| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | Late March 2026 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ x 6.2″ x 0.7″ |
| Cable | 1.5 to 3.0 m |
Other Editions
Introduction
What emotion does a leverless controller invoke in you? Joy? Angst? Surprise?
If anything, the Haute42 Emotion III-17 may invoke an emotion of wonder in you—as it has four thumb buttons, a couple of which are pill-shaped, and it also has a left pinky button (plus a lanyard loop)!
Unboxing
Here are the freebies that may arrive with your Emotion III-17:
- USB-C cable
- Switch puller
- Low profile Haute42 switch
- Few function buttons (6 mm)
- Informational manual
Performance
The Emotion III-17 has 17 buttons (PBT keycaps) that are mostly sized 23.5 mm, whereas the pill-shaped buttons are sized 1.5U. These pill-shaped buttons have more surface area in a way that makes them easier to press.
Also, the Emotion III-17 has dedicated left pinky and left middle finger buttons—the latter of which unlocks a bonus WASD layout (if you like to play that way).
Aside from a function button lock, the Emotion III-17’s function buttons are labeled like so:
- T
- –
- Home
- Back
- Start
Moving on, the Emotion III-17 brings back the awesome Shadow Hunting switches that are quiet, preventing giving away your button presses to your opponent sitting nearby.
We’re talking about switches with a 0.8 mm actuation point, 2.0 mm travel distance, and 40 gf actuation force. In other words, consider Shadow Hunting switches lighter and faster than your average Kailh Choc or Cherry MX switches.
Hardware
The Emotion III-17 is a slim CNC metal controller with an injection molded bottom panel. It’s got enough width to set it comfortably on your lap, and it has a subtle palm slope—as well as four triangular feet (for stability on a desk).
You also get a colored screen on the Emotion III-17 that can show you valuable intel, such as an animation of your button presses—in addition to:
- Directional mode
- SOCD mode
- Input mode
You see, the Emotion III-17 runs on the reliable GP2040-CE firmware with low latency and online updates. You can also use a compatibility enhancer like the BOOTER 5 to make the controller compatible with more consoles.
Such a dongle can go into the USB-A port on the Emotion III-17’s right. On the left and in the back, the controller also has USB-C ports. Pick and choose your preferred location! Not to mention, you can run whatever fits through the lanyard loop, such as a keychain featuring your favorite fighting game character.
Appearance
The LEDs light up the Emotion III-17’s buttons nicely, especially with the zesty button labels—that even include a smiley face. Meanwhile, the bottom panel is essentially translucent black—with some interesting nuances that are hard to explain in writing, so we hope you visit the controller’s listing(s) to see everything for yourself. Deal?
Conclusion
The Emotion III-17 is for the serious player who’d like four thumb buttons, a couple of which are pill-shaped, as well as a left pinky button. The lanyard loop is a nicely added touch too.
- 17 button dual-layout
- Button labels
- Quiet switches
- Subtle palm slope
- Triangular feet
- Lanyard loop
- Slim metal
- Cool lighting
- Colored screen
- Three USB ports
- Compatibility extension
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐