1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 ticks the following the boxes:
- It has 16 buttons.
- It has a dual layout.
- It has plenty of space.
- It has a wrist resting slope.
- It has an information screen.
- It has enough function buttons.
In classic Haute42 fashion, you can expect to find inside your C16’s box a USB-C cable, manual, keycap/switch puller, extra switches, and extra function buttons.
Turbo support makes a comeback, so if you’d like to press a button once and have that one press result in multiple inputs, the C16 can let you do so.
The C16 also has a couple of toggles you can make use of, such as a tournament lock that can be used to disable function buttons and prevent you from getting disqualified due to pressing them accidentally.
If the C16’s switches are not your style, they are hot swappable, so you can install other switches you prefer. For instance, maybe you prefer loud switches over quiet ones.
That said, the C16 should be wide enough to place on your lap without having to painfully squeeze your legs together. Of course, the controller is appropriate for desk play as well. It’s also pretty slim.
Needless to say, the C16 has a little screen, and it’s nice to see it in the very center instead of somewhere to the side. On it, you can see important information like your current:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
Essentially, the C16 runs on the acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware that is known for its open source design, decent compatibility, online updates, and basically no lag.
Cool fact: The C16 has a USB-A port that can accept a compatibility extending adapter to make it compatible with more consoles. Moreover, you can conveniently adjust the controller’s settings via web configuration.
Custom RGB LED can make your C16 light up like a festival. With four screws holding the top panel together, the art of the controller is customizable. For that, we at The Arcade Stick have a custom art service. This way, the controller looks the way you want it to—plus performing at a high level.
Why to Buy
The C16 has a right index button, and it also has two extra thumb buttons that are horizontally aligned—keeping your thumbs symmetrically positioned.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress: C16 / C16-S
Buy now on Amazon: C16 / C16-S
2. Haute42 M Ultra Gen2
After the M16 Ultra’s groundbreaking success, the award winning Haute42 made a sequel: the M Ultra Gen2. It arrives with a cable, extra function buttons, at least an extra switch, and switch puller.
The M Ultra Gen2’s main improvement over its bestselling predecessor is having a left pinky button, and you should find the other extra buttons useful too.
The two buttons surrounding the M Ultra Gen2’s jump button are horizontally aligned, and the buttons generally have less than a millisecond of input delay. To prevent yourself from pressing the function buttons accidentally, you can activate the tournament lock on the top panel’s far left.
That being said, the M Ultra Gen2 features the fast Shadow Hunting low profile switches, and if you prefer other switches, you can just hot swap them. The controller also has an ergonomic slope for your wrists to rest, and the bottom has a grip pad for each one of your legs.
Hardware-wise, the M Ultra Gen2 is an aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to be stable without being too heavy to carry around.
The metal hardware also prevents the M Ultra Gen2 from warping if you gently press on it. About the controller’s size, it makes it possibly fit into a tablet sleeve you already own.
Moving on, the M Ultra Gen2 runs on the excellent GP2040-CE firmware. Not only that, there’s an OLED screen to inform you about the current:
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- SOCD mode
You can even see which buttons you’re pressing live on that same screen. To meet your tournament needs, the M Ultra Gen2 has multiple SOCD cleaning modes, and there’s built-in web configuration as well.
The M Ultra Gen2’s lockable USB-C port is in the center back, so the cable shouldn’t be an obstacle for you. Otherwise, you can utilize the USB-C port on the left side.
An EXT port can be found on the M Ultra Gen2’s right, and this extra port allows you to insert a adapter for additional modern console compatibility options.
Aesthetically, the M Ultra Gen2 can have a black or blue color with tasteful accents, and it’s spray painted to prevent fingerprints (and wear & tear).
The M Ultra Gen2’s slimness adds to its aesthetic appeal, and so does the optional RGB LED that brings the controller to life. If you’d like to add art to this controller, we’d be glad to print the art for you.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2’s aluminum alloy relieves you from acrylic smudges, it has a left pinky button, and its extra thumb buttons are aligned in a horizontally straight way that’s intuitive.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
3. Haute42 R16
The Haute42 R16 has 16 buttons, with one button on the left for your pinky. The Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons fast. The input delay is impressively less than a millisecond. You can even make use of the turbo feature.
The R16’s onboard screen shows aspects from your inputs to the current SOCD mode you are in. What you can also get with the controller includes an extra switch, switch puller, and a couple of function buttons.
The USB port conveniently comes out of the R16’s center back, and on the right, there is a port for an adapter to enhance your controller’s compatibility.
The R16 is a thing of beauty, especially due to the RGB LED when you press the buttons. The controller can also accept custom art to make your controller truly represent you. We can print that art for you. You can get the controller in a black edition too.
Why to Buy
The R16 is made of acrylic, and it has a left pinky button instead of a left thumb button.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
4. Haute42 T16
The Haute42 T16 is a controller with large buttons and low profile Kailh Choc switches for speedy presses. There is another edition with less buttons if you prefer that. The input delay of the buttons is less than a millisecond.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges for the comfort of your palms. There are non-slip feet to make your controller stay in place during play.
The USB port conveniently comes out of the center back, and you can find another port on the right. That other port is to insert a converter to make your controller compatible with more consoles.
The T16’s SOCD cleaning includes the usual modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority, so tournament legality should not be an issue for you. The onboard screen lets you know your inputs, input mode, and SOCD mode.
RGB LED makes the T16 even more gorgeous when you press the buttons. You may also be glad to know that the artwork of the T16 is customizable, so you can have your favorite characters on it. Need a print?
Why to Buy
Because it has all large buttons, the T16 is most recommended if you are a player with larger hands.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
The Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite is a 15 button controller that can last up to 20 hours before charging it again. You can go for Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or even wired connections.
The F700 FLAT Elite’s left side has a hinged door that reveals a wireless receiver, which is where you can also find the USB cable. Switch between consoles with ease using the knob on the top panel. On the front panel, there is a headphone jack in addition to a microphone mute button.
The star feature of the F700 FLAT Elite is the Sanwa buttons that have an optimal travel distance, so you do not need to apply too much pressure to press them, but they should also not get pressed accidentally. In any case, you can mod the controller, such as by installing Seimitsu buttons.
The F700 FLAT Elite conveniently has button labels. As for turbo, it seems that the controller’s speeds were set with fighting games in mind.
Compared to its predecessor, the F700 FLAT Elite is wider, making it more comfortable on your lap. The decent weight of the controller means it should not slide around, especially because of the anti-slipping bottom pad. You are six screws away from unscrewing the bottom to access the controller’s neat internals.
On a closing note, the art of the F700 FLAT Elite is customizable, and there is a clear acrylic panel for it. Take off the controller’s cover, slide your printed art underneath it, and put the cover back on. The Arcade Stick can print the art for your controller.
Why to Buy
If you’ve been using fightsticks since 2009, you’ll probably appreciate how the F700 FLAT Elite uses arcade-style buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
6. Qanba Sapphire
The Qanba Sapphire has 18 Qanba Gravity buttons—some of which are different sizes. The leftmost button is for your pinky. That said, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are hot swappable, but if you stick to these standard profile switches, you may be glad to know that they are linear, fast, quiet, smooth, and durable.
Made of hefty plastic, the Sapphire is a slim controller, and it has a detachable memory foam slope where you can rest your wrists.
If you remove that foam slope, you can unveil the Sapphire’s keycap covers, extra switches, keycap/switch remover, and adjuster. You can rotate that adjuster on the desired button to choose from a long, medium, or short travel distance.
On the Sapphire’s screen, you can see your chosen button mapping configuration. You see, there’s a toggle to cycle through your saved button mapping configuration files.
Another cool aspect about the Sapphire is that its rubber pad covers the entire bottom. Additionally, the USB-C cable is detachable from its hinged compartment that has a locking function, making travel more convenient—especially if you use the included shoulder strap. You can also find a headset jack in the controller’s back to stay focused in-game.
One stylistic choice you can make is either a colorful foam slope or just a black flat panel for your wrists. Otherwise, the Sapphire’s bottom pad there has an interesting geometric pattern.
As for the Sapphire’s glow button, it’s to control the LED that can shine through the buttons and sides. There are actually five LED modes, and if you’d like your controller to stand out even more, consider customizing its art (which we can print for you).
Why to Buy
With 18 buttons, the Sapphire has more buttons than most other leverless controllers—yet you can still cover any unwanted buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
7. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
After the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s groundbreaking success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller that has all buttons instead of a joystick. This controller is also thinner than its predecessor, so it’s likelier to fit into some tablet sleeve you already have.
Compared to most other 16 button controllers, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller does something a little different: the extra buttons are bean-shaped and ergonomically slanted. This button shape gives you more surface area to press the buttons without the need for 100% precision.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are quickly remappable/programmable if needed. Don’t need the extra buttons? You can just replace them with the included button lock caps. The controller supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for macros, firmware updates, and so forth.
That aside, all the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s buttons use low profile Kailh Wizard switches that are hot swappable, so if you don’t like tactile, light, smooth, and overall satisfying switches: you can easily take out the switches to then replace them with compatible switches your prefer.
From a tournament lock knob to SOCD cleaning, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller strives to be tournament legal. The controller’s top is made of tempered glass that is fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant. This is also where you can find plenty of space to rest the wrists.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bottom has a silicone anti-slip mat to prevent the controller from sliding while you play a game. Also, the magnetic foldable feet made of metal allow you to select from two angles.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life easier is by connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth or 2.4G. Needless to say, a 2.4G adapter is included in the package, and there is a magnetic compartment for it. The controller’s battery only takes three hours to charge—and can last you up to 20 hours.
Of course, you can still go for a wired connection, and you can find the USB-C port conveniently tucked in the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s back center. A cable (and manual) are also included in the package.
Let’s wrap up with some vanity talk: the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can light up through six RGB LED modes. To customize your controller even further, you can add vinyl art to it, such as art that showcases your favorite series.
Why to Buy
You are recommended the 8BitDo Controller if you like the idea of using a wireless controller with some bean-shaped buttons that give you more surface area to press.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Switch / Xbox
8. Victrix Pro KO
The Victrix Pro KO features 16 moveable and mappable Victrix buttons. To make sure the button layout is suitable for fighting gamers, the layout was optimized by the Japanese fighting game legend, Momochi. Also, there is plenty of resting space for your wrists and at an ergonomic angle.
With hot swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, the Pro KO strives for responsivity and precision with every press. As for the RGB LED, it glows around each button, and you can customize the color combinations. Customizing the LED can be done directly on the controller or through the Victrix Control Hub software.
The Pro KO has an audio port for microphone input and stereo output, making it easier for you to stay in the zone. In addition, if you happen to be competing at a tournament, you can use a lock to disable the function buttons.
The aluminum top plate the Pro KO is removable for easier modding, and you can also have it laser engraved. You can also apply a vinyl print on it from us. The braided USB-C cable is detachable for your convenience too.
Not only is the Pro KO thin, it also has built-in storage for the following:
- Buttons
- Button covers
- Switches
- Light rings
As for the Pro KO’s mounting posts, they allow for a handle or shoulder strap, letting you carry the controller with ease. Your order should also arrive with a protective sleeve and switch puller.
Why to Buy
The Pro KO has two extra right thumb buttons, and the fact that you can cover any unwanted buttons is really useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. Novablade Pro
The Novablade Pro is the result of a veteran keyboard maker, CORSAIR, making a leverless controller. Essentially, this controller’s buttons are CORSAIR’s keycaps.
The keycaps are 24 mm—with the exception of the 30 mm jump button that lets you press it with either thumb’s side easily. The Novablade Pro also has two extra thumb buttons: one for your left thumb and one for your right thumb.
The Novablade Pro’s Rapid Trigger feature allows its buttons to reset right after 0.1 mm. You can adjust each of the buttons’ actuation points in 0.1 mm increments—up to 4 mm. Not just that, CORSAIR’s FlashTap SOCD tech cleans up simultaneous opposing cardinal directions.
Onward, the Novablade Pro’s switches are CORSAIR’s too. These MGX Hyperdrive switches are magnetic and have the Hall effect. More than that, the switches are lubricated—with a double-rail design that should last 150 million presses!
Having said that, the Novablade Pro has eight G-keys programmable to your liking. Five of the G-keys can be found to the main buttons’ right. In fact, the controller lets you swap between button setups fast, thanks to five memory profiles.
The three remaining G-keys are simply the Novablade Pro’s extra main buttons, which are for the left middle finger, left thumb, and right thumb.
Moving on, the Novablade Pro’s top plate is magnetic and easy to remove. We can even print art for you to apply on there. As a whole, the controller is slim and sized well for either desk or lap play—with both surfaces benefiting from a full non-slip base. Also, a USB-C port is located conveniently in the back center. You can connect the controller via one of the following options:
- Braided cable
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz wireless
The wireless option works terrifically, and what also works well is the dynamic 360° RGB LightEdge that can illuminate the Novablade Pro’s sides—plus button LEDs. Otherwise, the black controller looks elegant when the lighting is off.
Why to Buy
The Novablade Pro is one of the most feature-rich controllers—from a Rapid Trigger feature that adjusts button actuation to having left and right thumb buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Razer Kitsune
Justin Wong is one of the pro players who provided feedback during the development of the Razer Kitsune. Its low profile Razer linear optical switches have a shorter actuation height and fast response time. The jump button is bigger than the rest, so you can press it with the side of either thumb.
The Kitsune is a lightweight & mid sized controller, and its thinness is reminiscent of a tablet device. Also, SOCD cleaning makes it tournament legal. Speaking of tournaments, the controller has a tournament lock to prevent you from being disqualified by pausing the game accidentally.
Moving on, the Kitsune has ample space for your wrists to rest, and its slimness spares you from tilting up your wrists to use it. In addition, the anti-slip pad at the bottom provides you stability. Not only that, the braided cable is detachable, and its port is lockable.
Truth be told, the Kitsune is an elegant beauty. It is powered by Razer Chroma RGB, and the light subtly shines through the sides of the controller. Also, the button labels are colored in a way that does not take away from the controller’s beauty, but they are still visible enough for you to see them.
In addition to the black edition, the Kitsune comes in Cammy, Chun-Li, and other editions. Because the controller has an aluminum top panel, you can apply custom vinyl art to it, which we can print. This way, you get a controller that represents your interests while also performing well.
Why to Buy
If you only need 12 buttons, and if you really like the idea of optical switches, then the Kitsune is worth a buy for you.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon