FightBox B1 Review

Price	AliExpress
Release	2021
Platforms	PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / PSC / XSX / XB1 / X360 / NS / WU / PC
Dimensions	11.8″ x 7.4″ x 0.7″
Cable	3 m
Weight	2.65 lbs

Editions

Introduction

RetroArcadeCrafts and FightBoxArcade are the same company in different locations. The FightBox B1 is an ultra thin all-buttons controller that is made of acrylic. Its thickness is less than two centimeters! Furthermore, its layered structure allows for the placement of custom artwork onto the panel. For that, we have a custom artwork service.

Performance

The buttons Cherry MX switches and all measure 24 mm. Thanks to hot-swapping technology, you can replace the switches with your favorite mechanical key switches, but this does not apply to the auxiliary buttons. Otherwise, the stock buttons feel and sound good despite being slightly wobbly, and they are quite reminiscent of using a keyboard, which you may have expected. During an input check, there was no noticeable delay.

The buttons are flat and sit taller than usual, but you should get used to them quickly as well as get used to them all being the same size. Furthermore, the rightmost buttons sit higher than usual.

The B1 may slide around, and the lower edge may irritate your palms. The sliding can be mitigated by installing an anti-slip pad. Otherwise, the weight is good.

Hardware

Again, the B1 is a super slim hitbox made of acrylic. Its thickness is less than two centimeters despite having a layered structure. There is not much flex to it if you press on it. The buttons can be removed and reinstalled with just your fingers but should not pop off during play.

The six buttons on the upper left of the panel are:

Home
Options
Share
Touchpad
R3
L3

We wish they were labeled to know which button does what without constantly referring to the documentation. The PCB for the inputs actually has the labels, but R3 is questionably on the left and L3 on the right.

As for SOCD cleaning:

Up + down = up
Left + right = neutral

The cable is USB type B to A. It is detachable, which is good if you need a change of cable. The B1 achieves its compatibility through the Brook Fighting Board PS3/PS4. The PCB seems difficult to change as it is soldered on.

Appearance

The B1 looks quite smooth and minimalist. Part of its elegant look comes from the fact that the buttons are unlabeled, but again, that comes at the cost of not knowing which button does what without the documentation. Additionally, the acrylic can accumulate smudges, which can be more or less noticeable depending on the acrylic color.

If you would like custom art for your B1, go for the DIY edition. Our artist, Carlos Martinez, made art for it before and can do the same for you: