Slab Mini Review

Slab Mini All Button Controller
PriceEtsy
ReleaseMay 2023
CompatibilityPS5 / PS4 / PS3 / XSX / XB1 / NS / WU / PC
Dimensions9.4″ x 4.7″ x 0.8″

Introduction

The Slab Mini All Button Controller by Arcade PCBs is a sandwich acrylic case controller that comes with replaceable Cherry MX Clear switches and hot swap sockets.

The six secondary buttons have microswitches, and in the back, you can find reset & BOOTSEL buttons. The controller is available in preassembled and DIY formats, with the latter having a shorter delivery time period.

Performance

The buttons of the Slab Mini feel good with a satisfying sound. In the world of acrylic sandwich controllers that are small in size, the Slab Mini’s buttons are less clicky than average. Otherwise, the switches also feel and sound good.

The Slab Mini follows the industry standard: the buttons are 24 mm, except for the jump button, which is 30 mm, larger, and easier to hit. It is nice that the Slab Mini does not sacrifice button size despite being a smaller controller.

The acrylic is quality, so you should no experience any warping, and the controller is impressively heavy for its size, increasing stability during play. With chamfered edges, your palms are guaranteed comfort.

Configuring the Slab Mini is easy, well, if you can navigate around its documentation with finesse. Otherwise, the 1.3″ OLED screen is nifty, showing you from your inputs in real time to the type of mode you are currently in.

Hardware

The Slab Mini has countersunk top & bottom screws, and there are PLED pipes. The base controller features an embedded Raspberry Pi Pico PCB that runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware. You can opt for an edition with a Brook UFB Fusion PCB for maximal compatibility. As for the USB, it is type C.

Arcade PCBs’ quality control is on point, achieving impressive consistency across units put out. That said, if you go for the DIY kit, exercise patience as you peel the protective film off the layers, which is only for your own good as that film guarantees the acrylic to be in mint condition upon your glorious receipt of this mighty controller.

Otherwise, it is of course possible to disassemble the preassembled version to have any parts replaced if you wish. You see, the Slab Mini is a craftsman’s product, so it is the type of controller you should order patiently for it to arrive in one piece, lasting you an entire console generation and beyond.

Arcade PCBs was started by a one man army led by an innovator called Troy, and his solopreneur status is common across the boutique fightstick industry.

Appearance

The beveled edges of the Slab Mini are not only functional but also pleasing to the eye. Furthermore, the screw design is quite aesthetic. RGB LED is supported as well.

Arcade PCBs takes above average care of the quality of its art prints. You see, you can submit to Troy a digital art file to receive your Slab Mini with the top and bottom looking the way you would like them to. Beautiful art plus beautiful acrylic equal winning at life!

We at The Arcade Stick can help you with the artwork through our custom art service. For example, our Milford Peynado made art for the Slab Mini before and can make some for yours too:

Conclusion

The Slab Mini is one of the best mini leverless controllers in the history of our existence.

  • Preassembled or DIY
  • Quality acrylic
  • Decent weight
  • Chamfered bevels
  • Full sized buttons
  • Satisfying switches
  • Countersunk screws
  • Customizable art
  • RGB LED
  • OLED screen
  • Easy configuration
  • Diverse compatibility
  • Less clicky
  • Documentational complexity

Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Link

Etsy