Ultimate Arcade Buttons Guide (2025 Edition)
Everything you need to know about choosing the right arcade buttons for your fightstick or custom build — from someone who handles these parts every single day at RetroArcadeCrafts.
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Why Arcade Buttons Matter (From a Real Builder)
If you’ve ever wondered why two fightsticks feel completely different even with the same layout, it almost always comes down to the buttons. After selling tons of Seimitsu and Sanwa buttons — and building way too many sticks late at night — I can tell you the “feel” of your buttons affects everything. Fast taps, clean diagonals, double inputs, long combos… it all changes depending on which buttons you install.
So this guide isn’t just the usual generic comparison. These are real observations from builds I’ve done, customer feedback I hear constantly, and problems I’ve seen people run into (including mistakes I made myself when I started).
What you'll get from this guide:
- Clear differences between Seimitsu vs Sanwa
- Real recommendations for fighting games
- When to use 30mm vs 24mm
- Snap-in vs screw-in, and when each one actually matters
- Common mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)
30mm vs 24mm (Explained Simply)
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| 30mm button | 24 mm button |
Let’s keep this super simple — most sticks use both sizes.
30mm Buttons — Your Main Action Buttons
These are your punch/kick buttons on a fightstick. If you build a Hitbox or custom leverless, these usually become the attack row.
Popular 30mm options I see customers buy the most:
- Sanwa OBSF-30 — classic tournament feel
- Seimitsu PS-14-K 30mm Transparent — firmer, cleaner, amazing with artwork
- Sanwa OBSC-30 — transparent, great for LED builds (similar feel to OBSF-30)
My note:
If someone buys their first pack of buttons from me, they almost always start with OBSF-30. But after a few weeks, I see them return for Seimitsu because they want more control. This happens a LOT.
24mm Buttons — Utility Buttons
These are your Start/Select/Home buttons. On leverless sticks, many players use 24mm for movement inputs too.
- Seimitsu PS-14-DN-K 24mm Translucent Screw-In (my go-to for leverless builds)
- Sanwa OBSF-24 (great for clean, simple installs)
Quick tip: I tell all first-time builders to always buy an extra 24mm. Trust me — someone always forgets they need a Home button.
Snap-In vs Screw-In (What REALLY Matters)
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| Snap-In | Screw-In |
Snap-In Buttons
Snap-ins are super convenient — I use them in a lot of metal-panel fightsticks. They “click” in place and you’re done. But people don’t always know they are very picky about panel thickness. If your acrylic is too thick, the clips won’t hold well.
Best for: Metal-panel sticks like Mad Catz, Qanba, Hori RAP, and most customs with thin steel panels.
Screw-In Buttons
Screw-ins are my personal favorite for custom builds. They handle thick panels easily — especially laser-cut acrylic or wood. They almost never fall out, even if someone plays aggressively (looking at you, Marvel players).
Best for: Custom enclosures, FightBox-style builds, thick acrylic panels, and wooden cabinets.
A real shop-owner experience:
A customer once came in frustrated because their snap-ins kept popping out of their acrylic panel. I swapped them to PS-14-DN-K screw-ins and the problem disappeared instantly. This happens more often than you’d think.
How Different Switch Types Feel
Standard Mechanical
The “classic arcade” feel. Slight click, decent resistance, very predictable. This is what almost everyone starts with — and honestly it’s still the best for most fighting games.
Silent Buttons
If you play at night or stream, silent buttons are a lifesaver. I personally don’t use them for serious gameplay because I like a bit of feedback, but I have customers who swear by them.
Optical / Hall Effect
Zero noise. Zero wear. Super fast. Feels a little strange at first, but some players absolutely fall in love with it.
My honest take:
These are amazing technically, but not everyone likes the smooth, frictionless feel. Try one before you commit to a full set.
Solid vs Clear Buttons (A Style Choice That Actually Matters)
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| Solid Buttons | Transparent / Translucent Buttons |
Solid Buttons
Traditional, opaque, clean. If you’re restoring a cabinet or want a retro look, these are the best choice.
Transparent / Translucent Buttons
These are incredibly popular for custom builds — you can place artwork underneath, add LEDs, and match the whole aesthetic of your stick.
Small warning:
Clear buttons will show fingerprints and dust a bit more. Not a big deal, but I clean lots of these when I take product photos.
What I Recommend for Different Players
For Fighting Games (SF6, Tekken 8, GGST, etc.)
- Fast, light feel: Sanwa OBSF-30
- More control: Seimitsu PS-14-K 30mm Transparent
Anime and Korean-setup players often prefer Seimitsu for the slightly firmer press. Tekken players are pretty split. Street Fighter players lean Sanwa by a wide margin.
For Leverless / Hitbox
I usually recommend:
- 30mm Seimitsu PS-14-K for the attack row
- 24mm PS-14-DN-K for movement and utility buttons
For LED or Artwork Builds
- Seimitsu PS-14-K clear series (various colors)
- Seimitsu PS-14-DN-K translucent series
- Sanwa clear/colored button options
If you want your stick to look amazing in photos, clear buttons + warm lighting = magic.
Installation Tips From Actual Experience
Snap-In Tips
- Push from the sides, not just hammering on the top
- If the clip won't lock, your panel might be too thick
- Check both clips — one often clicks in before the other
Screw-In Tips
- Hand-tighten only — don’t over-tighten on acrylic
- Make sure the nut isn’t touching your joystick harness or wiring
- Double-check orientation before tightening everything down
Small habit of mine:
I always test each button BEFORE closing the case. Saves so much time.
Recommended Buttons (Based on What Customers Actually Buy)
Top 30mm Buttons
- 6-Pack Seimitsu PS-14-K 30mm Transparent (White)
- Sanwa OBSF-30 Single 30mm Buttons
- 6-Pack Sanwa OBSF-30 30mm & 8-Pack Sanwa OBSF-30 30mm
Top 24mm Buttons
Or you can browse the full button ranges here:
Shop All Seimitsu Buttons | Shop All Sanwa Buttons
FAQ (The Questions I Get Almost Daily)
“Are Seimitsu or Sanwa better?”
Depends on your playstyle. Sanwa is lighter; Seimitsu is firmer. I personally like Seimitsu for leverless, and Sanwa OBSF-30 for classic sticks.
“Do snap-ins fall out?”
In metal panels, almost never. In thick acrylic, yes — that’s where screw-ins shine.
“Do I need 30mm or 24mm?”
30mm for main buttons, 24mm for Start/Home and small side buttons.
“Can I mix brands?”
Absolutely. Many people mix Sanwa for main buttons and Seimitsu for utility, or vice versa.
“Why do my buttons feel mushy?”
You may be using knockoffs or worn-out parts. Stick to genuine Sanwa and Seimitsu.
Final Thoughts
Hope this guide helps! I see a lot of people get overwhelmed when choosing buttons, but once you try a few combinations, you’ll find what feels perfect for your gameplay.
If you ever need help choosing buttons for your specific build, feel free to contact us through the store or DM our socials. I answer these questions every day and I’m happy to help.
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