| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | September 2024 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 12″ x 8″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 2 lbs |
| Cable | 1.5 to 3 m |
Introduction
The Haute42 U16 is a leverless controller with plexiglass on top and an injection molded bottom. This is a dual layout controller, so you can use it like a standard leverless controller or go for a WASD style, opening up your options. The U12 edition only has 12 buttons.
As for the U16’s rough button sizes, they are:
- 26 mm jump button
- 20 mm action buttons
- 6 mm function buttons
The U16’s function buttons are for:
- Home
- Back
- Start
- Touchpad
- Turbo
Turbo is for rapid button presses after pressing a button just once, requiring little effort from you. Otherwise, the OLED screen on the U16’s top panel shows you useful information like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD mode
Regarding the USB-C port, it is conveniently located in the back.
Performance
The buttons of the U16 have a smooth finish to them, and the button rings make you feel like you are pressing standard arcade buttons, such as Sanwa.
The U16’s Crystal linear switches are speedy with relatively quiet actuation. The icing on the cake is the amount of wrist resting space you can enjoy with this large controller.
Whether you like to play with a controller on a desk or your lap, the U16 has got you covered. For example, there are built-in pads for desk play so that the controller does not slide around when you game.
Now, if you would like to place the U16 on your lap, the controller is large enough to not have to squeeze your legs together, and the controller’s lightness makes long gaming sessions more comfortable.
Hardware
The U16’s hardware is light, especially when compared to other Haute42 controllers of a similar size. In addition, the controller is thin, and it might even fit into a laptop or tablet sleeve you may already own.
With your U16, you should be receiving:
- USB-C to A cable
- Switch puller
- Extra switch
Speaking of the U16’s switches, they are hot swappable with Kailh Choc V2 compatible switches, and the keycaps are changeable too.
As for the firmware, the U16 runs on the critically acclaimed and open source GP2040-CE. If you would like to upgrade the controller’s compatibility, you can use a dongle like the BOOTER 5 by Haute42.
Appearance
The U16 is quite elegant and simplistic in its design. Since the top is plexiglass, fingerprint smudges are likely to appear over time, so be sure to wipe them down every now and then.
You may be glad to know that the U16 is one of the easier Haute42 controllers you can add custom art to:
- Unscrew the top plexiglass layer.
- Insert your brand new art.
- Reassemble the controller.
At this point, we would like to inform you that we at The Arcade Stick offer a custom art service. In fact, we have made art for Haute42 controllers before, such as the art below by our Felipe Fernandez for the U16, and he can make some art for yours as well:
Conclusion
The Haute42 U16 is a spacious controller that is thin and offers you more than one layout.
- Two layouts
- Speedy switches
- Info screen
- Wrist space
- Thin design
- Customizable art
- Upgradeable compatibility
- Detachable cable
- Included freebies
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐