| Price | Amazon |
| Release | Q3 2024 |
| Compatibility | NS / PC / Android |
| Dimensions | 11.8″ x 7.9″ x 0.5″ |
| Weight | 1.91 lbs |
Other Editions
Introduction
Otherwise known as the Deluxe16, the D16 by TIKITAKA is a leverless controller with a dual layout, so an alternative way you can use it is as a WASD controller—which is useful if you come from a PC background.
That said, the D16 has 16 buttons, a couple of which are for L3 and R3. These are important inputs for games like Street Fighter 6 with mechanics like the Drive Impact.
Performance
The D16’s buttons are made of textured nylon to add some grip for your fingers. Due to the buttons’ 3D printed nature, they may be slightly uneven, but not in a way that should negatively affect your performance. However, the fact that there are frames around the buttons can be both positive and negative:
- The positive is your fingers should not slide because the button frames can catch them.
- The negative is your fingernails can get temporarily stuck in the frames.
With that being said, the D16’s jump button is 30 mm, and the rest of the primary buttons are 24 mm. The bigger jump button enables you to press it with the side of either thumb without the need for full precision.
You may find the D16’s buttons too close to each other for your taste, especially if you’ve experienced a leverless controller already, but if we were to talk about the function buttons, they’re for:
- Home
- Turbo
- Select
- Touchpad
- Start
Now, you may be interested in knowing which switches the D16 uses. The fact of the matter is it uses low profile Kailh Chocs with a linear and smooth nature.
As for the D16’s width, it lets you comfortably set the controller on your lap without the need to squeeze your legs together, but regarding the edges, they may be sharper than usual. To be honest, though, your skin shouldn’t be making contact with the edges in the first place.
Hardware
The D16 is sturdy, moderately weighty, decently sized, and rather spacious—providing you ample palm resting space. Also, eight screws hold the controller together.
You might also be glad to know that the D16 is slimmer than a light dimmer. One benefit is that you may be able to slide the controller into some tablet or laptop sleeve you already own (that’s collecting dust in your attic).
On the top panel, the D16 features an info screen that shows you valuable information like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
The D16’s screen also shows your button presses in real time. Such screens are often associated with the open source firmware, GP2040-CE, providing you decent compatibility options with very little input delay. With an adapter, you can extend the compatibility options even more.
Finally, the D16 features three USB-C ports on the left, right, and back. The back location will likely be the most convenient location for you.
Appearance
Truth be told, the D16 is a clone of the Panda Fighting D-SL16. Regardless, its LED looks cool, and if you didn’t already know, the controller is available in black or a combination of red, white, and blue.
While the D16 doesn’t make too many fashion statements, Leonardo da Vinci purportedly said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Still, you may be able to get custom art on the controller to make it reflect your taste.
In that case, feel free to reach out to us here at The Arcade Stick so we hook you up with a truly unique design for your brand new D16. We have a custom art service, and we hope to have the honor of receiving your commission soon!
Conclusion
The TIKITAKA D16’s most unique feature is probably its button frames, which might or might not be your cup of tea.
- Dual layout
- Fast switches
- Slim build
- Decently weighty
- Moderately sized
- Useful screen
- Excellent firmware
- Extendable compatibility
- Three ports
- LED options
- Color choices
- Customizable art
- Hit-or-miss button frames
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐