| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | 2023 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PS4 / PS3 / PC |
| Dimensions | 6.3″ x 3.0″ x 0.4″ |
| Weight | 0.4 lbs |
DIY Kit
Introduction
The Haute Board Mini is a WASD controller with its directional XDA keycaps slanted for one’s comfort. You can order it preassembled or as a DIY kit.
The secondary buttons are for:
- Turbo
- Home
- Back
- Start
- LS
- RS
Also featured are turbo and the SOCD cleaning modes of up priority, neutral mode, and last input priority.
Performance
The controller is smaller than most mini controllers for fighting games. While you may be able to grip it with your hands like a retro game controller, you will likely struggle to press the keys with ease. That is because the controller was not designed with this kind of usage in mind, which is understandable.
You are likely going to use the controller on a table. Just make sure to apply the rubber feet to avoid sliding and potentially scratching during play.
The switches are LEOBOG Graywood, and they feel just fine while testing the controller with a fighting game. The controller even passed a Steam Deck check.
Even though the switches are linear, they still sound quite clicky. The attack keys are laid out in Noir-esque fashion. The controller has replacement keycaps. A pet peeve is that the keycaps are taller than usual.
Hardware
The firmware is the GP2040-CE. The USB-C port is located in the back right, and the controller comes with a cable. There is a PlayStation 5 port, so you can attach an appropriate dongle like the BOOTER 5 to achieve PS5 compatibility.
With the controller, you get:
- Clear rubber feet
- Small screwdriver
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
- Extra LEOBOG Graywood switch
The switch puller is unfortunately ineffective. On the bright side, you can remove the keycaps with just your fingers. Also, the BOOTSEL button at the bottom is exposed, so you can press it with something like a paperclip without taking the controller apart.
At the bottom, you can also read input mode labels. To unscrew the bottom, use something like a Phillips PH0 precision screwdriver to take care of the four screws. That is when you will likely notice that the pins are not labeled.
Appearance
With four acrylic plates, the controller looks simple and elegant. The USB C-to-A cable is black and fits with the minimalistic color scheme of the controller. Keycap color options include clear and red. The acrylic bottom is frosted.
Something interesting about the controller is that there seems to be LED circuitry that the tech savvy might be able to utilize in order to implement LED into the controller.
Conclusion
The Haute Board Mini is a great all-key offering with a size that is uniquely smaller than small.
- Linear switches
- Keycap colors
- Rubber feet
- Turbo mode
- PS5 port
- BOOTSEL access
- SOCD cleaning
- DIY option
- Included accessories
- Taller keycaps
- Unlabeled pins
- Ineffective switch puller
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐