| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | October 30, 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 12.1″ x 7.4″ x 0.7″ |
| Weight | 2.43 lbs |
| Cable | 2 m |
Overview
The DuelPad Zen is an all-button controller with more buttons than Benjamin Button himself. Specifically, it has 16 buttons, one of which is the W part of the WASD layout, so yes, this is a dual layout controller.
DuelPad calls the layout an ergo-split layout to reduce the odds of carpal tunnel. Basically, you would be tilting your wrists at a slight 15° angle when using the Zen.
Moving on, the Zen has four function buttons, and they are divided into two rows with two buttons each. They are for:
- Turbo
- Home
- Start
- Select
That said, you may be glad to know that the Zen features two USB-C ports: one port can be found in the back, and another can be found on the left.
DuelPad understands that different players have different preferences, but you might want to default to the back USB port to reduce the odds of the USB-C cable being an obstacle for you. Needless to say, the Zen’s cable is detachable.
One more thing about the USB ports: there is a USB-A port near the back USB-C port where you can insert a dongle to make the Zen compatible with more consoles. There is also a screen that tells you important information like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Turbo speed setting
- Profile number setting
- RGB LED setting
- M1 & M2 button setting
On the screen, you can also see which buttons are you successfully pressing. With that out of the way, allow us to address the elephant in the room: the Zen is an acrylic controller with frosted keycaps up top and anti-slip rubber at the bottom. Whether you go for the matte black or crystal option is entirely up to you….
Just note that the matte black option comes with Ghost switches, and the crystal option comes with White Rain switches. Both switch options are supposed to be low profile, linear, quiet, and fast. If you have other preferences, you are in luck because the Zen’s switches are hot swappable, and the controller comes with a keycap puller.
Here is another elephant that needs to be addressed: the Zen is thinner than Jeremy Renner. It is less than an inch thick, and that is including the button height. This is actually great, and by the way, the top panel is held by 10 screws.
Regardless of if you go for matte black or crystal, the beauty of your Zen can be further enhanced by way of RGB LEDs that can bring it to life. In fact, there is a designated RGB button on the controller, and there are a whopping 35 themes.
You may also be glad to know that the controller accepts custom art, which we at The Arcade Stick can provide through our art service. So, the question is: will you be picking up a Zen as your go-to controller to conquer the next battle?