| Price | Speedy Labs |
| Release | July 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS / PS4 / PS3 / PC |
| Dimensions | 10″x 5″ x 0.6″ |
| Weight | 1.61 lbs |
| Cable | 2 m |
Introduction
The LightFox, also known as the Light Fighting Box, is a mini optical controller with all buttons. The Punk Workshop keycaps are convex, injection molded, matte finished, and feel good. They use low profile Keychron optical switches that are hot swappable with similar variants.
Performance
The reliability and speed of the Keychron switches paired with the acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware result in a highly responsive experience. If needed, you can reconfigure the LightFox through a web configurator.
Speedy Labs made sure that the LightFox’s function buttons are big enough not to hurt your fingers when you press them, and they allow you access to the following useful features:
- PlayStation/guide
- Options/start
- Share/back
- Touchpad
- Custom 1
- Custom 2
- L3/LS
- R3/RS
As for the LightFox’s sliding toggles, they are for SOCD, directional, and lockout modes. The lockout mode is to disable function buttons and avoid getting disqualified at a tournament by accidentally pressing them.
There is also a turbo feature to press a button once and result in multiple button presses in-game with low effort from you. Furthermore, the LightFox has an OLED screen to view your inputs in real time in addition to seeing the current input, directional, and SOCD modes.
When it comes to the LightFox’s layout, it is quite standard, although the buttons are slightly more spaced out than usual, probably to accommodate dual RGB LEDs per button. If you have already have experience with leverless controllers, you would just need a little adjustment.
As for the LightFox’s wrist resting space, there is not much of it, which is not a problem because your palms will likely be lifted in the air to effectively use such a leverless controller anyway.
The metallic body of the LightFox adds moderate heft and presence to it. Moreover, stability is enhanced through a silicone anti-slip pad covering the entire bottom.
While the LightFox is optimal to place and use on a desk, you can also place it on your lap without squeezing your legs together too much. Also, the bottom pad means your legs should not get cold from the metal if you are wearing shorts.
Hardware
Made of CNC aluminum, the LightFox differentiates itself from the usual 3D printed or acrylic controllers of a similar kind. In addition to the switches being hot swappable, the keycaps are changeable as well.
The USB-C to A cable is the right angle kind and has Velcro that makes it easier to anchor the cable to the LightFox’s nifty loop. As for the USB-C port, it is located in the center back, so the cable should not get in your way during play.
Do you need PlayStation 5 compatibility? Speedy Labs offers a dongle to do so. The USB-A port for that dongle can conveniently be found in the LightFox’s back left.
Aside from reference documentation, bonuses when you order a LightFox include a zipper carrying case with a handle plus a 2 mm hex wrench.
Appearance
The keycaps of the LightFox have durable MX stems that make it easy to swap between different colors, so you can find a color that matches your taste. The two LEDs per button add further beauty to the controller.
The LightFox has a rounded rectangular shape that is easy on the eyes. Because there is a chamfered acrylic plate on top, fingerprint smudges are likely to appear over time, so have a wiping cloth handy for occasional use.
Acrylic also means that the LightFox can accept custom art, and the customization process is quite easy:
- Remove the screws.
- Take off the lid.
- Insert your brand new art.
- Reassemble and enjoy.
That said, we at The Arcade Stick can speed up the customization for you through our artwork service if you like. In fact, our James Tran made this LightFox design before:
Conclusion
The LightFox features unique elements that include Punk Workshop buttons, Keychron switches, and CNC aluminum.
- Punk Workshop buttons
- Keychron optical switches
- Metallic body
- Bottom pad
- Right angle cable
- Cable loop
- Carrying case
- Customizable art
- LED buttons
- OLED screen
- PS5 port
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐