| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | February 2024 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 7.8″ x 3.9″ x 0.4″ |
| Weight | 0.67 lbs |
Introduction
The Haute42 B16 is a small controller with all keys. It is a larger version of the Haute Board Mini. Because it has more keys, you have access to two layouts, including WASD.
Performance
With 16 keys on the B16, four of those are considered extra keys. In classic Haute42 fashion, only the attack keys are labeled. On the bright side, the keys are quieter than average.
That said, the B16’s keys have a decent height to them, so if you use sliding techniques when you play fighting games, you would have to be diligent. Besides that, there are 6 mm function buttons, which are for:
- Start
- Home
- Back
- Touchpad
- Turbo
Turbo is for if you want to press a key once to result in multiple inputs while requiring little effort from you. Otherwise, you may be excited to know that the B16 uses rarer switches called LEOBOG Graywoods.
In case you prefer another brand, the B16’s switches are hot swappable with MX style switches, giving you access to a variety of different options.
Regarding wrist space, the B16 has little of it, which is not a problem because standard leverless controllers often have you raise your palms in the air to press their keys efficiently.
Now, if you would like to use the B16 as a WASD controller, you can use your desk as a wrist rest, especially because the controller is too small for comfortable lap placement.
Regarding the firmware, the B16 runs on the open source GP2040-CE with less than a millisecond of input lag, which is great. Plus, the controller features multiple SOCD cleaning modes.
Hardware
The B16 is one of Haute42’s smaller controllers, and it is quite light, which is good if you need to carry it around as a tournament warrior. You can even slide it into a 7″ sleeve.
Your order of the B16 should also come with:
- Six rubber feet for anti-sliding
- Two more function buttons
- Extra switch
- Switch puller
- USB-C to A cable
As you may have guessed, the B16 uses a USB-C port. There is an additional EXT port where you can insert a converter like the BOOTER 5 to extend the controller’s compatibility options.
Appearance
The B16 is elegantly black, and because the top layer is a PCB instead of acrylic, you do not have to worry about the accumulation of fingerprint smudges. If you want, though, you can add an acrylic layer to the controller and have it display custom art that represents your personality.
For custom art, we at The Arcade Stick offer an artwork service to speed up the modification process for you. The cherry on top when it comes to the B16’s aesthetics is the key LED, making it pulsate with vibrant lights.
Conclusion
Haute42 was impressively able to cram two layouts into the small B16 without making many sacrifices.
- Dual layout
- Compact size
- Customizable art
- Included freebies
- MX switches
- LED keys
- PS5 port
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐