Seimitsu PS-14-K vs PS-14-DN-K: What’s the Real Difference? (2025 Guide)
Choosing the right translucent Seimitsu buttons for your fightstick or leverless controller.
If you’re customizing a fightstick, modding a leverless controller, or building a new arcade setup from scratch, you’ve probably run into two extremely popular Seimitsu button models:
- PS-14-K (transparent 30mm & 24mm snap-in)
- PS-14-DN-K (transparent 24mm screw-in)
At first glance, they look almost identical — same domed plunger, same translucent housing, same beautiful colors. So why do builders insist there’s a big difference?
This guide breaks down the real, practical differences between Seimitsu PS-14-K and PS-14-DN-K so you can choose the right ones for your build.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | PS-14-K | PS-14-DN-K |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Type | Snap-In | Screw-In |
| Sizes Available | 30mm & 24mm | 24mm only |
| Panel Compatibility | Thin metal, thin acrylic | Thick acrylic, wood, custom cases |
| Feel | Slightly firmer than Sanwa | Slightly firmer; almost identical to PS-14-K |
| Artwork-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Colors | Full Seimitsu translucent range | Full translucent range |
1. Mounting Style: Snap-In vs Screw-In
This is the biggest difference between the two.
|
 |
| Snap-In (PS-14-K) | Screw-In (PS-14-DN-K) |
PS-14-K = Snap-In
Snap-in tabs make installation fast — just push the button into the hole and the clips lock in.
Best for:
- Metal panels
- Thin acrylic panels (around 2–3mm)
- Quick swaps and simple mods
Watch out: Snap-in clips don’t grip well on thick acrylic. They may pop out during gameplay, which is very common with some leverless builds.
PS-14-DN-K = Screw-In
Instead of clips, PS-14-DN-K includes a threaded body and a plastic nut that tightens from behind the panel.
Best for:
- Thick acrylic (3–6mm)
- Custom CNC and DIY cases
- Wooden enclosures
- FightBox-style leverless builds
Why builders prefer screw-ins:
They are extremely secure and almost never pop out, even under heavy inputs. That extra stability is a big deal for competitive players.
2. Size Options
PS-14-K
Available in:
- 30mm
- 24mm
Great for both:
- Main face buttons (30mm)
- Start/Select/Home (24mm)
PS-14-DN-K
Available in:
- 24mm only
Perfect for:
- Leverless movement (Left/Down/Right/Up)
- Start/Options buttons
- Side utility buttons
If you need 30mm translucent screw-in buttons, you’ll need to use other Seimitsu models — PS-14-K covers the 30mm snap-in role.
3. Feel & Performance Differences
Here’s the honest truth: the feel of PS-14-K and PS-14-DN-K is almost identical.
Both use the same plunger design and translucent shell, so the basic button press is very similar. However:
- PS-14-K housings can flex a tiny bit at the snap-in clips, which can make them feel just a touch “looser” in some panels.
- PS-14-DN-K screw-in bodies hold the button perfectly still, which can make them feel slightly more stable and consistent.
This is one reason leverless players often prefer PS-14-DN-K for movement inputs — that extra stability helps with precise directional presses.
4. Artwork Compatibility
Both PS-14-K and PS-14-DN-K are excellent choices for artwork-focused builds.
Why they work so well:
- Translucent plunger and bezel allow artwork to show through nicely.
- Light passes through the button, keeping colors vibrant over printed designs.
- LED mods blend beautifully through the clear plastic.
Color tips:
- Smoke and Violet look amazing over multi-color artwork and darker themes.
- Green, Yellow-Green, and Pink pop nicely on minimalist or light-colored layouts.
5. Panel Thickness Matters More Than You Think
Panel thickness is one of the most important factors when choosing between PS-14-K and PS-14-DN-K.
If your panel is:
Under ~3mm (metal or thin acrylic)
Use PS-14-K. Snap-in buttons are made for thin steel and thinner acrylic top panels.
Between ~3mm and 6mm (thick acrylic, many Hitbox-style cases)
Use PS-14-DN-K. Screw-in mounting will hold solidly and give you a more secure panel.
Wood
Use PS-14-DN-K — snap-in clips almost never work well in wood panels.
This thickness difference alone explains most of the confusion people have when choosing between the two models.
6. Which Should You Choose?
Choose PS-14-K if you want:
- Quick installation and easy swaps
- 30mm buttons for main action layout
- A light, snappy feel
- Simple retrofits in standard metal-panel fightsticks
Choose PS-14-DN-K if you want:
- Rock-solid mounting (especially in thick panels)
- Leverless / Hitbox build stability
- Buttons that never pop out mid-match
- Reliable performance in wood or layered acrylic cases
7. Shop Owner Recommendation
For leverless builds:
Use PS-14-DN-K for the movement buttons and PS-14-K for the 30mm attack row. This gives you both stability and a consistent feel.
For standard fightsticks:
Use PS-14-K for all 30mm face buttons, plus a matching 24mm PS-14-K or PS-14-DN-K for Start/Options depending on your panel thickness.
For thick acrylic or wood cases:
Always choose PS-14-DN-K to avoid mounting issues and loose buttons over time.
Shop the Buttons Mentioned in This Guide
Seimitsu PS-14-K Buttons
Shop PS-14-K (All Colors) →
Seimitsu PS-14-DN-K Buttons
Shop PS-14-DN-K (All Colors) →
Related Guides
- Ultimate Arcade Buttons Guide
- Best 24mm Buttons for Leverless Controllers (coming soon)
- Sanwa OBSF vs OBSC vs OBSN — Complete Comparison (coming soon)