| Price | AliExpress |
| Release | November 15, 2023 |
| Compatibility | NS / PS4 / PS3 / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 11.7″ x 7.7″ x 0.8″ |
| Weight | 2 lbs |
Introduction
The T16 by Haute42 is an all-button controller with 16 keycaps that are 30 mm and use low profile Kailh Choc V2 Red switches. The secondary buttons on the top panel are for:
- Turbo
- Touchpad
- PS/home
- Share/back
- Options/start
The T16 has enough buttons to conquer your foes in a game of Street Fighter 6 through mechanics like the Drive Impact. There is SOCD cleaning that includes the usual modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority.
Performance
The T16 is bigger than most tablets and laptops, so it can fit well on your lap, and it is of course viable for table play as well. The attack buttons seem to be in a layout that is between Noir and Vewlix. If you would like to swap out the switches, the T16’s compatible switch options include clicky, linear, and tactile.
Something that is interesting about the T16 is that its keycaps are all 30 mm instead of a mixture of 24 mm and 30 mm. Fortunately, you can get replacement keycaps if you want, including a smaller size. Just make sure they are low profile. It would have been nice for all the buttons to be labeled instead of just the attack and secondary buttons.
The T16 registers inputs quite well if you slide your fingers across its buttons. In fact, the T16 performed quite well while testing it with a fighting game as well as the Steam Deck (and turbo mode). The red button activates turbo for attack buttons. The input delay of the T16 is negligibly less than a millisecond.
The OLED display of the T16 can show:
- Input type
- Turbo mode
- Directional input mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
Despite being quite slim, the top panel of the T16 should not warp when you press down on it. However, you are advised to apply the rubber feet to the bottom screws or else the T16 may slide around your table (or even scratch it ever so slightly). A large rubber pad covering the entire base might have been nicer.
The T13 edition, as its name indicates, has 13 buttons. The T13 edition has one more button than most similar controllers so you can also use the controller as a WASD controller if you wish.
Hardware
The T16 can be described as an acrylic sandwich board. The layers include a thick acrylic layer, PCB layer, transparent layer, and bottom frosted layer.
For the tech savvy, the frosted acrylic may make the pin text tougher to read without removing that layer, but on the bright side, the BOOTSEL button can be accessed with something like a paperclip without having to disassemble the T16. By the way, you can read the input modes at the bottom of the T16 too.
There are grooves under the keycaps so you can use a screwdriver to prop them up and take them off. For the nine bottom screws, consider something like a Philips PH0 precision screwdriver.
The T16 uses the RP2040 for compatibility purposes. The USB-C port comes out of the center back. The port blinks white if it is working. There is a PlayStation 5 port to the right of the T16 that you can utilize if you have the appropriate dongle for compatibility.
The following should be included with your purchase:
- White USB C-to-A cable
- Six non-slip feet
- Keycap puller
- Extra switch
- Extra secondary buttons
- Instructional guide
Appearance
The T16 is an elegant controller with chamfered edges. There is custom RGB LED for the buttons as well. Most acrylic controllers can show fingerprint smudges, and the same applies to the T16, but because its PCB is white, it is harder to see any smudges. In any case, you can wipe those off with a cloth. The bottom of the T16 features “Haute42” text.
The artwork of the T16 is customizable, and we at The Arcade Stick can provide you our custom art service. For example, here is art our Felipe Fernandez made for a client’s T13:
Conclusion
The Haute42 T16 provides enough buttons and size to be able to win a world-class tournament.
- Two editions
- Dual layout
- Replaceable keycaps
- Generous size
- Slim yet strong
- Rubber feet
- OLED display
- RGB LED
- PS5 port
- BOOTSEL access
- Included accessories
- Elegant design
- Customizable art
- All big buttons
- Less switch options
- Some missing labels
- Frosted bottom layer
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐