| Price | Prong |
| Release | November 2, 2021 |
| Compatibility | NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 9.8″ x 5″ x 0.6″ |
| Weight | 1.46 lbs |
Introduction
The Jablslab is a stickless controller with layered acrylic. It’s lightweight in a way that makes it convenient to travel with—without sacrificing stability while using it on a desk.
Unboxing
Prong generously sends you the Jabslab with freebies that range from a tied USB-C cable to a neoprene case you can put the controller in while you travel the world, conquering tournaments.
The Jabslab’s case is black with purple accents, including Prong branding. It’s got a nice flap—as well as a zipper. You should also be getting a couple of 2.5 mm hex keys for free with this controller. There’s one more freebie we’re gonna talk about in a bit, so read on to unveil this “secret”!
Performance
Picture it like this: the Jabslab has custom polycarbonate keycaps that make use of a dozen Kailh Choc Red Pro switches. These linear switches have 35 grams of actuation force.
Let’s describe the Jabslab’s switches in further detail:
- Soft
- Light
- Smooth
- Uninterrupted
- No tactile bump
- No audible click
Not only that, the Jabslab’s seven option buttons are made of silicone rubber. Unlike the main buttons, these are tactile, so if you like your option buttons clicky, then you’re in for a ride. 🏎️
Want to make your Jabslab quieter? No problem, it’s time to introduce the last freebie: just use a dozen of the whopping 24 foam key dampeners included to make that happen!
You can also make use of the bottom grip pad to make the Jabslab stable on whichever surface you put it on—while winning endless ranked matches online. It’s nice that the grip pad covers most of the bottom.
Moving on…
With a leverless controller, you want responsivity, and the matter is no different with the Jabslab. You see, it has a 1,000 Hz polling rate, resulting in low input delay. You even have gyroscopic motion controls at your disposal.
Essentially, the optional gyro mode uses the Jabslab’s accelerometer to convert motions into analog inputs. You can set it to the left or right stick.
In the tilt mode, you hold the Jabslab flat. Tilting it forward results in an up input—and vice versa. Tilting left results in a left input and vice versa.
In steering wheel mode, you hold the Jabslab upright instead. For example, rotating the controller clockwise triggers a left input (and vice versa).
Hardware
We’ve already established that the Jabslab is a layered acrylic controller, but its bottom is made of anodized aluminum—more like anodized awesome. The controller is also slim. Though, is it light?
The Jabslab is light alright, but it’s heavier than it looks, which is a blessing in disguise because the weight increases stability during intense matches. By the way, to update or change the controller’s settings, you can conveniently do that via an internet browser.
Appearance
The Jabslab looks pretty simple: it’s rectangular with rounded edges, its buttons are white, and the enclosure is black. The black cable does match the enclosure nicely.
More importantly, you can express yourself with high frequency LED under every button of the Jabslab. There are at least 30 different patterns, including a unique motion-sensing mode and parameter tweaking for unlimited combinations.
We’re talking about light modes that range from “ripple” to “afterglow”. We’re also talking about color patterns that range from “radial” to “tie dye”.
Also included is a clear acrylic layer for artwork, and if you would like custom art for your Jabslab, we at The Arcade Stick can help through our art service. You wouldn’t believe this art our designer Felipe Fernandez made for Prong’s other controller, the Superslab!
After you insert your custom art and put the acrylic top back on, just don’t overtighten the screws (to prevent the Jabslab’s acrylic from cracking).
You always want to make sure the Jabslab’s buttons don’t rub up against the acrylic’s sides. The acrylic needs to be centered—with all its layer edges flush.
Conclusion
From a first glance, the Jabslab may look like a simple leverless controller, but in reality, it’s packed with features.
- Custom polycarbonate keycaps
- Silicone rubber option buttons
- Dozen linear switches
- Foam key dampeners
- Gyroscopic motion
- Web configuration
- Low latency
- Bottom grip
- Light yet stable
- Slim & portable
- Neoprene case
- Customizable art
- Countless light patterns
- Parameter tweaking
- Motion sensing
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐