| Price | Skullbox Custom Arcades |
| Release | January 11, 2023 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / XSX / XB1 / NS / WU / PC |
| Dimensions | 9.4″ x 6.1″ x 0.5″ |
Introduction
The Skullbox Leverless Arcade Controller is a fighting game controller from Australia that is thinner than average. This stickless controller is CNC machined from solid ABS blocks.
Performance
As an all-button controller, what better way is there to judge the performance of the Skullbox than by its very buttons? The keycaps are the proprietary SkullCaps that are meant to retain the feeling and profile of Sanwa buttons.
SkullCaps are injection molded with subtle micro-texturing to enhance grip. Sliding your fingers across the keycaps should be fine as your fingers should not get caught up in any of the edges of the button holes.
Regarding the switches, they are hot swappable Kailh Choc Red low profile switches. You do not have to press them all the way down for an input to trigger. There are also six secondary buttons:
- Home
- Select
- Start
- L3
- R3
- Touchpad
You can choose a Brook PCB for negligible latency and extensive compatibility. No issues were experienced when testing the Skullbox in-game.
Moving on, the size of the Skullbox is quite convenient. It is on the smaller end, but there is still some wrist resting space, and the controller has rounded edges. Lap play is not out of the question. The ABS material of the Skullbox has a comfortable texture that prevents slippage due to sweat.
Hardware
Again, this is an ABS controller with injection molded keycaps that have micro textures. There are only five screws holding the bottom panel together, simplifying disassembly.
While the Skullbox runs on a Brook PCB for compatibility purposes, that PCB is housed within Skullbox Custom Arcades’ own PCB.
The USB-C port is in the center back. Included is a black USB C-to-A cable with a right angle to avoid accidentally unplugging the cable.
Appearance
The color scheme of the Skullbox probably has to do with its name as skulls and skeletons are often portrayed as predominantly white with hints of black. The inclusion of ABS and lack of acrylic make smudging next to nonexistent.
The bottom pad has “Skullbox Custom Arcades” engraved on it along with the skull logo. The skull’s eyes are cut out, with one hole revealing the bottom panel’s fifth screw. In case you were wondering, the Skullbox’s own PCB is purple. There is a black edition of the Skullbox as well.
Conclusion
Aussie and international fighting gamers are lucky to have a uniquely sized stickless controller like the Skullbox.
- Proprietary keycaps
- Hot swappable switches
- Easy disassembly
- Convenient size
- Slimness
- Rounded edges
- Comfortable textures
- Different colors
- Right angle cable
- Quality PCB
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐