Lightsaber buying guide: choose your hilt and soundboard in 5 steps
Lightsaber: An elegant weapon for a more civilized age
Choosing a lightsaber becomes easier when you break the purchase down into a few steps. First decide what you mainly want to use it for and how much you want to spend in total. Then choose a hilt that suits you and compare the available soundboards. This helps you choose based on what matters to you.
This guide takes you through that purchase step by step. The hilt determines the design and how the saber feels in your hand; the soundboard determines the controls and features. These choices are connected, but they are not the same. A more expensive hilt does not automatically have more advanced electronics, and not every model is available with every soundboard.
Step 1: decide on your main use and total budget
What will you mainly use the saber for: duelling, cosplay, spinning or display? You can have several wishes, but choose one main use. This makes it easier to decide where to spend your budget.
- Mainly duelling: prioritise grip, a suitable blade and secure blade retention.
- Mainly cosplay or display: decide which design you want and how important light and sound effects are to you.
- Mainly spinning: consider grip and balance with the blade fitted.
Want to explore which use suits you in more detail? Read our article about the uses of a lightsaber. Here, we use your preference to narrow down the purchase.
Next, set your budget for the complete purchase. Compare the price of the soundboard variant you want, not just the first price shown for a model. Include any accessories and check what is already supplied. That way, you avoid unnecessarily buying a second belt clip, stand or extra blade.
Step 2: choose your hilt and category
The hilt is the handle of your lightsaber. At KenJo Sabers, the categories mainly help you choose by design, detail and price. They are not fixed levels of electronics or duelling strength. Always compare both the hilt and the version.
Premium: an accessible first lightsaber
Premium is a good starting point if you want an affordable saber with a relatively simple design. An uncluttered grip can be comfortable for duelling and spinning. If you mainly want lots of features, check the soundboard of your chosen saber; the Premium category name alone does not tell you enough.
Epic: striking designs with plenty of detail
Epic suits anyone looking for a visually striking hilt, with unusual shapes, cut-outs or plating, for example. For active use, also consider where you hold the saber: details that look good on display should feel comfortable in your hands too.
Essence: recognisable character styling in a simpler version
The Essence line brings recognisable features of character designs together in a simplified hilt. It is worth considering if you want a particular Star Wars style while keeping an eye on your budget. A simpler design does not automatically mean fewer electronic features: those depend on the soundboard variant you choose.
Legendary: detailed character designs
Legendary focuses on lightsabers inspired by characters from Star Wars films, series and games. Think of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader or Obi-Wan Kenobi. This category is a natural starting point for character cosplay and collecting. Check the details, dimensions and included accessories for each model; cases, stands and plugs are not the same with every saber.
KenJo Exclusives: original designs as an additional choice
Alongside the categories, you can choose KenJo Exclusives, with original designs such as Uno, Zero and Torro. Think of this as an additional design selection. Again, first decide whether the hilt suits your style and use, then choose from the available electronics.
Step 3: choose the electronics you will use
Found a hilt you like? Open the product page and look at the available soundboards. First compare Baselit with Neopixel, then choose the version that offers the controls you want.
| Your preference | Where do you start? | What should you check? |
|---|---|---|
| A light blade for plenty of movement and intensive training | A suitable Baselit version | The grip, blade retention and blade of the chosen model. |
| Light-up sequences and effects along the length of the blade | A suitable Neopixel version | Which blade and ignition effects are included with that version. |
| Controlling colours, sounds and settings from your phone | Premium RGB Baselit X3 or Premium Neopixel X3 | These X3 versions use Xeno Configurator. Supreme Neopixel uses Force Park. |
| Extensive custom configuration and programming | Proffie 2.2, if offered with that hilt | Whether you have the technical knowledge and time yourself. This extra complexity is usually unnecessary for a first saber. |
With Baselit, the light source is in the hilt and the blade is hollow. With Neopixel, the LEDs are inside the blade. This explains much of the difference in weight and lighting effects. A Neopixel version can also be suitable for duelling; assess the combination of hilt, blade and use. More advanced electronics do not automatically make a saber better suited to harder contact.
The name “Baselit” or “Neopixel” does not tell you everything. Some product pages also offer Baselit without X3 or Standard Neopixel, for example. Always check the full variant name. For the technical differences, read the soundboard selection guide and the blade guide.
Which extra features matter for your purchase?
Do you want motion controls, the option to switch soundfonts or the ability to add sounds later? Add those wishes to your list and check whether your chosen version supports them. Switching sounds is different from adding your own files via an SD card. You do not need to change files yourself for normal operation. Our explanation of motion control, soundfonts and other lightsaber features helps you understand the terms; the manual for your version describes the precise options.
Step 4: compare two or three models on the same basis
Make a shortlist instead of repeatedly browsing the entire range. First compare hilts with the same soundboard. Then, for your favourite hilt, compare the prices and features of the available versions. This shows you what you are paying extra for.
Example: Icon versus Icon Essence
Looking for Luke Skywalker’s recognisable style? Compare the Icon and Icon Essence side by side. First look at differences in hilt design, details, dimensions and packaging. Then compare the same soundboard variant. This helps you decide how much the extra detail is worth to you.
Example: one Uno, two versions
Does the Uno appeal to you? Compare Premium RGB Baselit X3 with Premium Neopixel X3 for that same hilt. The design remains your starting point; you are now choosing between a Baselit blade and the extra visual experience of Neopixel. This avoids comparing both a different hilt and different electronics without knowing what causes the price difference.
Want to narrow your choice by use or budget? Use the filters for all lightsabers. The explanation of theme collections helps you find a suitable selection.
Step 5: check your choice before checkout
- Model and variant: have you selected the right hilt, version and, where applicable, hilt colour?
- Grip and blade: do the dimensions, weight, blade type and blade length suit your use? If you belong to a sports club, check its requirements too.
- Features: will you get the controls, sounds and effects on your wish list?
- Packaging: what exactly is included, and which accessories would you still like to add?
- Availability: is your specific variant in stock, made to order or available for pre-order? Check the shipping tab for the latest estimate.
- Total price: have you included your chosen version, accessories and any shipping costs?
- Service: do you know where to find help, the manual and warranty information? You can also read independent customer experiences on Trustpilot.
Why buy a lightsaber from KenJo Sabers?
KenJo Sabers aims to offer not only high-quality, distinctive sabers but also excellent customer service. They understand that buying a lightsaber is a personal and important decision, and want every customer to be happy with their purchase and the shopping experience. That is why they offer extensive support, from answering product questions to personal advice on choosing the right saber or accessory. You can count on KenJo Sabers after your purchase too, if problems arise or you have questions about your saber. KenJo Sabers puts customer satisfaction first and works to provide every customer with a positive and memorable experience.
From many options to a lightsaber that suits you
You do not need to know every model and technical option by heart. Decide on your main use and budget, choose a hilt, compare the available electronics and check the complete version before ordering.
Still deciding between two sabers? Note the differences in design, soundboard, dimensions, packaging and total price. This makes it clear which differences matter to you and helps you ask for specific advice.
Still unsure? Check the frequently asked questions or ask via the contact form. Tell us which models you are comparing and whether you will mainly use the saber for duelling, cosplay, spinning or display. We can then help you more specifically.
