GuileKeys GF-16 Review

GF-16
PriceAmazon
ReleaseNovember 20, 2024
CompatibilityNS / PC / RPi / Android
Dimensions10.4″ x 6.5″ x 0.5″
Weight2.21 lbs

Introduction

The GF-16 is insane in the membrane! It’s an aluminum alloy controller with 16 primary buttons for modern fighting game mechanics as well as an optional WASD layout. To uncover the rest of this controller’s insanity, please read on.

Unboxing

Here are some freebies your GF-16 may arrive with:

  • USB-C cable
  • USB extension cord
  • Grip pad
  • Rubber mat
  • Switch puller
  • Couple of switches
  • Couple of screws
  • Couple of stands
  • Few keycaps

Performance

The GF-16’s buttons have rims. The smaller buttons are 20.7 mm, and the larger button is 25.8 mm. GuileKeys strived to ensure that the buttons are quiet.

As for the function buttons on the GF-16’s top panel, they are for:

  • RGB
  • Turbo
  • Home
  • Select
  • Start

Turbo allows you to press a button and have that one press result in multiple inputs, requiring less effort. That said, when it comes to the switches, they are quiet, low profile, and hot swappable Kailh Choc Reds, so if you have another favorite, you can just swap out the stock switches. Was there any input delay detected when testing this controller?

Nope!

Onward, you can find a screen on this slim controller’s top panel that tells you valuable information to boost your gaming experience, such as by seeing your button presses live. You can also see which SOCD cleaning mode your GF-16 is in. By the way, there is a menu button accompanying the screen.

Hardware

When it comes to the connectivity of this quality aluminum-alloy controller, it lets you pick from two USB-C ports: one in the back left and another one on the left.

A recommendation is to go for the back location to prevent the right-angle cable from becoming a trip hazard. If you have no space in front of you while playing though, you might want to go for the left side.

Compatibility-wise, the GF-16 packs an RP2040 chip, so it runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware that is known for its negligible input lag (less than 1 ms).

If you plan to play on more consoles than the GF-16 supports, there is a USB-A port in the back to enhance the controller’s compatibility through a dongle. This way, you get to enjoy this 16 button controller with more consoles.

Appearance

The GF-16 is the quintessential elegant controller, with its black color providing an aesthetic backdrop for the RGB LED that shines through its buttons and midsection. Oh, and enjoy the matte finish! ☺️

Conclusion

The GF-16 is one of the GOATed leverless controllers that have 16 buttons, extendable compatibility, and more.

  • 16 quiet buttons
  • Button rims
  • Swappable switches
  • Dual layout
  • Slim & light
  • Quality aluminum alloy
  • Useful screen
  • Turbo support
  • SOCD cleaning
  • Excellent firmware
  • Extendable compatibility
  • Three USB ports
  • So many freebies
  • Matte finish
  • Aesthetic LED

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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