9. RAC-J500B
Compact and light, the RAC-J500B is a decent entry point into the stickless world. The jump button is larger than the other buttons, which is standard for stickless controllers. Included is SOCD cleaning to make pressing left and right result in neutral.
The case is made of durable plastic. Opening up the case is easy with a simple tool. You may even be able to use your fingers in the process. The interior is quite neat and spacious, which should make mods such as swapping buttons easier for beginners. The suction cups at the bottom provide stability.
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8. RAC-J800B
The RAC-J800B is a bargain. It is is an improvement over the J500 series and comes in different variations. It has three Sanwa OBSF-24 buttons and one Sanwa OBSF-30 button on the left, which is the industry standard. The attack buttons are Sanwa as well. Because the secondary function buttons are firmer, it is unlikely that you will press them by mistake while playing, which is a mistake beginners might make. Needless to say, SOCD cleaning is featured.
The case includes metal that feels good, and the panel is made of acrylic. Moreover, there are rubber feet at the bottom to make the controller more stable on desks.
The wires inside are quite organized, which is impressive because the RAC-J800B is not that thick. Its weight is decent too. Even the USB port is detachable if you would like to replace it, which is a nifty addition. The RAC-J800B’s art is customizable.
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6. SkyUan SKY2040
The buttons of the SKY2040 by SkyUan are quieter than average, and its switches are hot-swappable. The OLED display informs you about your actions with the controller. There are rubber feet at the bottom for more stability.
The spacing of the buttons is not compromised even though the controller is smaller, which is a plus for beginners. Furthermore, the SKY2040 may be suitable to place on your lap to play (besides playing on a desk).
The controller is made of quality acrylic, and the size of the controller is bigger than your average smartphone. A USB cable is included, and the PCB is exposed for your convenience. The controller runs on the open source firmware, GP2040-CE, and there is LED to make the buttons beautiful. Also, the artwork should be customizable.
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6. Flatbox
The Flatbox is a 3D-printable mini hitbox designed by jfedor that you can order prebuilt. Its small size is appealing, and it is is portable enough for travel while having parts that are often available in spite of any current chip shortages. The six function buttons can be found on the upper left.
When it comes to compatibility and SOCD options, the Flatbox runs on the open source GP2040-CE. Depending on where you buy it from, the PCB may come assembled with Kailh switches that are socketed for easy swapping and cleaning without soldering that beginners may be unfamiliar with. The port of the Flatbox is USB type C.
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5. Haute42 M16
The Haute42 M16 is a mini controller consisting of aluminum alloy. It also comes in another edition with only 13 buttons. In addition to the color of the enclosure, you can choose from black, silver, or transparent buttons.
The extra buttons are for other inputs you may need like L3 and R3. Otherwise, there are seven auxiliary buttons on the upper right of the M16. The upper left is where you can find the display screen.
The M16 utilizes low profile Kailh Choc Red switches, it runs on the RP2040, and the input latency is less than a millisecond, which is possible because of an overclocked polling rate. The previous stack is as beginner friendly as it is suitable for intermediate players as well.
The M16 features turbo, SOCD cleaning, and customizable RGB LED. Moreover, your M16 should come with small button caps, anti-slip silicone feet, a switch puller, and a USB-C cable.
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4. Haute42 P12
The Hautepad P12 is small, slim, and elegant with an OLED screen through which you are informed about in-game inputs. Moreover, there are secondary buttons for turbo, back, start, LS, RS, home, and tournament mode.
A USB port can be found on the left, and an EXT port is on the right (for a PlayStation 5 compatibility dongle). The overclocked polling rate allows the P12 to achieve less than 1 ms of input lag, and the P12 features SOCD cleaning.
Enjoy custom RGB LED with the P12 that includes built-in web config. What you also receive with the P12 is a guide, cable, switch puller, and Haute transparent switch that is low profile.
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3. Haute42 G16
Haute42’s G16 is a mini all-button controller that has ABS keycaps plus LEOBOG Graywood switches. The G13 edition has 13 buttons, and the G12 edition has 12. Many beginners may prefer starting out with a hitbox this size.
The controller is acrylic and has chamfered edges. A display screen is located on the upper left of its top panel. A USB port is located in the back center left, and another port can be found on a side of the G16. A cable and anti-slipping pads are included as well. Featured is SOCD cleaning, and there is a turbo feature. There is RGB LED functionality too.
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2. Haute42 S16
The Haute42 S16 is a smaller, slim controller with extra buttons than usual, and some of the extra buttons are for Street Fighter 6 moves. The primary buttons are 23.3 mm, whereas the jump button is 26.6 mm. The S13 edition has three less buttons than its S16 sibling.
The buttons have RGB LED, and they should last about 40 million presses. The switches are low profile Kailh Choc Reds. Moreover, your purchase should come with a keycap puller. Also, there are six anti-slip feet. USB-C ports can be found in the back and on the left side of this Haute42 hitbox. Furthermore, there is an LED display screen.
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1. Haute42 T16
The Haute42 T16 is a controller with 16 keycaps that are 30 mm as well as Kailh Choc Red low profile switches. Moreover, there is another edition with less buttons.
As for the T16 itself, it has enough buttons to win Street Fighter 6 matches via mechanics like the Drive Impact and parrying. The SOCD cleaning includes up priority, neutral, and last input priority, so beginners should not worrying about violating rules.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges, and a display screen can be found on the upper left. A USB-C port comes out of the center back, and another port can be found on the right side as well. There is RGB LED for the buttons too. The input delay of the buttons is less than a millisecond, which is negligible.
A USB-C cable, keycap puller, and non-slip feet should be included in the packaging. You may also be glad to know that the art of the T16 can be modified. We at The Arcade Stick have a digital art service.
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