| Price | SagakLabs |
| Release | October 2, 2023 |
| Compatibility | NS / PS4 / XB / PC |
| Dimensions | 8.3″ x 4.7″ x 0.6″ |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Cable | 1 m |
Steelbox Pro
Introduction
The Steelbox is a mini leverless controller that has 14 buttons. The jump button is bigger than the rest. Specifically, the jump button is 25 mm, and the rest are 22 mm.
The additional buttons are for RS/LS, with RS/LS being equal to R3/L3. The hot swappable switches are low profile Kailh Chocs. The Steelbox also has custom RGB LED.
Performance
The keycaps look like they have circular grooves, but they are quite smooth to touch. The low profile Kailh Chocs are responsive, and because they are hot swappable, you have access to clicky, linear, and tactile options. The keycaps you can take off with just your fingers.
The extra buttons are for games like Street Fighter 6 in which you need to pull off Drive Impacts and Drive Parries, but of course, you can use the Steelbox elsewhere, such as Tekken.
The jump button being bigger than the rest means that you have an easier time pressing it with either thumb. You will likely find yourself using your left thumb for the button on the bottom left.
There are five function buttons, and to their right, there is an OLED display that shows the input, turbo, directional, and SOCD modes. The function buttons are for:
- Turbo
- Home
- Touchpad
- Back
- Options
The Steelbox’s turbo functionality can go up to 15-30 presses at a time. What is nice about the function buttons is that they are not an afterthought.
The function buttons are easy to press and more like buttons than tiny pins. However, most controllers seem to have six function buttons instead of only five.
The Steelbox comes with mute foam for stability purposes. The size of the Steelbox makes it optimal for desk play. Looking at the Steelbox, you would think it is light, but it actually has some decent weight to it, adding further stability.
Hardware
Coated with powder, the Steelbox prides itself on its housing and insulation. It is comprised of six layers. Four screws hold the top together.
With an FR4 plate, the PCB of the Steelbox is the RP2040, running on a modded version of the GP2040-CE firmware. Current, voltage, and ESD protection are applied.
The detachable USB-C cable comes out of the back, specifically center right. The cable is white and short, the latter of which you can probably mitigate with your own cable if it is a problem for you.
Appearance
With white powder coating and RGB LED support, the LED modes range from rainbow to only activating when a button is pressed. You can even adjust the speed of the LED, depending on the mode. The rounded edges enhance the Steelbox’s sleek look.
If you would like custom Steelbox art, we at The Arcade Stick offer a custom art service. For example, our James Tran put together this design for a client’s Steelbox before:
The Steelbox’s art application is pretty easy as you just need to unscrew the clear layer on top that is held down by four screws, well, unless you order your Steelbox with art preinstalled.
Conclusion
The Steelbox is a stylish mini all-button controller with an efficient layout, beautiful LED, and customizable art.
- Efficient layout
- Hot swap switches
- Function button material
- Detachable cable
- Bottom pad
- Decent weight
- Sleek look
- Art customization
- Custom RGB LED
- OLED screen
- Less function buttons
- Short cable
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐