| Price | Etsy |
| Release | September 6, 2023 |
| Compatibility | PS5 / PS4 / PS3 / XSX / XB1 / NS / WU / PC |
| Dimensions | 12.6″ x 7.5″ x 0.8″ |
Introduction
After the success of the Slab Mini, Arcade PCBs released a bigger counterpart, the Slab MX. This all-button controller has MX switches with hot swap sockets and an acrylic switch plate.
The clear arcade caps are molded, and there are seven microswitch option buttons. In addition to a directional button slider, there are clear rubber bumpers.
The controller comes with replaceable Cherry MX Clear switches and hot swap sockets. In the back, you can find reset and BOOTSEL buttons. The controller is available in preassembled and DIY formats, with the latter delivering faster.
Performance
The buttons of the Slab MX feel good and have a satisfying sound. They are less clicky than average (in case that is not your thing). Otherwise, the switches feel and sound good as well.
The Slab MX follows the industry standard: the buttons are 24 mm, except for the jump button, which is 30 mm, larger, and easier to press.
The acrylic is of quality, so you should no experience any malleability, and with beveled edges, your palms are guaranteed comfort.
Configuring the Slab MX is easy if you can figure out the documentation. Otherwise, the OLED display is handy, showing you aspects from your inputs in real time to the current type of mode in use.
Hardware
The Slab MX has countersunk top & bottom screws, and it has PLED pipes. The base controller features an embedded Raspberry Pi Pico PCB that runs on the GP2040-CE firmware. You can opt for an edition with a Brook UFB Fusion PCB for maximum compatibility. As for the port, it is USB-C.
Arcade PCBs’ quality control is on point, achieving impressive consistency across units produced. That said, if you go for the DIY kit, exercise patience when you peel the protective film off the layers, which is only there for your own good.
The film guarantees that the acrylic is in mint condition upon the delivery of this mighty innovation. Otherwise, it is of course possible to disassemble the preassembled version to have any parts replaced if you desire.
Simply put, the Slab MX is a work of art, so it is the type of controller you should order patiently for it to arrive in one piece, possibly lasting you an entire console generation (and beyond).
You see, Arcade PCBs was started by a one man army, Troy, and his solopreneur status is quite common in the boutique fightstick scene.
Moving on, six screws hold the top panel together. By default, you can see the PCB from the top. When it comes to the SOCD modes, the standard firmware includes:
- Up priority: SOCD 1
- Last input: SOCD 2
The tournament firmware defaults to neutral. Speaking of which, turbo functionality is disabled with tournament firmware. There is also a tournament lock for the option buttons.
Appearance
The chamfered edges of the Slab MX are not only practical but also visually aesthetic. Moreover, the screw design is quite pleasing to the eye. The Slab MX has RGB LED support in addition.
Arcade PCBs takes above average care of the quality of its art printing. You can submit a digital art file to Troy to receive your Slab MX with the top and bottom looking the way you want.
Would you like custom art for your Slab MX? Arcade PCBs can preinstall a high quality textured photo paper onto your Slab MX, and we at The Arcade Stick can hook you up with the design through our custom art service. Check out the art of our Gilbert Han for the Slab MX:
Conclusion
The Slab MX is a fantastic acrylic sandwich controller with a size that is good for lap play and your wrists’ comfort.
- DIY or preassembled
- Acrylic quality
- Moderate weight
- Comfortable size
- Rounded edges
- Countersunk screws
- Satisfying switches
- Tournament lock
- Art customization
- RGB LED
- OLED display
- Easy to configure
- Wide compatibility
- Documentation complexity
- Not that clicky
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐