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This section provides an overview for joysticks as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 joystick manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked joystick companies as of January, 2025: 1.CH Products, 2.J. R. Merritt Controls, Inc., 3.Sure Grip Controls, Inc..
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A joystick is a device used for controlling vehicles or machinery by manually moving a stick in different directions, such as forward, backward, left, or right. This type of controller enables the manipulation of large machinery with minimal wrist movement, resulting in relatively low fatigue during extended use. For precision machinery requiring delicate operations, small joysticks that allow for subtle force adjustments at the fingertips are incorporated into control panels.
Joysticks are also widely used as control devices for personal computers and gaming consoles to maneuver characters or vehicles swiftly in virtual worlds. While industrial robots and automated machinery operate based on pre-programmed instructions, joysticks provide manual, real-time operation by individuals.
Joysticks are extensively used in the industrial sector for a variety of equipment, including transportation machinery, construction equipment, and manufacturing devices. For instance, in container terminals, operators in high control cabins use joysticks to precisely control gantry cranes, while heavy machinery like hydraulic excavators and wheel loaders on construction sites use joysticks for complex movements. In manufacturing industries, joysticks are often used for precise positioning of work on XY stages.
A joystick converts the stick's tilt into electrical signals for the Y-axis (forward and backward) and X-axis (left and right). These signals control actuators like servo motors or hydraulic cylinders to maneuver machinery. Joysticks may employ constant-speed or acceleration methods, depending on the stick's tilt. Frequently, when released, the stick returns to a neutral position, stopping the actuator. Joysticks can control machinery directionally by tilting the stick, and can include switches for additional functions.
When selecting a joystick, consider factors such as the operator's posture, operation nature, and working environment to ensure precision and minimize fatigue. The choice should be based on the specific application, whether it's for operating machinery in a gantry crane cabin, precision adjustments in manufacturing, or gaming. Additionally, consider durability for harsh outdoor conditions or dust-free requirements for clean room environments.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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CH Products, since 1983, has been a manufacturer of industrial joysticks and Hall effect control devices used in fight & military simulation, mining machinery, industrial automation, electric wheelchairs, and material handling equipment. The Vista, California company has capabilities such as custom designing, injection molding, electric discharge machining, and prototyping with ISO 9001:2008 certified quality system. The company is a member of the APEM Group. Their products include rudder pedals, fingertip joysticks, throttles, and handgrip controllers.
OTTO Engineering Inc., established in 1961 in Carpentersville, Illinois, USA, is a manufacturer of a full line of control switches used in industry. The company's products include electromechanical switches, capacitor switches, and joysticks. These products are used in industrial applications that include factory equipment, excavation equipment, and material handling machinery. The company serves original equipment manufacturers with design, build, and debugging services for stamping tools in markets that include excavation, military, and medical support crews.
J. R. Merritt Controls, Inc. established in 1985 and based in Stratford, Connecticut, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of custom human interface solutions. The company's product range includes joysticks, handles, operator chair systems, rotary switches, and foot pedals. These products are employed in applications such as crane operations, on-and-off-highway maneuvers, and various other precision-required tasks. Serving the appliances, electrical, electronics manufacturing, and crane operation industries, it prioritizes performance and reliability. The company provides services such as custom design, application engineering, product testing, and customer support.
elobau Elektrobauelemente GmbH & Co., founded in 1972 with headquarters in Germany, is a manufacturer of contactless sensor technology, operator controls, machine safety, and level measurement. The company's products include multi-axis joysticks, multi-function handles, push buttons, sensor components, and continuous level measurement. elobau’s products are used in both mobile (off-highway) and industrial applications. The company’s products can be found in aircraft, off-road vehicles, agricultural machinery, and industrial machinery. elobau Elektrobauelemente GmbH & Co. has been carbon neutral since 2010.
Song-Huei Electric Co. Ltd. is a variable resistor manufacturer established in 1981 and based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In 2002, the company initiated a technological cooperation with Tokyo Ko-On Denpa Co., Ltd., resulting in its role as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for various Tokyo Ko-On Denpa products such as DJVR, fader, and voice-controlled potentiometers. Its Nano technology allows the fader's lifespan to exceed 1,000,000 cycles. The company is certified with ISO-9000 standard and has established its facility in Guang Dong Province, South China, under the name of San Fa Electronic Co., Ltd.
Apem, originally founded as APR in 1952 in France and incorporated as Apem Inc. in 2008, is a global manufacturer of electronic components. The companyThe company offers a wide range of products, including panel switches, PCB switches, LED indicators, joysticks, and industrial controls, catering to clients in various markets such as agricultural machinery, construction machinery, public environment, defense, and healthcare. Apem also provides a fully customized design and production solution to clients from its offices and facilities located in France, Germany, the UK, the USA, and China.
SVAB was established in 1988 with its headquarters based in Hallsberg, Sweden, as a developer, manufacturer, and distributor of advanced control systems and solutions for heavy machinery. Some of their important product categories include control systems such as Open Connect – Tiltrotator control system, joysticks L8 for machines, including excavators and graders, and hydraulics. The construction industry relies on their products for excavators, wheel loaders, and forestry machines. The mining sector utilizes SVAB's control systems and guidance solutions for efficient and precise operations. Furthermore, the agricultural industry benefits from their products in applications such as combine harvesters and forage harvesters.
Ranking as of January 2025
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CH Products |
20.0%
|
| 2 | J. R. Merritt Controls, Inc. |
15.2%
|
| 3 | Sure Grip Controls, Inc. |
12.4%
|
| 4 | OEM Controls, Inc. |
11.0%
|
| 5 | OTTO Engineering, Inc |
9.7%
|
| 6 | Althen Sensors and Controls |
7.6%
|
| 7 | SVAB Hydraulik |
6.2%
|
| 8 | Apem |
6.2%
|
| 9 | elobau GmbH & Co. KG |
6.2%
|
| 10 | Song Huei Electric Co., Ltd. |
5.5%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the joystick page as of January 2025. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 57.1% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 14.3% |
|
Taiwan
|
1 | 14.3% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 14.3% |
78 products found
78 products
Wakuren Kogyo
330+ people viewing
Last viewed: 3 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ High vibration resistance / high durability by adopting non -contact potente meter (hole IC) ･ Waterproof type potenthameter, microschic ...
2 models listed
Wakuren Kogyo
290+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Realizes safe and reliable operability with soft finger touch ･ Small 1 -direction control lever ･ Highly vibration and high durability b...
Wakuren Kogyo
210+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Highly vibration and high durability by adopting non -contact potente meter (hole IC) ･ It is safe for outdoor use with waterproof type p...
Kinryo Electric Co., Ltd.
270+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Features of UVH type ■Universal handle ・The ``universal handle'', a joystick-type operation handle exclusively for Esty Telecon, allows comfortabl...
5 models listed
Wakuren Kogyo
220+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ 1 -direction control lever ･ Highly durable / highly durable by adopting non -contact type potencoometer (hole IC) ･ It is safe for outdo...
Wakuren Kogyo
260+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Wakuri product, the minimum lightest joystick ･ Can be operated with thumb ･ Acceptance of custom -made items in Joystick and Remote Cont...
Wakuren Kogyo
310+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ 1 -direction control lever ･ Reliable operation with T -type lever ･ High vibration resistance / high durability by adopting non -contact...
Wakuren Kogyo
380+ people viewing
Last viewed: 10 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Reliable operation with T -type lever ･ Can be maintained in arbitrary position of the lever ･ Acceptance of custom -made items in Joysti...
Wakuren Kogyo
390+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 hour ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Reliable operation with T -type lever ･ With a notch mechanism in the 9th place of the lever ･ With a button switch on the grip ･ Accepta...
Swallow wireless Co., Ltd.
340+ people viewing
There are four types: 3D Joysticks for Medical Devices, Joy Stick Mini With Boot, Joy Stick Ultra Mini, and Joy Stick Miniature. We also accept the...
6 models listed
Wakuren Kogyo
220+ people viewing
Last viewed: 20 hours ago
Very Fast Response
Feature ･ Highly durable / highly durable by adopting non -contact type potencoometer (hole IC) ･ Waterproof type potent showometer, microscope ado...
IDEC Co., Ltd.
360+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
Very Fast Response
■Features - Outputs detailed fingertip operations as analog signals. Achieving a more intuitive and realistic operating feel ・We have prepared a l...
IDEC Co., Ltd.
230+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
■Features ・Long life as it is a non-contact type that uses a Hall element. Achieved smaller size and lighter weight. ・Ergonomic design allows for...
IDEC Co., Ltd.
280+ people viewing
Last viewed: 1 day ago
Very Fast Response
■Features ・Robust structure, micro switch type joystick ・Protection structure: IP65 ・Ambient operating temperature: –25 to +80℃ ・Supports front...
Nippon Sokki Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
Last viewed: 4 hours ago
5.0 Company Review
■Custom control Multifunctional electrical/electromechanical operation Slide, toggle, button Environmental protection Direction & speed control ■P...
TAIYO Co., Ltd.
60+ people viewing
The housing is sturdy and compatible with all types of hydraulic mobile equipment, and has environmental resistance to vibration and temperature, a...
Nakamura Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
70+ people viewing
Last viewed: 7 hours ago
The JCS type multi-directional controller moves a lever in any direction to turn on/off circuits and drive potentiometers, etc., depending on the d...
2 models listed
Nakamura Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
300+ people viewing
Last viewed: 16 hours ago
This is a switch that turns the circuit on and off by turning the microswitch ON and OFF in conjunction with the operating angle of the lever handl...
7 models listed
