| Price | AliExpress |
| Compatibility* | PS5 / NS / PC |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ x 7.9″ x 1.1″ |
| Cable | 1.8 m |
Introduction
The Punk Workshop Leverless M’s size can be compared to that of a tablet device. In fact, the “M” in Leverless M probably stands for “mini”. As for the controller’s top, it is held together magnetically for easier disassembly.
Many layouts are available for the Leverless M, and their primary difference is the location of the L3 & R3 buttons. The face buttons can range from 12 to 14 buttons. Needless to say, this controller features Punk Workshop’s own buttons. Also featured is SOCD cleaning for if you compete in tournaments.
As for the six function buttons of the Leverless M, they are located on the top panel to aid you in battle. Specifically, there are two rows of function buttons comprised of three buttons each.
Performance
The truth of the matter is that the buttons of the Leverless M activate too quickly. While this means that you can do moves faster in-game, this also means that there is less feedback for you to know whether or not you pressed a button. Luckily, you can install other buttons by Punk Workshop that are still fast but give you more feedback.
Another lucky thing for you is that the Leverless M uses snap-in buttons, so you can remove them with just your fingers. As for the Punk Workshop switches, those would likely need a switch puller. Fortunately, the switches are hot swappable, so you may install taller switches, capeesh?
That said, would you like a way to make the buttons give you more feedback without changing the actual buttons? You can take off the silencers, and while doing that would increase the buttons’ sound a bit, you should get a little more of that there feedback from your Leverless M.
On a closing note regarding the Leverless M’s stock buttons, do not worry too much about them (even with the silencers) as the learning curve should not be too steep. In fact, you may prefer them over whatever you used before.
Moving on, if you like to play with a controller on your lap, you are in luck because the Leverless M should be able to fit. Just make sure not to man-spread. You may also be glad to know that the controller comes with a couple of leg pads you can install to increase your comfort while you game away for hours on end.
Truth to be said, the Leverless M is slimmer than Slim Shady. It is not as slim as other slim controllers on the market, but it still belongs to the slim category.
One thing that the Leverless M does differently is that the top panel is angled, which does not seem like the most welcome design element for a leverless controller. Optimally, you want a leverless controller to be flat with your palms levitating in the air for maximum dexterity. That being said, you be the judge.
Hardware
Given that the Leverless M is made of plastic, it is lighter than a BIC lighter. Well, maybe not lighter than an actual lighter, but you get the idea… Anyway, the lightness means that you can carry the controller from tournament to tournament with little to no fatigue from your end.
For connectivity purposes, one option you can go for when ordering the Leverless M is the Brook P5 Plus PCB, which provides you compatibility with PlayStation 5 fighting games, the Nintendo Switch, PC, and beyond.
That is aside from Punk Workshop’s proprietary PKB chip that offers less compatibility options, although this option is still appreciated. Plus, you should be able to insert a dongle into the Leverless M for enhanced compatibility.
Now, if you ever find yourself examining the internals of the Leverless M, you will likely realize two things:
- The interior is quite organized.
- The black wires are elegant, but color coded wires may make your life easier.
Speaking of colors…
Appearance
Whether you would like your Leverless M in white, black, or the official Punk Workshop artwork is entirely up to you. An additional choice is to order it with custom art, showcasing what you like. This may be the only time you find yourself unscrewing the controller.
With that being said, we at The Arcade Stick would be happy to provide you custom art. For example, check out the design below by our Carlos Martinez for the Leverless M, and he can make custom art for yours too:
Conclusion
The Punk Workshop Leverless M would have been close to perfect without the angled top panel, which is unavoidable.
- Layout options
- Snap-in buttons
- Hot swap switches
- Magnetic panels
- Light hardware
- Convenient width
- Organized interior
- Extendable compatibility
- Customizable art
- Angled top panel
- Short buttons
- Black wires
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐