| Price | MuSticks |
| Release | September 3, 2024 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 16″ x 8″ x 0.8″ |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs |
Introduction
The Mu-1612 is a slim leverless controller that was conceived when MuKen of MuSticks wanted such a controller and then built it from scratch.
The 15 buttons of the Mu-1612 are made of CNC aluminum. These buttons come in two different sizes, and the layout can be physically remapped. In addition, there are function keys, which are for:
- Start
- Home
- Back
- Left stick
- Right stick
Unboxing
The box of the Mu-1612 is surprisingly fancy for a boutique controller. In fact, it is probably fancier than boxes by famous companies that have been around for a while! That said, you can open the Mu-1612’s box magnetically, and you can then see:
- Foam housing for the controller
- Foam housing for a braided cable, extra jumpers, and extra screws
Parts of the foam have even been carved out for you to handle the Mu-1612 box’s contents with care.
Performance
The low profile Kailh Amber switches of the Mu-1612 have O-rings that reduce their travel distance. If you prefer another kind, the switches are hot swappable with any Kailh Choc V1 switches.
Despite the fact that the Mu-1612’s buttons have silencers, they are still louder than Steven Crowder. On the bright side, it is nice to have function keys you can comfortably press instead of tiny pins that may irritate your fingers.
Moving on, the screw-in rubber feet add stability to the Mu-1612, and you can remove the screws if needed. The truth of the matter is that you can keep the rubber feet on even if you like to play with a controller on your lap, meaning the feet should not dig into your legs.
The Mu-1612 is so flat that it barely feels raised over a desk if you place it on one. To lower it even more, you can remove the rubber feet.
In any case, the Mu-1612 has plenty of palm resting space, and the split layout provides both of your hands more breathing room than the average stickless controller does.
Hardware
Not only are the buttons of the Mu-1612 made of aluminum, even the case is made of aluminum. Moreover, the controller has a USB-C port, which is the industry’s favorite kind, and it is conveniently found in the center back where the cable would be less of an obstacle.
For diverse compatibility, the Mu-1612 comes with a Brook UFB Fusion PCB. Interestingly, the controller features a split PCB layout that allows modular replacement and upgrades.
Because of the split PCB layout, you can replace the USB port affordably, and the Mu-1612 can support future PCBs. For your convenience, there are jumpers between the boards to rewire and remap button layouts.
If you are tech savvy, you may be glad to know that the Mu-1612’s internal jumpers allow you to remap the buttons by swapping up with down, for example. For this purpose, additional jumpers are provided for you.
Now, if you splice a three-way jumper, you can map more than one button of the Mu-1612 to the same action, but make sure that what you are doing is tournament legal if you plan to compete.
With that being said, if any of the Mu-1612’s remapping requires wiring that seems too complicated or cumbersome to you, MuSticks can entertain a rewiring request, lifting the burden off you.
Appearance
Let us be honest: the Mu-1612 is a work of art. The finish looks crisp, and the color scheme is elegant. If you were wondering about the meaning of the inset Japanese text on the controller, it stands for “Mu”, which is part of the brand name, MuSticks. You can actually feel the text with your fingers!
Conclusion
With the Mu-1612, MuSticks attempted to bring a boldly ambitious concept to life and ended up doing it well.
- Split layout
- Modular design
- Remappable buttons
- Hot swap switches
- Rubber feet
- Slim case
- Braided cable
- Wide compatibility
- Visual masterpiece
- Loud buttons
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐