1. Haute42 R16
The Haute42 R16 contains 16 buttons—with a button for your left pinky—and the Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons in quick succession.
The R16’s screen displays details that include your inputs and the SOCD mode you’re in, whereas the USB port conveniently comes out of the back center. There’s an additional USB port where you can insert an adapter to make the controller compatible with more consoles.
By the way, you can get the R16 in a black color too, and what you can also receive can include:
- Couple of function buttons
- Puller for switches
- Extra switch
In closing, the R16 is a beauty, especially due to the LED that can activate when you press the buttons. The controller can also accept custom art to make it represent you better. Yes, we print such art too.
Why to Buy
The R16 is acrylic—and features a left pinky button instead of a left thumb button.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
2. Haute42 T16
The Haute42 T16 is a controller with bigger buttons—plus low profile Kailh Choc switches for faster pressing. You can request this controller with less buttons if that’s what’s needed.
That being said, the T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges, and there are non-slip feet to make the controller stay in place during a gaming sesh.
Also, the T16’s USB port is conveniently located in the back center, whereas there’s another port into which you can insert an adapter to make the controller compatible with additional consoles.
With that, the T16’s screen lets you know information like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
You may also be delighted to know that the T16’s artwork is customizable, so you can display your favorite characters on it. We print such art too, and we did also want to let you know that the LED makes the controller even prettier when you press its buttons.
Why to Buy
Since it has all big buttons, the T16 is most recommended if you’ve got large hands.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
3. DuelPad Zen
DuelPad calls the Zen’s layout an ergo-split layout, which is for reducing wrist discomfort, so you’d be tilting your wrists at a slight angle when using the controller, and the movement buttons are farther apart from the attack buttons than what you might be used to.
The Zen’s buttons are smooth, and they sound quieter than many buttons. Also, they should not come off if you perform advanced techniques like sliding.
When you play, the Zen should not slip, even without the optional feet. The controller is light enough to carry without getting tired—yet it has enough weight not to forget it is still in your hand.
The Zen is slim, but it passed a malleability test when deliberately pressing on it. With that being said, the controller contains USB-C ports in the back and on the left side.
There is a USB-A port where you can insert a converter to make the Zen compatible with additional consoles. There is also a screen that tells you important info like which buttons you pressed.
When it comes to looks, the Zen is an acrylic controller with crystal and matte black editions:
- Crystal edition: White Rain switches
- Matte black edition: Ghost switches
The Zen’s switches are low profile, linear, fast, and quiet, but if you’ve got another preference, the switches can be hot swapped. The controller’s aesthetics can be beautified with RGB LED too, and there are dozens of themes. One last tip: the controller can accept custom art, which we can print.
Why to Buy
The Zen’s ergo-split layout keeps your hands farther apart from each other in a way that provides breathing room.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
4. DuelPad A16
Probably the DuelPad A16’s best feature is its left pinky button. With dozens of LED patterns—the buttons come to life as well. Otherwise, this controller comes in more than one edition:
- EPIG edition: Kailh Choc V1 switches
- Cross edition: Kailh Choc V2 switches
- Both editions: 14 or 16 buttons
If you wish, you can have a combo of EPIG and Cross buttons throughout your A16. Back to the A16’s switches: they’re the low profile Kailh Choc Reds that can be described as light, smooth, and quieter than average.
The A16’s onboard screen shows you valuable info like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Input animation in real time
Running on the popular GP2040-CE firmware, the A16 supports web configuration, and you can extend this controller’s compatibility further if you have a converter.
That said, the A16’s design prevents it from sliding while you’re gaming. Also, the size of the controller is appropriate for both laps and desks.
In addition, the A16 has plenty of space for your wrists to relax. It goes without saying that this controller is quite thin, but despite being thin, the controller still feels robust.
Now, you might be interested in enhancing your A16’s stability, which you can do by attaching the rubber feet that come with the controller. There are also a couple of aluminum stands you can add to make the controller more angled—much like a keyboard.
Your A16 may also come with custom artwork you can apply by unscrewing the top, placing the print, and then screwing the top back on.
Why to Buy
You can choose which of the A16’s buttons are EPIG and which buttons are Cross. You can also tilt the controller to the angle you find most comfortable.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
5. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
Given the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s success, 8BitDo released the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, which is thinner, so it’s likelier to fit into a tablet sleeve you already have.
Compared to other controllers, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller does something different. The extra buttons are bean-shaped as well as slanted. The shape gives more surface area to press the buttons without needing full precision.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are remappable, but if you don’t need such extra buttons, you can replace them with the button lock caps included. That said, you can use the 8BitDo Ultimate Software for:
- Macros
- Updates
- More features
Aside from that, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s buttons use Kailh Wizard low profile switches, which are hot swappable, so if you don’t like tactile switches: you can easily take out the switches.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s top consists of tempered glass, whereas the bottom has a silicone mat to prevent the controller from sliding about. Not only that, the foldable feet allow you to pick from a couple of angles.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life easier is by connecting via these methods:
- Bluetooth
- 2.4G
- Wired
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s battery takes only three hours to charge, lasting up to 20 hours, but let’s wrap up with some aesthetics talk: the controller can light up through several RGB LED modes.
Why to Buy
You’re recommended the 8BitDo Arcade Controller if you want a wireless controller with some bean-shaped buttons that give more surface area.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Switch / Xbox
6. GuileKeys GK-21
The GK-21 is an acrylic controller with 21 rimmed buttons, and you can use the directional buttons with your left and right hands in unison, but if you don’t need 21 buttons, the GK-16 edition has 16 buttons.
Regarding the RGB button, it refers to the LED that the GK-21 has, which shines around the buttons and through the midsection. When it comes to the switches, they are hot swappable Kailh Choc Reds, so if you have another preference, you can just change them.
Continuing on, you can find a screen that lets you know valuable info to boost your experience with the GK-21. For instance, you can watch your button presses animated, and you can also check the current SOCD mode.
About connectivity, the GK-21 lets you pick from a USB-C port in the back and another one on the left side. Compatibility-wise, the RP2040 chip runs on the GP2040-CE firmware with negligible input latency.
If you plan to play on more consoles than the GK-21 supports, there’s a USB-A port to extend the controller’s compatibility through a converter.
Why to Buy
With 21 buttons, the GK-21 is the boss of controllers with many buttons, so whatever your game’s requirements are, this controller should be able to meet them.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
7. GuileKeys GM-16
In addition to its buttons being rimmed, something rare about the GM-16’s layout is that it features 21 mm buttons—with a 26 mm jump button. That said, the Kailh Saker Mini switches have:
- 37 gf actuation force
- 0.8 mm actuation point
- 1.8 mm total travel
In other words, these switches are fast, and they also sound moderate. They’re also hot swappable with MX-style switches for your convenience.
As for the GM-16’s screen, it shows you valuable information from which mode you’re in to a live animation of your button presses. You can even save profiles. Having said that, there is more than one USB port:
- Left USB-C port
- Back USB-C port
- Back USB-A port
The USB-A port is there for you to insert a dongle you own that can make the GM-16 compatible with additional consoles. You see, this controller runs on an RP2040 chip and GP2040-CE firmware combo.
The GM-16’s looks can be enhanced by RGB LED glowing around the buttons and through the sides. Although the acrylic panel has several fasteners, it’s magnetic, and you can simply remove it with the included suction cup. This way, you can customize the artwork.
Why to Buy
The GM-16’s buttons are rimmed and smaller than usual. Not only that, the acrylic panel is removable magnetically. If you also like having a slim, light, and multiplatform controller with 16 buttons, then we encourage you to add this controller to your shopping list.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
8. GuileKeys GF-16
The GF-16 is an aluminum alloy controller with 16 rimmed buttons. With this controller, GuileKeys strived to make sure that the buttons are quiet. You see, the Kailh Choc Red switches are:
- Quiet
- Hot swappable
- Low profile
Onward, you can find a screen on the slim GF-16’s top panel that tells you valuable information to boost your gaming experience, such as by seeing your button presses live.
The GF-16 lets you pick from two USB-C ports: one in the back left and another one found on the left. The controller has an RP2040 chip, and it runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware known for negligible input delay.
If you plan to play on more consoles than the GF-16 supports, there’s a USB-A port in the back to enhance the controller’s compatibility.
Finally, the GF-16 looks elegant—with its black color providing an aesthetic backdrop for the RGB LED that shines through the buttons and midsection.
Why to Buy
The GF-16 boasts many solid features, such as being made of aluminum alloy, using rimmed buttons, featuring two USB-C ports, and sporting extendable compatibility.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. Mayflash F500 FLAT
The Mayflash F500 FLAT is a leverless installment in the bestselling F500 series. The controller has L3 and R3 buttons as action buttons too. The start button being recessed makes it harder to press accidentally as well. If needed, Sanwa buttons are compatible with this controller too.
The F500 FLAT’s width makes it comfy for lap and desk play. Plus, the controller is big enough with lots of wrist space. Not only that, the four rubber feet at the bottom boost stability.
Moving on, the F500 FLAT is not too heavy. Its metal enclosure and base increase security overall. Moreover, there’s a headphone port for you. Next to that port, though? There’s another port for a rumble wrist strap. There’s also a USB-A port to insert a converter for extended compatibility with more consoles.
Otherwise, the cable comes out of a compartment on the left, and the F500 FLAT also arrives with:
- USB-C cable
- OTG USB cable
- Micro USB cable
Furthermore, the interior is color coded and neat. There’s a clear acrylic panel, you can get custom art to make the F500 FLAT a mirror image of you, and we can print the art for you.
Why to Buy
If you find 16 buttons to be too much, then the F500 FLAT’s 14 buttons are just enough for many modern fighting games, and they’re compatible with Sanwa buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Powkiddy A50
The Powkiddy A50’s buttons could last you 50 million presses, and its switches are hot swappable. These switches are sharp, tactile, and clicky.
In essence, the A50 is a light and fairly slim “double shell” controller with chamfered edges for your wrists’ comfort. It also has a screen on top, which can show your:
- Button press animation
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Turbo mode
- Input mode
At the A50’s bottom, you can see the PCB through a window in the center. It’s also great that the controller has LED, so the buttons can glow nicely.
Why to Buy
The A50 is a uniquely shaped light controller you can travel with. Its function buttons are bigger than average, and its side grooves allow you to set it down or lift it up more easily.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon