For arcade enthusiasts and fighting game competitors, joystick tension is a critical setting that directly impacts control and feel. The tension, primarily determined by the spring inside the joystick mechanism, defines how much force is required to move the stick and how strongly it returns to its neutral center position. The most common tension settings are categorized by spring strength.

The standard and most widely used tension is medium tension. This is the default for most commercial arcade cabinets and popular joysticks like Sanwa JLF. It offers a balanced feel—responsive enough for quick taps and fluid enough for circular motions, making it a versatile choice for various game genres, especially fighting games.

Many players dedicated to fighting games, such as Street Fighter or Tekken, prefer light tension. A lighter spring (e.g., a 1lb spring replacing a standard 2lb spring) reduces resistance, allowing for faster actuation and easier, more rapid movements. This can be beneficial for executing complex combos and dash inputs with less physical fatigue.

Conversely, heavy tension is favored by some players for games that require immense precision and minimal overshoot. A stronger spring (e.g., 4lb) provides more resistance, making the stick feel tighter and more deliberate. This is often chosen for classic 4-way games or by players who want to avoid accidentally triggering diagonal inputs.

Ultimately, the "best" tension is highly subjective and depends on personal preference, play style, and the specific games being played. The common practice is to experiment with different spring weights to find the perfect custom tension that suits the individual player's needs.