons are durable for heavy play, but their sensitivity can be a double-edged sword. Because they activate so easily, players with heavy hands might find that simply resting a finger on the button can trigger an input inadvertently. Nonetheless, for most fighting game enthusiasts, Sanwa’s responsiveness is a huge plus – it allows for very precise timing and rapid double-taps. Installation-wise, Sanwa OBSF buttons snap right into most fight stick panels with 30mm holes, making them very easy to mod with. They use standard 0.110” (2.8mm) quick-connect terminals for wiring, which is compatible with virtually all fight stick cables and encoder boards.
Sanwa also offers silent buttons (marked OBSFS or OBSFE) which include internal foam pads to dampen the “clack” on bottoming out. These silent Sanwa buttons maintain the same fast, sensitive response but significantly reduce noise – great for not disturbing others during late-night gaming. Overall, if you want competition-proven reliability and performance, you can’t go wrong with Sanwa. Their buttons are regarded as some of the best for tournament play, with a classic Japanese arcade feel that many gamers love.
Seimitsu
Seimitsu is the other top Japanese brand, offering buttons that are on par with Sanwa in quality and responsiveness, but with a slightly different feel and sound. Seimitsu 30mm buttons (e.g. the PS-14-G, PS-14-GN, PS-14-KN series) generally require a bit more force to actuate – roughly ~85g in the case of PS-14-GN, versus ~65g for a Sanwa. This firmer spring and microswitch give Seimitsu buttons a more tactile feedback. Many players describe Sanwa buttons as “feather-light and soft”, whereas Seimitsu buttons have a tighter, more definite press. In other words, you’re less likely to trigger a Seimitsu button by accident; you feel a bit of resistance and a subtle “clack” when it activates.
Because of this characteristic, some gamers (especially those who play a lot of precision-heavy genres like shoot ’em ups) prefer Seimitsu buttons, as they can rest their fingers on the controls without accidental inputs and get a bit more feedback from each press. The sound of a Seimitsu button is slightly more audible – not a loud click like an American button, but a soft “tap” with a hint of crunchiness compared to the virtually silent Sanwas.
Seimitsu buttons typically use a screw-in design for their 30mm line (the PS-14-KN are clear-plunger screw-ins, and PS-14-GN are opaque screw-ins, etc.), though they also have snap-in models like PS-14-G for certain cases. The screw mounts make them versatile for various panel thicknesses (up to ~3.5mm), and Seimitsu’s nut is thinner than Sanwa’s OBSN nut, which can help in tight configurations. Modding with Seimitsu is straightforward: they fit the same hole sizes, and the wiring terminals are the same 2.8mm size as Sanwa. One cool aspect is that many Seimitsu buttons have clear plungers or rims, which allow you to insert artwork or use LED illumination easily – a bonus for those who want a custom look.
One thing to note: Seimitsu currently does not offer an official “silent” button variant. If you want to silence them, you can insert aftermarket silencer pads (foam washers) inside the button – in fact, the same 30mm silencer pads sold for Sanwa will often fit Seimitsu buttons as well, since their internal dimensions are similar. In summary, Seimitsu provides the same top-notch reliability as Sanwa with a distinct feel – slightly stiffer and more tactile. It really comes down to personal preference: some swear by Seimitsu for the improved feedback and precision, while others stick to the lighter Sanwa touch.
Hori
Hori, known for manufacturing arcade sticks, also produces their own buttons – notably the Hori Kuro and Hayabusa buttons. Hori’s parts were originally featured in some of their high-end controllers (like the Fighting Edge and RAP series) and have since gained respect as quality alternatives to Sanwa/Seimitsu. Hori Kuro buttons were their first major offering: at a glance, Kuros look similar to Sanwa OBSF-30, but users report a more tactile feel on press, meaning they have a bit more feedback than Sanwa’s smooth press. It’s not a drastic difference, but the Kuro plunger has slightly less spacing/wobble, resulting in a crisper activation. In terms of “better”, it’s subjective – it really comes down to preference in feel. Importantly, Hori claimed that their Kuro buttons have superior durability – about 60% reduction in wear and tear over time compared to competing buttons. In other words, Hori buttons are built to last, even under heavy repetitive use.
Following the Kuro, Hori introduced the Hayabusa buttons, which are a short-throw design. “Short throw” means the button activates with very little travel distance. The Hayabusa buttons were engineered to reduce input time even further – essentially Hori’s answer to making an ultra-responsive button. These have a matte finish plunger and are reported to feel somewhere between Sanwa and Seimitsu in stiffness. They snap in just like other 30mm buttons and use similar 0.110″ connectors, so they’re drop-in compatible with standard fight sticks. One thing to note is that Hori generally doesn’t sell Kuro or Hayabusa buttons individually in large quantities (they often come stock in Hori sticks). Enthusiasts can sometimes find them via parts stores or cannibalize a Hori controller. If you do get your hands on them, you’ll find they perform on par with the big brands.
Hori has even produced silent versions of their parts in certain special-edition sticks (for example, the Real Arcade Pro.V Silent came with “Silent Kuro” buttons). These silent Hori buttons used an absorption pad inside to dramatically reduce the impact noise. Outside of those limited releases, you won’t commonly find silent Hori buttons sold separately, but it’s good to know Hori has explored noise-dampened designs as well. Overall, Hori’s buttons are tournament-quality – many players who try them feel they are on par with Sanwa or Seimitsu in responsiveness. If you primarily use Hori’s arcade sticks, you can be confident the Hayabusa and Kuro buttons won’t hold you back in competitive play.
Generic and Budget Buttons
Beyond the “big three” brands, there are numerous generic arcade button options popular on Amazon and other marketplaces. These budget-friendly sets are often marketed for DIY arcade cabinet builds, Raspberry Pi retroarcade projects, and those looking to save money on their first mod. Not all generics are the same, but a few names like EG Starts, Easyget, and Hikig come up frequently. These kits usually imitate either the Sanwa style or the Happ style:
- Happ-Style Clones: Many generic kits include “American style” concave buttons with separate microswitches. For example, EG Starts sells packs of 6 or 8 concave pushbuttons that resemble Suzo-Happ competition buttons, complete with a detachable microswitch on each. These typically require about 75g of force (similar to a real Cherry microswitch ~75g) to actuate, giving a noticeable click. They mount with screw-in nuts and need more depth (because the microswitch extends beneath the button). These are great for wood cabinet builds or multigame arcade machines. The build quality is decent for casual use – often the shells are plastic and the microswitches are clone switches (sometimes you can upgrade them with real Cherry D44X microswitches if desired). While they don’t feel as smooth as Japanese buttons, they are durable enough for home arcade projects. And at a low price, they’re a popular choice for 2-player DIY kits (e.g. a bundle that includes two joysticks, 16 buttons, wiring and an encoder).
- Japanese-Style Clones: Other generics mimic the Sanwa/Seimitsu design. These will be 30mm convex buttons that snap or screw in, with an integrated plunger and switch. Some even advertise “Sanwa-like” performance. In reality, the feel can be hit or miss – they usually have a stiffer spring and cheaper plastic, so the press might feel less refined (a bit more scratchy or inconsistent). The actuation force might range widely (some as low as ~60g, others closer to 80g). However, for casual play or non-competitive setups, they do the job. If you’re modding a budget fight stick that came with stock unknown buttons, swapping in generics from Amazon can still be an upgrade if you’re not ready to invest in genuine Sanwa/Seimitsu parts.
- Illuminated LED Buttons: A big draw of generic kits is often the flashy LED buttons. Brands like EG Starts and Easyget sell illuminated pushbuttons (usually transparent 30mm or larger) with built-in LEDs of various colors. These typically come in packs (e.g. 4x or 8x buttons with LEDs pre-installed) and are a favorite for those building arcade cabinets with light-up buttons for each player or coin/start buttons. The LED buttons usually have a flat or slightly convex transparent plunger and use either an integrated microswitch or a small separate switch inside. They tend to mount with screw-in nuts as well. The brightness and look are great, though be aware that adding LEDs means additional wiring – you’ll have to connect the LED terminals to a 5V power source (often the USB encoder or a spare USB port) in addition to wiring the button switch to your encoder. In terms of feel, LED generic buttons can be a bit less sensitive (some have a longer stem of ~33mm and you might feel a longer travel). They often make a subtle clicking sound since many use a plunger that hits a microswitch internally. Still, the cool factor of glowing buttons is high, and they rank among top sellers for DIY kits on Amazon (for instance, EG Starts’ 5x LED pushbutton set is frequently in the top video game accessory lists.
When choosing generics, keep in mind that quality control can be inconsistent. It’s a good idea to read reviews for the particular kit you’re eyeing. Some common experiences: occasional defective LED in a batch, or a microswitch that dies earlier than expected. The good news is these parts are inexpensive and often come with spares. Also, most generics use standard sizes (30mm holes, 2.8mm or 4.8mm terminals), so you can mix and match with name-brand parts later. In fact, many people start with a cheap kit to build a MAME cabinet, then later upgrade the joysticks and buttons to Sanwa or Seimitsu once they get more serious.
Overall, generic arcade buttons are fine for casual play and experimentation. They offer tremendous value – you can get an entire set of buttons (and sometimes joysticks and USB encoder included) for the price of just a handful of premium buttons. If you’re building a bar-top arcade or a kids’ arcade stick, generics make sense. Just manage your expectations: they won’t have the ultra-refined feel of Sanwa or the heritage of Seimitsu, but they will certainly bring your arcade project to life without breaking the bank.
Best Buttons for Competitive Play
If you’re a competitive gamer or serious fighting game enthusiast, your choice of buttons can impact your performance. Tournaments and high-level events almost universally use Japanese-style parts for their speed and reliability. In this arena, Sanwa OBSF-30 buttons are the reigning champion – they are used in many official tournament fightsticks (like the Mad Catz TE and Razer Panthera) and are praised for their responsive and consistent feel. The feather-light actuation of Sanwa buttons means you can register inputs with minimal finger fatigue, which is crucial during long sets. When every frame counts, the fact that Sanwa buttons reset to neutral very quickly (thanks to a short actuation distance and quick springback) is a competitive advantage. It’s no surprise that many top players stick with the default Sanwas in their stick – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
That said, some competitive players do prefer Seimitsu buttons, especially if they have a very aggressive playstyle or heavy hands. The slightly stiffer Seimitsu press can prevent accidental presses during tense moments (nothing worse than grazing a button and eating a jump instead of a block!). For example, in games that require piano inputs or rapid taps (like certain Street Fighter combos or Tekken multi-throws), a Sanwa’s ultra-light touch is fantastic. But in games where you might hover fingers over buttons (like shmups (shoot ’em ups) or rhythm games), Seimitsu’s added resistance can provide more control. Competitive play is as much about consistency as it is about speed – you want a button that registers when you intend and only when you intend.
For those looking for every edge, consider the noise factor too: in local competitive settings, loud buttons can give off auditory cues to your opponent. A savvy opponent might literally “hear” you mashing out an escape or an ultra move. Here, using silent buttons (more on those below) could theoretically prevent opponents from picking up on your button inputs. It’s a minor detail, but competitive players often think about these things. In fact, some tournament players have modded their sticks with silent Sanwa buttons to keep things stealthy.
Aside from the buttons themselves, make sure your entire setup is tournament-ready. That means standard button layouts and reliable wiring. Any of the major brand buttons, when in good condition, won’t miss inputs or double-trigger – they’re built for precision. So the “best” button for competitive play is largely the one that feels best to you among the high-end options. Sanwa is a safe bet for most, Seimitsu is a great alternative, and Hori’s buttons (if you have them) are also competition-grade. The differences in input lag or performance between these top brands are negligible; it really comes down to feel and your confidence in executing on them. In summary, stick to authentic Japanese buttons for competitive scenarios, and you’ll have the responsiveness and reliability needed to compete at your highest level.
Silent Buttons vs Standard Buttons
As arcades moved into homes (and as fighting game streams and content creation grew), silent buttons have become an attractive option for many. Standard arcade buttons – especially Japanese ones – aren’t terribly loud, but they do produce a distinct “clack” or “tap” when pressed aggressively. Silent buttons address this by adding dampening to the button’s plunger or switch, significantly reducing the sound each press makes.
The most common silent buttons are from Sanwa. The Sanwa OBSFS-30 uses a thin foam washer inside the button that cushions the plunger’s impact. When you press the button, instead of the plastic plunger hitting plastic housing (which makes a sharp clack), it hits the foam pad – muffling the sound. The result is a very quiet thud. These silent Sanwas maintain the same actuation force (~55g) and feel, with just a slightly “softer” bottom-out sensation due to the foam. They have become popular among streamers and late-night gamers who don’t want button mashing sounds picked up on mic or heard by roommates. You can often buy these as a set (Sanwa sells 6-packs or 8-packs of silent buttons, or you can purchase the foam pads separately and mod regular Sanwa buttons).
Hori’s aforementioned Silent Kuro buttons took a similar approach – using an absorption ring to deaden sound. And beyond those, there are DIY solutions: Paradise Arcade Shop, for example, sells silencer pads that are compatible with both Sanwa and Seimitsu buttons (30mm). These are inexpensive foam rings you can drop into your existing buttons to approximate the silent button effect. It’s a nice option if you want to experiment without buying entirely new buttons.
Advantages of silent buttons: Obviously, noise reduction is the big one. If you play in a shared space or stream your gameplay, silent buttons keep things peaceful. Also, in local competitive play, silent buttons could prevent opponents from hearing your mashing (as mentioned earlier). Some players even find that the slightly cushioned feel of silent buttons is comfortable for long play sessions, as it softens the impact on your fingers when you bottom out the buttons.
Disadvantages or differences: The main trade-off is feel. Some purists feel that silent buttons are a tad too soft or “mushy” at the bottom compared to the crisp stop of a standard button. The difference is not huge, but it’s noticeable if you’re used to the feedback of a normal button. Additionally, there’s a potential longevity concern: the foam pad in silent buttons can wear out or deteriorate after extensive use, especially if you have a heavy hand. That said, they are replaceable, and newer silent button designs (like Sanwa’s OBSFE series, which uses a heavier-duty foam or rubber pad) have improved durability.
Silent buttons also tend to be slightly more expensive (a premium for the added material and engineering). For example, a silent Sanwa might cost a few dollars more per button than the standard type – not a huge difference unless you’re outfitting a large cabinet with many buttons.
In summary, silent vs standard comes down to your environment and preference. From a performance standpoint, they are equivalent – you won’t lose any responsiveness by going silent. It’s purely about sound and feel. If noise is a concern, silent buttons are a godsend. Many people mix and match too: you could have silent buttons for the main action buttons and regular ones for less-used start/menu buttons, etc. The ability to customize is one of the joys of arcade building. Just as you can get silent buttons, note that there are also “silent” joystick options (like optical joysticks or silent lever microswitches) if you really want a fully stealth rig, but that’s a topic for another guide. For now, know that you have the option to hush your button-mashing without sacrificing performance.
Picking the Right Buttons
Ultimately, the best arcade buttons for you will balance comfort, performance, and budget. If you’re aiming for tournament-grade responsiveness, genuine Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons are a surefire investment – they offer proven precision and a satisfying feel whether you favor feather-light or slightly stiffer presses. Hori’s buttons, while a bit harder to source, show that there’s more than one way to achieve fast, durable inputs, and they might suit those who crave a short-throw, tactile experience. On the other hand, if you’re building your first DIY arcade stick or cabinet on a shoestring budget, the variety of generic kits out there means you can still get a very enjoyable arcade experience without spending a fortune. You can always upgrade piece by piece as you grow into the hobby.
Consider what games you play and how you play them: Are you a combo-heavy fighting game player? Sanwa’s sensitivity might benefit you. Enjoy classic arcade or bullet-hell shooters? You might appreciate Seimitsu’s accuracy. Building a retro cabinet for casual play and ambiance? Those LED generics will provide plenty of fun. And don’t forget factors like noise (silent vs standard) and compatibility with your build. We hope this comparison has shed light on the nuances of arcade buttons available in 2025. All that’s left is to pick a set and get gaming! Below are quick links to some of our top recommended arcade buttons on Amazon to help you gear up:
- Sanwa OBSF-30 30mm Buttons (8-pack) – Top choice for competition-grade performance and sensitivity.
- Seimitsu PS-14-KN 30mm Screw-In Buttons (set of 8) – Great for a firmer feel and precise inputs, ideal for custom builds.
- Sanwa OBSFS-30 Silent 30mm Buttons – Silent version of Sanwa buttons for noise-free play without losing responsiveness.
- EG Starts Arcade Button Kit (Happ-Style, 2-Player set) – Budget-friendly pack of concave buttons + microswitches for DIY arcade machine projects.
- EG Starts 30mm LED Illuminated Buttons (5x Set) – Popular LED pushbuttons to make your arcade build glow, includes built-in microswitches.
Related Posts
- Essential Joystick Accessories and Mods – Guide to upgrading fight stick joysticks, gates, and more.
Sources:
- Sanwa Denshi. “OBSF-30 / OBSF-24 Technical Specifications.” 2024: sanwa-d.co.jp
- Seimitsu Co. “PS-14 Button Series Data Sheet.” 2024: seimitsu.co.jp
- ProFightStick. “Sanwa vs Seimitsu vs Hayabusa: Which Buttons Are Right for You?” 2020: profightstick.com
- Paradise Arcade Shop. “Silent JLF Omron Switch Mod Kit (4-Pack).” 2023: paradisearcadeshop.com
- Focus Attack. “30 mm Button Silencer Pads – Compatible with Sanwa & Seimitsu.” 2024: focusattack.com
- Hori. “Kuro / Hayabusa Button Durability White Paper.” 2023: hori.jp
- PC Gamer. “How to Build (and Mod) a Tournament-Ready Fight Stick.” 2023: pcgamer.com
- Tom’s Hardware. “The Best Arcade Buttons and Switch Mods for 2024.” 2024: tomshardware.com
- TheArcadeStick.com. “Mayflash F700 Elite Review & Button Swap Guide.” 2024: thearcadestick.com
- Neo-Geo Forums. “User Experiences: Sanwa vs Seimitsu Buttons for Candy Cabs.” 2018: neo-geo.com
- Reddit /r/Fightsticks. “Silent Sanwa OBSFS-30 Long-Term Impressions.” 2023: reddit.com/r/Fightsticks
- Amazon Product Listing – Sanwa OBSF-30 8-Pack, 2025: amazon.com
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