| Price | AliExpress |
| Compatibility | NS / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ x 7.9″ x 0.5″ |
Other Editions
Introduction
Panda Fighting offers a variety of leverless controllers in different layouts and sizes, such as this 16 button controller called the D-SL16. A couple of the 16 buttons are for L3 and R3.
The D-SL16 is a leverless controller with a double layout, so another way you can use it is as a WASD controller, which is useful if you are a PC gaming veteran.
Performance
The D-SL16’s buttons are made of textured nylon to add grip for your fingers, and their color is dark gray. Due to the buttons’ 3D printed nature, they may be slightly uneven, but not in a way that should hinder your performance.
What may affect your performance instead is the D-SL16’s buttons feeling sticky if your fingers get sweaty during a set. On a more positive note, the matte texture of the top panel should not stick to sweaty hands, but the fact that there are frames around the buttons can be both positive and negative:
- The positive is that your fingers should not slip off the buttons because the frames may catch them.
- The negative is that your fingernails may get temporarily stuck in the frames.
Onward, the jump button is 30 mm, and the rest of the main buttons are 24 mm. The fact of the matter is the bigger jump button enables you to press it with the side of your thumb without the need for absolute precision, increasing your odds of performing better with the D-SL16.
With that being said, you may find the D-SL16’s buttons to be closer to each other than you prefer, especially if you already come from a leverless background.
As for the D-SL16’s function buttons, they are for:
- Home
- Turbo
- Select
- Touchpad
- Start
Turbo is for when you would like to press a button just once and have it result in multiple inputs. While this might not be that useful (or even legal) in tournaments, you may find smart uses for it when you use the D-SL16 solo.
Now, you may be interested in knowing the D-SL16’s switches. The truth of the matter is it uses low profile Kailh Choc Reds with a linear, smooth nature.
By the way, you can comfortably set the D-SL16 on your lap without the need for installing a third party anti-slipping implementation. Regarding the edges, they may be sharper than usual, but your skin should not be making contact with them in the first place.
Hardware
The D-SL16 is sturdy, decently weighty, and spacious in a way that provides you ample palm resting space. In addition, eight screws hold the top panel together. On that same panel, the controller features an info screen that shows you valuable info like:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
(There is a BOOTSEL mode as well.)
The D-SL16’s screen also shows your inputs live, so you can see which buttons you are successfully pressing. Such screens are usually associated with the GP2040-CE firmware, which is an open source firmware that the controller runs on by default, providing you decent compatibility options with minor input delay.
Moving on, the D-SL16 features three USB ports: one is USB-A, and the others are USB-C. You can actually insert a dongle into the USB-A port in order to boost the controller’s compatibility options.
That USB-A port can be found on the right. As for the two USB-C ports, they are on the left and in the back center of the D-SL16. The back center will likely make the cable less of a hazard for everyone.
You may be glad to know that the D-SL16 is thinner than a breadwinner. One of the perks is how you may be able to slide the controller into some laptop sleeve you already have in your attic.
Appearance
The D-SL16 is a clone of the TIKITAKA T16. Its thin profile looks cool, and its black & white vibe is pleasantly simplistic. At the same time, the controller does not make many fashion statements with its appearance.
That aside, you may be able to get custom art on the D-SL16 to make it reflect your taste. Feel free to drop us a line here at The Arcade Stick so that we hook you up with a unique design. We have a custom artwork service and hope to have the honor of receiving your commission soon.
Conclusion
Despite being a unique feature, the D-SL16’s framed buttons may be hit or miss for you.
- Double layout
- Thin profile
- Moderate weight
- Wrist space
- Matte panel
- Informational screen
- Boostable compatibility
- Three USB ports
- Color choices
- Customizable artwork
- Button frames
- Sticky buttons
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐