| Price | Amazon |
| Release | October 23, 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS / PC / RPi / Android |
| Dimensions | 10.4″ x 6.5″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 2.20 lbs |
16 Button Edition
Overview
The GK-21 is an acrylic leverless controller with a whopping 21 primary buttons for:
- Access to modern fighting game features
- Ability to use the GK-21 as a hitstick
- Additional WASD layout
In other words…
- You can perform mechanics like the Drive Impact and Drive Parry in Street Fighter 6.
- You can use both of your hands for directional inputs.
- There is an extra up button to use the GK-21 like a keyboard.
The GK-21’s buttons have rims around them. The smaller buttons are 20.7 mm, and the larger buttons are 25.8 mm. With that being said, if you do not need 21 buttons, the GK-16 edition has 16 buttons, and this edition can come in black or transparent.
As for the five function buttons that can be found on the upper right of the GK-21’s top panel, they are for:
- RGB
- Turbo
- Home
- Select
- Start
Home, select, and start are probably intuitive for you. Turbo, on the other hand, allows you to press one button and have that one press result in rapid inputs, requiring less effort from you. As for RGB, it refers to the LED that the GK-21 has, which shines around its buttons and through its midsection.
Regarding the GK-21’s switches, they are Kailh Choc Reds, and you may be glad to know that they are hot swappable, so if you have another preference, you can just change the stock switches (and win at life).
Moving onward, nine screws hold together this thin controller’s top panel, which is where you can also find a screen that lets you know valuable information to boost your experience with the controller. For example, you can see your button presses live. You can also see which SOCD cleaning mode the GK-21 is in.
When it comes to connectivity, the GK-21 lets you choose from two USB-C ports: one in the center back and one on the left. A recommendation is to go for the center back location to prevent the cable from becoming an obstacle. If you have no space in front of you while playing, however, you might want to go for the left side.
Compatibility-wise, the GK-21 has an RP2040 chip, meaning it runs on the open source and critically acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware, which is known for its almost nonexistent input lag that is less than a millisecond.
If you plan to play on more consoles than the GK-21 supports by default, you are in luck because there is a USB-A port on the right side to enhance the controller’s compatibility by way of an adapter. This way, you get to enjoy this 21 button controller with a wider variety of consoles, hopefully achieving your dream of becoming a tournament warrior one day!
Allow us to wrap up with some of the freebies your brand new GK-21 may come with:
- Couple of extra keycaps
- Couple of extra switches
- Switch puller
- White USB-C cable
- Black USB extension cord