More like Java runs slow in general on a desktop application.
I would give LabVIEW a chance and see if you like it. It's a little unconventional so some people are hesitant, but I think it has a lot of benefits. These include the intuitiveness of graphical programming, its excellent debugging tools, and easy learning curve (in my experience and as reported by many people). Here's a link that I just found recently about LabVIEW, it's very good.
http://www.ni.com/labview/whatis/graphical-programming/