1. Haute42 S16
- Inputs
- Input mode
- SOCD mode
Why to Buy
The S16 is perfect for acrylic lovers, custom art enthusiasts, LED fans, and even those who prefer two USB-C ports.
Where to Buy
2. Haute42 B16
With 16 keys, four of the B16’s keys are considered extra keys. The keys are quieter than average, and they have a decent height to them.
Otherwise, you may be excited to know that the B16 uses rarer switches called LEOBOG Graywoods, which are quite smooth. In case you prefer another brand, the switches are hot swappable with MX-style switches.
The B16 runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware with less than a millisecond of input latency. There’s an EXT port where you can insert a converter to extend the controller’s compatibility options.
That said, the B16 is quite light. It’s elegantly black, and because the top layer is a PCB instead of acrylic, you don’t have to worry about fingerprint smudges.
If you want, though, you can add an acrylic layer to the B16 and have it display custom art that represents your personality. We print such art.
Why to Buy
The B16 is best for those with a PC and keyboard background who would like a smooth transition to leverless.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
3. Haute42 P12
The Haute42 P12 is an elegant-looking controller. Its polling rate results in less than a millisecond of input delay. More features include turbo for rapid pressing and a tournament lock to prevent you from pressing option buttons accidentally during a competition.
The P12 also features multiple SOCD cleaning modes to not violate a tournament’s rules. Through its screen, you are better informed about your inputs when in a match.
Moreover, a USB-C port is on the left of the P12, and an EXT port is on the right for inserting an adapter to make the controller compatible with more consoles. Last but not least, you can enjoy LED with this controller, which makes it glow in an attention catching way.
Why to Buy
If you only need 12 buttons, the P12 could be your best bet—yet it still has most features of 16 button controllers.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
4. Haute42 M Lite
The Haute42 M Lite comes in a gold or dark gray color. You can remap its buttons through online configuration. There’s even a thin foam pad to reduce the buttons’ sound.
The M Lite uses low profile Crystal linear switches that sound moderate. In any case, the switches and keycaps are changeable. That said, the controller runs on the critically acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware, so the input lag is impressively less than a millisecond.
While the M Lite is a smaller controller, there is still considerable space for your hands to rest. There is even a slope for your comfort. Don’t worry about this controller sliding around while you play—because it’s quite stable.
The legendary OLED screen makes a comeback—allowing you to see things from your live button presses to which modes you’re in:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
The weight, size, and slimness of the M Lite make it very easy to carry. Also, you can tell that the aluminum alloy is sturdy. Furthermore, you can extend the controller’s compatibility with an appropriate adapter.
In closing, the M Lite is a classy looking controller that shouldn’t attract fingerprint smudges easily. You can also enjoy LED with the buttons—plus some backlighting. If you’d like to add some vinyl art to the controller, we at The Arcade Stick can print it for you.
Why to Buy
The M Lite’s metal hardware makes it more durable, and it also relieves you from acrylic smudges.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
5. Sunga G1
The Sunga G1’s most interesting aspect is that it has five more buttons than what we’re used to. You can also buy an edition of this controller with only 12 buttons—the traditional layout.
The G1 often comes with smoothly injection molded ABS keycaps and hot swappable Cherry MX Silver linear switches that are fast. There’s a silicone anti-slip bottom pad as well.
That said, the G1’s optional screen shows your:
- Turbo speed
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
You should also be able to see on the same screen which of the G1’s buttons you’re pressing. The aforementioned features are made possible due to the popular Raspberry Pi Pico chip that’s used.
By the way, it’s good that the G1 can come in black or white editions. More than that, the art is customizable, and the LED functionality adds some flair to the controller.
Why to Buy
The G1’s 17 buttons are more than most mini leverless controllers, and its big start button is especially useful if you need it a lot.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
6. DOIO KBHX-01 Pro
The DOIO KBHX-01 Pro uses XDA keycaps, and the switches have a nice spring to them. Also, the middle four attack keys are ergonomically raised for the comfort of your fingers.
The KBHX-01 Pro is made of aluminum alloy on top and see-through acrylic at the bottom. The aluminum alloy is quite sturdy, and so is the thick acrylic.
There are two USB-C ports: one in the back and one on the left, so you can choose your desired location. There is also a cable loop found in one of the corners. By the way, you can insert a compatibility boosting dongle into the KBHX-01 Pro’s back USB-A port.
Moving on, the KBHX-01 Pro has a screen that can show a visual representation of your live inputs as well as:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
Otherwise, the KBHX-01 Pro can come in different colors. What truly brings the controller to life, however, is the RGB LED that shines through the keys in a gorgeous way.
Why to Buy
The KBHX-01 Pro is a great pick for keyboard lovers, and its spacebar-like thumb keys are very convenient. You can even make use of two more right index keys.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
7. DOIO KBGM-H06M
The KBGM-H06M has 13 keycaps made of PBT. The extra button can serve as an R3 button, which can come in handy when you play a modern fighting game.
Essentially, the KBGM-H06M’s buttons are smooth with a slight texture. As for the Gateron switches, they are:
- Quiet
- Linear
- Hot swappable
Running on the open source and highly acclaimed GP2040-CE firmware, the KBGM-H06M provides you extremely tiny input latency that you shouldn’t even notice.
On the KBGM-H06M’s top panel, there’s an OLED screen that shows you the input mode, directional mode, and SOCD mode. You can also see your button presses there. For button remapping, you can do that through web configuration.
The KBGM-H06M’s cable is USB-C, and it goes in the back left. You should also be able to insert an adapter into a USB-A port for enhanced compatibility.
Despite being small and light, the KBGM-H06M is made up of five layers, which include aluminum alloy and acrylic. Finally, the controller is available in various colors, and LED can beautifully shine around the buttons—as well as through the middle layer of the controller.
Why to Buy
The KBGM-H06M is your go-to controller if you prefer PBT keycaps with a little texture, and the right thumb button can come in handy.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
8. DOIO KBGM-H04
The KBGM-H04 has 16 polycarbonate keycaps, and the Gateron Red linear switches are hot swappable. The switches have a pronounced sound that’s similar to a mechanical keyboard.
As for the KBGM-H04’s buttons, they have a pleasant texture to them. Another detail about the buttons is that you can remap them through web configuration.
The KBGM-H04 is suitable for both desk & lap play, and if you place the controller on your lap, you can spread out your legs a bit. This controller is thin, but because it’s heavier than it looks, this adds stability. Five layers make up the controller. The top is made of aluminum alloy, and the bottom is acrylic.
That said, the KBGM-H04 runs on the critically acclaimed GP2040-CE open source firmware. To keep you informed, there is an OLED screen that shows:
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- SOCD mode
Based on your preference, you can plug the USB-C cable into the KBGM-H04’s back or left side. You should also be able to insert a dongle into the USB-A port for extended compatibility options. The controller is actually available in different colors, and custom RGB LED can shine from underneath the top panel.
Why to Buy
The KBGM-H04 elegantly combines metal with acrylic, and its polycarbonate keycaps have a pleasant texture. Plus, its width makes it possible to place on your lap—without taking up too much space.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. LBER 2040-R16
While the LBER 2040-R16 looks heavily inspired by Haute42’s bestselling controllers, it still has enough nuance for you to consider buying it. Despite its compact size, it still packs a whopping 16 main buttons. There’s even a 13 button edition if 16 buttons are too much for you.
That said, the R16’s main buttons feature fast red switches that—if you have another preference—you can simply hot swap with other switches.
Now, you may have noticed a small screen on the R16’s top panel. It shows your button presses live, and it also lets you know which modes you’re in:
- SOCD mode
- Input mode
- Directional mode
Essentially, the R16 is an acrylic sandwich—a design we at The Arcade Stick have grown to love. The multilayered design doesn’t mean the controller is thick, though.
Moving on, the R16 has two ports: a USB-C port near the center back and a USB-A port on the right. The USB-A port is where you can insert a dongle to boost the controller’s compatibility.
The R16’s modus operandi is basically the GP2040-CE firmware:
- Updatable
- Open source
- Critically acclaimed
- Almost zero latency
About looks, you can buy your R16 in black or white. To make this controller even lovelier, you can enjoy the LED with adjustable colors and effects. Lastly, you can have custom art on the controller.
Why to Buy
Aside from the R16’s obvious advantages, something interesting you may have not noticed is how all of its function buttons are on the top panel’s upper right—instead of being scattered.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Brook Fighter Starburst
The Brook Fighter Starburst is the result of when the fightstick industry’s greatest PCB provider makes an actual controller. This controller features 15 main buttons, has handles on both of its sides, and can be tilted to certain angles.
It’s up to you to tilt the Starburst to an angle of 4° or 8° to optimize the ergonomics, including if you just want to lay the controller flat. With your order, you should also be receiving freebies like:
- Lanyard set
- Magnetic cover
It’s that same magnetic cover that allows you to tilt the Starburst to an angle. It also serves as a grip pad for more stability. About the lanyard set, it allows you to run a shoulder strap through a couple of rings you can attach.
The Starburst being wider than a lot of its mini counterparts means that you shouldn’t have to squeeze your legs too much when placing it on your lap. You see, the controller was designed to be light and portable.
That said, the Starburst also has a button to make your right pinky useful. Generally, the main buttons are quite smooth and produce a pleasant sound.
Not only that, the Starburst’s Kailh Choc V2 Red switches are hot swappable. Because they’re low profile, they have a shorter travel distance.
With Brook being a reputable provider of PCBs, their modern boards have almost no input delay. This is also true with the Starburst, and a test confirmed this.
Aesthetically, the cover is black, which goes with any other color. What brings the controller’s appearance to life is RGB LED with different effects, adjustable brightness, and customizable art.
Why to Buy
The Starburst’s bigger button gaps are better for large handed players, you can set it at an angle too, and you can run a lanyard through it as well.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon