| Price | Mavercade |
| Release | 2021 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / XSX / NS2 / PC |
| Dimensions | 17″ x 9.3″ x 1.6″ |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Cable | 3 m |
Introduction
The Mavercade Lightweight Fightstick Enclosure Kit allows you to enjoy building a controller from scratch in DIY fashion. It’s like the Floyd Mayweather of controllers: it allows you to execute combos at the speed of light!
Unboxing
The Lightweight comes with the needed screws, magnets, and PCB mounts. Also included are:
- Acrylic top
- Acrylic bottom
- Foam bottom pad
- 3D printed PLA+ frame
- Panel mounted USB-C to B passthrough cable
Performance
The Lightweight is compatible with some of the best buttons on the market—whether we’re talking about mainstream buttons with Sanwa CAUs or more niche buttons by SiTong. Here’s a quick guide on both switch/button types:
- Sanwa CAU: responsive, smooth, crisp, and durable
- SiTong: tactile, comfortable, sleek, and ultra low profile
Such low profile buttons reduce the time needed for a press to fully register. In other words, your attacks in-game come out real fast.
Otherwise, the Lightweight also fits standard arcade buttons with bent pins. In fact, the internal clearance of roughly 31 mm allows for an efficient component layout. You can choose button layouts from a split layout to a custom layout.
(Note: The Lightweight’s function button holes are big, so you don’t need to be super precise when pressing.)
That said, the Lightweight prioritizes your comfort. In this regard, the enclosure’s edges are chamfered so your skin doesn’t get irritated by any sharp corners. Also, the foam at the bottom is there to prevent the enclosure from slipping while you play your favorite fighting game.
Whether you want to play with the Lightweight on your desk or lap, the enclosure’s low profile design allows you to play with it on either surface. For lap play, the enclosure’s width is enough so you don’t need to squeeze your legs together.
You can easily carry the Lightweight from tournament to tournament, thanks to the built-in carrying handles. Another cool fact is how magnets allow you to quickly access the inside of the hardware. Speaking of which…
Hardware
The PLA+ material of the Lightweight’s frame is 3D printed with care. It feels quite durable. As for the top and bottom acrylic panels, you can quickly tell they’re of high quality once you set your hands on your newly bought enclosure.
Mavercade makes your life easier with the included screws and mounting holes that are compatible with some of the best PCBs out there. We’re talking high end Brook PCBs that give you diverse compatibility with consoles.
We’re also talking simpler boards and/or chips than run the open source and widely popular GP2040-CE firmware. By the way, you can find the USB port in the Lightweight’s back left.
Appearance
By default, the Lightweight has a matte black finish with countersunk screw holes—specifically six. If you prefer clear acrylic and/or other colors for the enclosure, Mavercade has got you covered.
You can even add custom art to the top and bottom of your Lightweight, which we at The Arcade Stick can help you with. For example, you can display your favorite game or movie right on the enclosure.
Before you go, check out this previous design by our artist Budi Kurniawan for a bestselling Mavercade controller (and he can design art for your Lightweight too):
(Got some Lightweight art already? We can print it for you.)
Conclusion
The Mavercade Lightweight isn’t just an enclosure. It’s a controller you can enjoy building that can last you a lifetime while also looking gorgeous when it’s not in use.
- DIY fun
- 3D printed with care
- Quality hardware
- Low profile design
- Foam bottom
- Magnetic disassembly
- Countersunk screws
- Carrying handles
- Chamfered edges
- Layout options
- Color choices
- Custom art
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐