| Price | GRAPHT |
| Release | May 9, 2025 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 13.6″ x 7.9″ x 2.2″ |
| Weight | 5.29 lbs |
| Cable | ~2 m |
Introduction
You may have seen pro player Kobayan take 3rd place at Evo Japan 2025 with the GRAPHT iO Custom Arcade Controller. This controller is also endorsed by its ambassador from Crazy Raccoon, Tachikawa, who is another pro.
You see, the iO comes in DIY or preassembled format. It also comes in lever or leverless format. The lever format has 11 buttons, while the leverless format has 15 buttons.
All the iO lever format’s buttons are the same size of 24 mm, whereas the leverless format’s jump button is bigger than the rest—with a size of 30 mm.
With that being said, let’s dive into the more popular format: leverless, but we’ll still comment on the iO’s lever format from time to time. So, shall we?
Unboxing
Fun fact: GRAPHT was launched in 2011—the same year that Wiz Khalifah’s Black and Yellow song came out. We mention this because the iO’s box is also colored black & yellow, and it looks awesome. Even the packaging of the box’s contents is nicely branded.
Moving on, this is what you’ll be getting if you buy the iO’s leverless format:
- 24 mm silicone rings (14)
- 30 mm silicone ring
- Magnets (2)
- M46 countersunk screws (2)
As for the iO lever format’s box contents:
- 24 mm silicone rings (11)
- Magnets (2)
- M46 countersunk screws (2)
- M410 countersunk screws (4)
- M410 truss screws (4)
- Joystick lever mount
Don’t worry if you think the aforementioned contents aren’t enough! You should also be receiving the following with both the iO’s lever and leverless formats:
- 24 mm silicone rings (5)
- M410 countersunk screws (8)
- M5 countersunk screws (12)
- M5 nuts (4)
- M43 nuts (8)
- PCB standoffs (4)
- Wire fasteners (3)
- Hinges (2)
- Cable clip
- Power strip
- Power strip-to-board cable
With that said, there are also optional purchases you can make to bolster your iO, but we won’t bother you with those for now—the lists above are already huge. Instead, let’s dive right into the performance!
Performance
If you choose the iO’s lever format, the shaft can be detachable. Otherwise, the buttons are the Sanwa OBSF-24 model that is responsive and durable. Also, you can choose from normal or silent buttons.
You can have the iO’s Sanwa buttons covered with GRAPHT caps. Made of high-performance nylon fiber resin, these slightly curved matte caps are smooth—with some elasticity and no gloss. They’re also resistant to wear and tear.
The iO’s function buttons can be found on its sides that are recessed to prevent accidental presses. The right side has three function buttons, and the left has two.
To wrap up this section about the buttons, it’s important to mention that they can sound loud, especially given the way the iO is built, which seems to make the buttons even louder. Depending on your preference, this may or may not be your cup of tea.
That said, whether you go with lever or leverless, the iO has an ergonomic slope for your wrists’ comfort. Also, there’s a non-slip bottom pad to keep the controller in place during hectic matches. Fortunately, the controller is wide enough to comfortably place on your lap—as well as your desk.
Hardware
Made of metal, the iO’s lever format has six screws visible on the top panel—with four screws being for the joystick alone—and the leverless format only has two screws visible on the top panel. Furthermore, there can be an optional carrying handle in the back.
You can pop open your iO through a magnetic mechanism. All you have to do is push up the top panel with your fingers. At this point, remember to use the special hinges to keep the top panel propped up at the angle you find most comfortable. Inside, you will find a spacious and organized interior that includes a Brook Gen-5X PCB.
GRAPHT did a good job by using that Brook PCB for compatibility purposes. This board has almost zero input delay, and it makes your iO compatible with modern consoles.
You should be receiving the Brook Fighting Board Cable with both the iO’s lever & leverless formats, and the leverless format also gets you the Brook Hitbox Cable.
Appearance
Especially with the carrying handle, the iO looks like a classy toolbox. You can get it in different colors, such as:
- Top: silver or black
- Bottom: silver or black
- Handle: silver or black
- Frame: silver, black, or white
- Left and right: silver, black, or white
- Joystick: silver, black, or gunmetal
- Buttons: black or white
(Note that, because the iO is finished by hand, there may be blemishes—and even warping.)
Conclusion
Let’s summarize the iO experience! It’s a lever or leverless controller with more buttons than usual. Also, these buttons are Sanwa—and can be topped with GRAPHT caps.
Whether you buy the iO in DIY or preassembled format, you can get its parts in a variety of colors. You can also easily open the controller to access its reliable PCB that offers diverse compatibility.
When you travel with the iO, you can conveniently carry it by its handle. At a tournament, you can comfortably place it on your lap.
If the iO is endorsed by pro player Tachikawa and was also used by fellow pro player Kobayan, something must be good about it, right? 😉
- Endorsed by Tachikawa
- Used by Kobayan
- Lever or leverless
- DIY or preassembled
- Lap or desk play
- Silent or normal
- Detachable shaft
- GRAPHT caps
- Sanwa parts
- Brook PCB
- Wrist slope
- Non-slip pad
- Recessed sides
- Carrying handle
- Metal hardware
- Magnetic opening
- Spacious interior
- Color customization
- Optional addons
- So many freebies
- Awesome packaging
- Loudness not for everyone
- Possible defects
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐