6. Cubstraption
Cubs created a hybrid, the Cubstraption, that has a GameCube controller on the left and half of a box controller on the right. DIs that are impossible on a regular box controller are possible with the Cubstraption, and Firefox angles are easier as well.
The D-pad, stick, left trigger, and start button of the GameCube controller are active, and the rest of the controller is inactive. You would need to attach your own GameCube controller to the Cubstraption.
The keycaps are injection molded by Rana Labs, using Kailh Box V2 Red switches with hot swap sockets. The buttons are responsive, and thanks to the two 3D printed molds for mounting the GameCube controller, you can choose a straight or more ergonomic angle.
The chassis of the Cubstraption is made of stacked acrylic to separate the buttons from the motherboard. For internal access, the Cubstraption is easy to take apart. The GCC port’s housing is a nice touch. Finally, you get different color options when ordering the Cubstraption.
Order from Cubs
5. Prism MK6
The Prism is an ergonomic 3D printed case with a reinterpretation of the Smash community’s favorite layout that eliminates the need for forearm pronation and ulnar deviation.
The idle stance of your fingers can be in a naturally curled state, improving reaction time, and the tighter distance between the keys allows you to use your whole thumb to trigger the five-button action cluster with minimum movement.
The case is made of laser-cut cast acrylic or aluminum bottom panels with a grip pad for stability purposes while placing the Prism on your lap.
Order from WunVzn
4. Rana Tadpole
The Rana Tadpole is a mini controller that sports the community’s favorite layout but with an extra button on the upper left. The case and buttons are available in different colors.
The Tadpole is slightly wider than a GameCube controller. The case is 3D printed with an FDM printer, and it has a matte finish. The chassis is comprised of powder-coated CNC aluminum.
With neutral SOCD cleaning and more consistent wavedashing, the Tadpole uses SLS nylon keycaps & Kailh mouse micro switches, with the latter lasting a whopping 60 million presses.
There is an engraved foam pad at the bottom with text and a tadpole mascot. There is also a canvas zipper pouch for the Tadpole. The Digital edition is bigger than the Tadpole.
Order from Etsy
3. SYG Kraken
The Kraken is 3D printed, customizable, and available in different colors. It features the Smash community’s favorite button layout. The cherry on top is the Cherry switches. The weight of the Kraken is probably around two pounds. You are also able to choose the colors of the buttons, cable, and so on.
Order from SaveYourGames
2. FightBox R1
The FightBox R1 sports the layout that was popularized by the likes of the Frame1 and B0XX. There are a few button colors available, and you can choose to order the R1 with a braided USB-C to GameCube cable.
Made of frosted matte-black acrylic, the R1 was designed for comfort. There are Cherry MX black switches, and hot-swapping is possible. The keycaps are 24 mm ABS, the PCB is the Raspberry Pi Pico, and the USB type is C.
Order from AliExpress
1. B0XX
Tournament legal at Melee events from Genesis to The Big House, the B0XX comes with twenty Sanwa buttons. This predecessor of the Frame1 is latency free and up to a frame faster than other box controllers. It allows you to piano aerials, wave dashes, and multi shines with two fingers instead of just one. With a thickness of 1.4 inches and weight of 3.8 lbs, the B0XX is thin, portable, and comfortable for the wrists. The two additional buttons improve light shielding, and angling recovery moves like Firefox can be mastered within minutes.
There are three profiles to be chosen from using a side toggle to simultaneously activate multiple layouts, and attached is designer software to freely map the buttons. No Wii U adapter is necessary, and the included USB-C cables allow GameCube, Nintendo 64, and PC connectivity. The Wii Nunchuk is compatible as well. Also, no switches are needed: functionality is automatically swapped based on the game being played.
Order from 20XX
| Rank | Full Article | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B0XX | Price |
| 2 | FightBox R1 | Price |
| 3 | SYG Kraken | Price |
| 4 | Rana Tadpole | Price |
| 5 | Prism MK6 | Price |
| 6 | Cubstraption | Price |