| Price | Brook |
| Release | Q1/Q2 2025 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 11.9″ x 5.1″ x 1.0″ |
| Weight | 1.84 lbs |
| Cable | 2 m |
Introduction
What happens when the fightstick industry’s greatest PCB provider starts providing actual fightsticks themselves? Well, there is no need to theorize because Brook already gave us the Chameleon and Agon.
The Chameleon was a collaboration with vetash32, also from Taiwan, and it featured a simplistic enclosure with multiple layouts & customizable art. As for the Agon, it came in two shapes that were probably never seen before.
Brook’s two previous offerings did not truly take off, but with the Starburst, things may be different. This mini leverless controller features 15 main buttons, has handles on both of its sides, and can be tilted to certain angles.
Unboxing
With your order of the Starburst, you should also be receiving:
- 20 keycaps
- 20 switches
- Switch puller
- USB-C cable
- Lanyard set
- Magnetic protective cover plate
It is that same magnetic protective cover plate that allows you to tilt the Starburst to an angle. It also serves as a grip pad for stability purposes.
Even after you shut the cover plate, the Starburst can still be plugged in. Unfortunately, the cover plate is not detachable from the controller.
As for the lanyard set, it allows you to run a shoulder strap through a couple of rings you can attach to the Starburst. Then, you can wear the controller like a lanyard—or even like a purse.
Performance
The Starburst’s 15 main buttons mean that you have access to modern fighting game features. The jump button is bigger than the rest, which is something we at The Arcade Stick have gotten used to when studying the best controllers.
A bigger jump button means that you have more flexibility to press it with the side of either thumb. The Starburst also has a button to put your right pinky to use. In general, the main buttons are quite smooth.
Truth be told, the spacing between the Starburst’s buttons seems wider than a paraglider, and you may find yourself reaching far to transition from button to button. On the bright side, these buttons are comfortable and—unless you are into silent buttons—produce a pleasant sound.
Nevertheless, the Starburst being wider than a lot of its mini counterparts means that you should not have to squeeze your legs too much when placing it on your lap.
That aside, the Starburst’s Kailh Choc V2 Red switches are hot swappable, and the default ones are made of POM. Because they are low profile, they have a shorter travel distance, often leading to responsive gameplay. Regardless, you can swap them out with other switches you might prefer. This is especially useful if you find the stock switches loud.
Back to responsivity, with Brook being a reputable provider of PCBs and all, their modern boards have almost no input delay. This is also true with the Starburst, and a test has confirmed this. In addition, there are four SOCD cleaning modes at your disposal to comply with tournament rules.
Otherwise, there are six function buttons as well, and they can be described as little pins. The function buttons are probably small to conserve space since, again, the Starburst is a mini controller.
By pressing a certain combination of function buttons, you can activate a tournament lock to not press a function button by accident, disqualifying you. Otherwise, the Starburst’s function buttons include options, L3, R3, and so on.
Oh, and the Starburst features touchpad emulation. It is up to you whether you would like the directional buttons to mimic a left stick, right stick, or D-pad.
It is also up to you to tilt the Starburst to an angle of 4° or 8° to optimize the ergonomics for you, including if you just want to lay the controller flat.
Admittedly, an angle may not feel comfortable on a desk, but with the Starburst on your lap, you may be able to offset the angle by lowering your legs a little bit. Then again, what was the point of the angle in the first place? 🤔
And to wrap up this section, the Starburst has turbo support with the following settings:
- 5 presses per second
- 10 presses per second
- 15 presses per second
- 20 presses per second
- 25 presses per second
Hardware
The Starburst was designed to be lightweight and portable. While its handles look too small to be used as a way to carry the controller, they may help you tilt the controller to an angle. You may also run the lanyard through them.
If you are unable to disassemble the Starburst magnetically, there are eight screws that hold it together. After unscrewing them, you may find the PCB inside, which has full compatibility with PlayStation 5 games.
Appearance
Looks-wise, the Starburst looks rectangular with slanted corners. Also, its cover plate is black, which goes with every other color. What brings the controller’s appearance to life is RGB LED with five lighting effects, adjustable brightness, and customizable art.
At The Arcade Stick, we have made art for at least one Brook controller before, the Chameleon. In fact, you can see it below. The art was made by our Carlos Martinez, who can make art for your Starburst as well:
Conclusion
After a couple of attempts of having its own fightstick, Brook definitely made things right with the Starburst!
- 15 smooth buttons
- Hot swappable switches
- Angle options
- Cover plate
- Wide compatibility
- No input delay
- Turbo support
- Tournament lock
- Carrying strap
- Lightweight
- Attractive lights
- Customizable art
- Cover plate not removable
- Handles could be bigger
- Questionable button distancing
- Tiny function buttons
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐