| Price | Etsy |
| Release | November 1, 2023 |
| Compatibility | NS / PS3 / X360 / PC |
| Dimensions | 12.5″ x 5.5″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 1.71 lbs |
Introduction
The Neobox Core0 is a slim all-button controller by neoinput. The name comes from the Open_Core0 PCB that it was built on. The Core0 has eight face buttons and also eight auxiliary buttons.
The buttons of the Core0 are Polymaker PETG keycaps, and the switches are low profile Kailh Chocs. Both the keycaps and switches are available in different colors.
Rubber caps are also included to make the tact switches easier to press. If you are undecided about your choice of switches, neoinput can ship extras of another kind.
This is the first Neobox with a USB passthrough, RGB LEDs, and an OLED display, the latter of which lets you know what you are doing in game.
The Core0 was designed so that an adapter can stay in the case without getting detached easily. More implementations include toggle switch protection and integrated cable strain relief. A cable is not included, but any recent USB-C cable should work.
Performance
The buttons of the Core0 can be described as clicky. If the 3D printed keycaps are not your thing, you may be able to opt for resin keycaps from a third party source.
The Kailh Choc V1 switches often mean only other Kailh Choc V1 switches are accepted, such as tactile and linear, but you can actually apply V2 switches as well, although they are not the best fit.
There are toggles for SOCD cleaning, tournament lock, and input type. The toggles are a bit too small for maximal convenience. You may be better off operating them by way of some small pointy tool. The auxiliary buttons are also tiny in a way that may poke your fingers a bit as you press them.
The Core0 has some decent weight to it, and what adds even more stability during play is the inclusion of anti-slip rubber pads at the bottom. Furthermore, the width of the Core0 makes it suitable for lap play as well.
Hardware
The Core0 comes with an RP2040 chip. Its USB-C port can be found in the center back (to the right a little bit), and it is recessed, which can help with cable strain relief but also prevent the use of a right angle converter. On the bright side, there is a passthrough to use a dongle for compatibility with a modern console like the PlayStation 5.
This controller is an acrylic sandwich, and here are its six layers from top to bottom:
- Button cutouts (including auxiliary buttons)
- Plain color
- More button cutouts
- PCB (and its housing)
- Even more button cutouts
- Rubber pads
Handle the acrylic with care as some layers may be fragile. Otherwise, 11 screws hold the bottom panel together. If you are looking to replace the keycaps and switches, a flathead precision screwdriver can prop up the keycaps for you, and a switch puller can extract the switches.
Appearance
By default, the Core0 is see-through, so you can see the innards. Part of the secret behind the Core0’s slimness is its clear acrylic panel, which also means customizable artwork. We at The Arcade Stick can provide you our custom art service. This art by our Felipe Fernandez was specifically for the Core0:
Here is how you can approach printing your Core0 art:
- Choose a rectangular cardstock in the proper dimensions.
- Center the Core0’s template.
- Submit your digital art to a professional printing shop.
- Use a circle cutting tool, hole puncher, and X-ACTO knife.
Beauty-wise, the icing on the cake when it comes to the Core0 is the RGB LED, which is even more beautiful with keycaps in the color of your choice.
Conclusion
The Neobox Core0 provides you a slim solution that is wide with customizable art, LED buttons, and a PS5 port.
- Slimness, width, and weight
- Rubber pads
- Hot swappable switches
- Colored keycaps
- Art customization
- RGB LED
- OLED display
- PS5 port
- Port recession
- Partial acrylic fragility
- Small auxiliary buttons & toggles
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐