| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | 2024 |
| Compatibility* | NS / PC / RPi / Android |
| Dimensions | 7.7″ x 4.9″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 0.86 lbs |
| Cable | 1.5 m |
Introduction
The bestselling Haute42 S16 was an improvement over the G16—it made the WASD jump button more ergonomically aligned. However, maybe its Kailh Choc V2 switches were not your cup of tea, which is where the S16-C edition shines: when you buy the controller, it comes preinstalled with Crystal switches! Speaking of which…
Performance
Crystal switches bring you a slew of benefits, such as being:
- Linear
- Very fast
- Low profile
- Quieter than average
In any case, you can swap these switches out with other Kailh Choc V2 compatible switches if you want. Consider using the switch puller that should arrive with your S16-C order.
As for the buttons, you will likely feel that they are smooth and pleasing to touch. Even though the S16-C is a mini controller, it packs a whopping 16 buttons, allowing you access to features of modern fighting games. If your current controller only has 12 buttons, you can survive, but with 16 buttons, you can thrive.
The lower jump button is 26.6 mm, and the rest of the main buttons are 23.3 mm. Why? This way, you can press that jump button with ease using the side of your thumb—without the need for surgical precision.
At this point, it is important to note this one thing: the S16-C has a double layout, so you can use it like a standard leverless controller or—if you come from a keyboard background—you can use it like a WASD controller.
If you pay attention to the uppermost main button on the left, it serves as the W jump button of the WASD layout. So, the S16-C is like buying two controllers in one, leaving you with extra money to invest in something like real estate.
That said, here are the function buttons of the S16-C (to aid you in your journey of becoming a tournament warrior):
- PlayStation/home
- Options/start
- Share/back
- Touchpad
- Turbo
(If you did not already know, turbo is for if you want to press a button just one time and have that one press result in multiple presses in-game, requiring tiny effort from you.)
Now, you might be wondering about the wrist space of a smaller controller like the S16-C. The fact of the matter is you do not really need wrist space for most leverless controllers anyway—because your palms will likely levitate in the air to efficiently press the buttons.
If anything, you can use your desk to rest your wrists or even get a case extender. On the bright side, the S16-C is light yet still has the minimum weight needed to stay in place during a long gaming session.
Hardware
Another design element that makes the S16-C stable on a surface is the anti-slipping feet for the bottom. Moreover, this controller is made of quality acrylic, and it is small enough to fit in a 7″ sleeve you may already own.
Further, the S16-C gives you not one but three USB ports:
- One USB-C port in the back
- Another USB-C port on the left side
- One more USB-A port on the right side
Essentially, the USB-A port acts as an EXT port. This is where you can insert a converter like the BOOTER 5 to make your S16-C compatible with the PlayStation 5.
By the way, have you noticed the little screen on the top panel of the S16-C? It lets you know important information like your current:
- SOCD mode
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- Buttons you are pressing
Oh, and with your order of the S16-C, you should also be receiving a couple of extra function buttons, extra switch, instructional manual, and black USB-C cable.
Appearance
The cuteness level of the S16-C is over 9,000. Its shape can be described as a little rectangle with round corners. Because it is an acrylic controller, you can wipe down any fingerprint smudges from time to time.
Also because the S16-C is acrylic, you can have the controller display custom art that represents your favorite characters, which is how we at The Arcade Stick can help you.
In fact, our artist Milford Peynado designed the artworks below for the S13 model before, and he would be glad to design art for your S16-C as well:
If you are still not convinced that the S16-C is a beauty, check this out: the controller comes with RGB LED, meaning that the buttons can light up in different colors, truly bringing the controller to life—and potentially turning some heads at the next tournament you attend (which you will hopefully win).
Conclusion
The Haute42 S16-C impressively makes solid use of a small case while giving you decent buttons and a double layout.
- Double layout
- Compact size
- Thin case
- Light hardware
- Smooth buttons
- Swappable switches
- Informative screen
- Custom art
- Stunning LED
- PS5 port
- Extra freebies
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐