While the looks of your controller are unlikely to determine your performance at tournaments, they can still bring some extra joy to your life.
If you were to buy the DRM JS 30's, buy it for its two extra buttons—as well as one touch opening from its bottom.
You can buy the PadBox GS preinstalled with a non-split or split D-pad, and it's good for fighting games & other genres.
We can rave on and on about the benefits of the MS1, but its selling point is its unique right thumb button placement.
It's mind boggling how a small controller like the open source SplitFox Pro packs a split layout with 18 buttons into its little frame!
The Starburst is a mini leverless controller with 15 buttons, and you can tilt it to more than one angle for the comfort of your wrists.
If you don't need 16 or more buttons: the VSLAB VSNOVA N14 is a fine option with chamfered acrylic, customizable art, and cool LED.
The Split is divided into two halves connected through a coiled detachable cable—and should be compatible with future modules by Ultra Arcade.
The TIKITAKA M3 doesn't have 16 buttons. It has 17, and the 17th button is a rare fully sized start button on the top panel's upper left.