| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | October 2023 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PS4 / PS3 / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 7.7″ x 4.9″ x 0.6″ |
| Weight | 1 lb |
Introduction
The G16 by Haute42 is a mini all-button controller with 16 ABS keycaps that use LEOBOG Graywood switches. The function buttons on the top panel include:
- Turbo
- Home
- Back
- Start
The G13 edition, as the name indicates, has 13 buttons, and the G12 edition has the classic 12 button layout. The G13 edition has one more button so you can also use the controller as a WASD controller if you like.
The G16 has enough buttons to conquer your foes in a game of Street Fighter 6 through mechanics like the Drive Impact. There is SOCD cleaning with the three usual modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority.
Performance
The G16 is mostly pleasant in the performance department. If the G16’s switches are not your favorite type, you may be glad to know that many other types are compatible. However, swapping switches here is harder than average.
Testing the G16 with a Steam Deck went okay. Testing was successful with a fighting game as well, including the use of turbo mode. The turbo indicators are both LED and OLED. Speaking of OLED, the display shows:
- Input type
- Turbo mode
- Directional input mode
- SOCD mode
The attack buttons are labeled, but the other ones are not. If there were to be one minor pet peeve about the G16, it is that the keycaps are taller than average, which may or may not hinder your pianoing and sliding techniques. If you are concerned about Capcom Pro Tour rules, removing the two uppermost keycaps and switches should do the job.
One thing worth noting is that the G16 has quite a unique WASD layout. It seems that the W button (to jump) is slightly skewed to the right to make way for the screen.
Moving on, a sign that the G16 is made of quality acrylic is that it should not warp when you press down on it during play. It is recommended that you use the included rubber feet or else the G16 may slide around during play, potentially scratching your table.
The G16 is too small for comfortable lap play, but that is a necessary sacrifice given that the form factor of the G16 is quite small.
Hardware
The G16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges. The screen display can be found on the upper left of the top panel. The G16 uses the RP2040 to achieve its compatibility. A USB-C port comes out of the back center left.
There is a PlayStation 5 port coming out of the side, which you can utilize if you have an appropriate dongle like the BOOTER 5. The buttons’ input delay is 1 ms, which is negligible.
Included with the G16 are:
- White USB C-to-A cable
- Extra LEOBOG Graywood switch
- Function button caps
- Keycap puller
- Six rubber feet
- Instructional manual
The size of the G16 makes it fit a 7″ tablet sleeve. The controller is lightweight but still has substance due to the quality acrylic. The keycaps can be removed with just your fingers, and other keycaps are compatible.
The bottom layer of the G16 is frosted acrylic. You can access the bottom with something like a Phillips PH0 precision screwdriver to take care of the screws.
Luckily, those who need the BOOTSEL button can access it from the bottom with something like a paperclip without needing to disassemble the G16.
Appearance
The acrylic is beautiful, the edges are chamfered, the design in general is elegant, and the art is customizable. Speaking of which, we at The Arcade Stick can provide you our custom art service. Here are examples by our Petar Mitic and Milford Peynado:
There is also RGB LED for the buttons. The function button caps include clear, black, and red. One more thing: the bottom of the G16 shows “HAUTE 42” text as well as input modes you can read.
Conclusion
Do not overlook the great G16 when looking for your next dual-layout stickless controller for modern fighting games.
- Three editions
- Dual layout
- Parts compatibility
- Chamfered acrylic
- Lightweight build
- Rubber feet
- Turbo mode
- OLED screen
- RGB LED
- PS5 port
- BOOTSEL access
- SOCD cleaning
- Included accessories
- Customizable artwork
- W button skews right
- Taller keycaps
- Switch swapping
- Some omitted labels
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐