| Price | Etsy |
| Release | March 10, 2023 |
| Compatibility | NS / PS3 / PC |
| Dimensions | 5.7″ x 2.8″ |
Introduction
The open source Stress Pocket Arcade Fight Pad is a mini WASD-style controller designed by GroooveBob with its keys angled uniquely.
The Stress Fight Pad runs on the GP2040 firmware for compatibility options and responsive gameplay. Build a Stress Fight Pad yourself or opt for one of the many vendors offering this little trinket.
Performance
Do not be thrown off by the peculiar layout of the Stress Fight Pad’s keys as, over time, they should grow on you, and the layout may even become your favorite.
Not only is each side of key clusters angled aggressively, the spacing between each key may look sloppy to you, but this is likely part of the designer’s strategy to provide optimal spacing rather than simply look symmetrical.
Street Fighter players can perform throws by pressing two keys with just one finger. This is due to the compact spacing of the keys.
What makes the Stress Fight Pad even better is the hot swap possibility of the switches, meaning you are guaranteed the feeling of your choice whether we are talking about clicky or linear switches.
The Stress Fight Pad was designed with Kailh Choc switches in mind, known for precision and speed, the latter of which is due to fast actuation.
The software emulated D-pad, two shoulder buttons, and six secondary buttons are some of the other present features. Four of secondary buttons are on the left, and the other two are on the right:
- LS
- RS
- Home
- Capture
- Start
- Select
There are rubber feet for stability. What they also do is make sure there is no pressure on the PCB while playing with the Stress Fight Pad on a table.
Hardware
The Stress Fight Pad has a robust PCB, and the port is USB-C. The Waveshare RP2040-Zero controller is strong, efficient, and energy efficient. If you experience any malleability with your Stress Fight Pad, consider adhering a rubber foot to the bottom center.
Here is a sample of the main components of a Stress Fight Pad:
- Waveshare RP2040-Zero controller
- Kailh Choc switches (12)
- Keycaps (12)
- Optional hot swap sockets (12)
- 6 mm pin-style buttons (6)
Appearance
The Stress Fight Pad has a simplistic look that can be spruced up by way of different case and keycap colors. The uniquely angled keys, although they are like that to serve a functional purpose, also give the Stress Fight Pad a quirky look that may turn some heads at your locals, well, if you feel comfortable taking this mini innovation to a place where there might not be a table to place it on (as it is so small).
Conclusion
The Stress Fight Pad boldly offers a unique take on the WASD layout that may catapult you out of your comfort zone.
- Unique angle
- Portable size
- Quality firmware
- Hot swap
- Rubber feet
- Color options
- Some malleability
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐