1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 comes in recommended because:
- It has 16 buttons.
- It has a double layout.
- It has plenty of space.
- It has a wrist resting space.
- It has an informative screen.
- It has enough function buttons.
- It has the ability to display custom art.
(We at The Arcade Stick have a custom art service.)
As expected with Haute42, you can find in your C16’s box a USB-C cable, manual, keycap/switch puller, extra switches, and extra function buttons.
Turbo functionality strikes back, so if you’d like to press a button once and have that one press result in multiple presses, the C16 can let you do that.
The C16 has some toggles you can use like a tournament lock that can be used to disable function buttons and prevent you from getting disqualified due to pressing them by mistake.
If the C16’s switches are not your cup of tea, they are hot swappable. Maybe you prefer louder switches or something else. That said, the controller should be wide enough to place on your lap without having to painfully squeeze your legs together. Of course, the controller is suitable for desk play if that’s your jam. It’s pretty thin.
The C16 comes with an info screen, and it’s nice to see it in the center instead of somewhere to the side. On it, you can see such valuable information:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
You see, 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. If you want, you can adjust the controller’s settings online too.
Custom RGB LED can make your C16 light up quite nicely. Oh, and you can insert a compatibility boosting dongle into the USB-A port to make the controller compatible with more consoles.
Why to Buy
The C16’s right index button is useful, and its two extra thumb buttons’ horizontal alignment puts your thumbs in a symmetrical formation.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress: C16 / C-AT
2. Haute42 M Ultra Gen2
Following the M16 Ultra’s groundbreaking success, the award winning Haute42 made a sequel: the M Ultra Gen2. It arrives with a cable, few extra function buttons, at least an extra switch, and switch puller.
The M Ultra Gen2’s main difference compared to 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 in general have less than a millisecond of input lag. To prevent pressing the function buttons accidentally, you can use the tournament lock on the top panel’s far left.
That being said, the M Ultra Gen2 uses the fast Shadow Hunting low profile switches, but if you prefer other switches, you can just hot swap them. The controller also has a slope for your wrists to rest, and the bottom has a grip pad for each of your legs.
Hardware-wise, the M Ultra Gen2 is an aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to stay stable without being too heavy to carry around.
The metallic structure also prevents the M Ultra Gen2 from distorting if you gently press on it. As for 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 firmware, GP2040-CE. In addition, there’s an OLED screen to inform you about the current:
- SOCD mode
- Input mode
- Directional mode
You can even see which buttons you’re pressing live on that screen. For your tournament needs, the M Ultra Gen2 has multiple SOCD cleaning modes, and there’s built-in web config as well.
The M Ultra Gen2’s lockable USB-C port is in the center back, so the cable shouldn’t become an obstacle for you. Otherwise, you can utilize the USB-C port on the left.
An EXT port can be found on the M Ultra Gen2’s right, and this extra port allows you to insert a dongle for additional modern console compatibility options.
Also available in blue, the M Ultra Gen2 has an elegant black design with edgy accents, and it’s spray painted to prevent smudges, wear, and tear.
The M Ultra Gen2’s thinness 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 gorgeous controller, we’d be glad to print the art for you.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2’s aluminum alloy hardware is relatively rare, and in addition to its left pinky button, its two extra thumb buttons also give you that symmetrical feel with their horizontal alignment.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
3. Haute42 R16
The Haute42 R16 has 16 buttons, with a layout for your left pinky to press a button on the far left. The Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons with speed. The input latency is less than a millisecond, and you can even make use of turbo for fast inputs with little exertion.
The R16’s onboard screen reveals information that include your inputs, the current SOCD mode, and so on. What you can also get with the controller includes an extra switch, switch puller, and function buttons.
The USB port conveniently comes out of the R16’s back center, and on the right, there is a port for an adapter to enhance your controller’s compatibility options.
The R16 is a beauty, chiefly due to the LED when you press its buttons. The controller can also accept custom artwork to make your controller match what you like. Need a print? You can opt for a black edition too if you like.
Why to Buy
The R16 is a great pick if you are looking for both an acrylic controller and a controller that has a left pinky button.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
4. Haute42 T16
The Haute42 T16 is a controller with larger buttons and Kailh Choc low profile switches for fast pressing. There is another edition with less buttons if you prefer that. Fortunately, the button latency is less than a millisecond.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with smooth edges for the comfort of your hands. There are feet to make your controller stay put during a set of matches.
The T16’s USB port conveniently comes out of its back center, and you can find another port on the right, which is where you can insert an adapter for more compatibility.
The SOCD cleaning includes the well known modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority, so tournament legality should not be a problem for you. Plus, the T16’s screen shows your inputs, input mode, and SOCD mode.
LED makes the T16 even more attractive when pressing the buttons. You may also be glad to know that the art of the controller is customizable, so you can have characters from your favorite movie displayed on it, for example. We can even print the art for you.
Why to Buy
If you have larger hands, the T16 can feel comfortable for you because of it having all large buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Haute42 U16
The Haute42 U16 comes with plexiglass on top and an injection molded bottom. The controller has 16 buttons, which are enough for modern fighting games, and the U12 edition has 12 buttons if you do not need many buttons.
The buttons of the U16 have a satisfyingly smooth texture to them, and the button rings make you feel like you are pressing standard arcade buttons. For your convenience, the jump button is bigger than the rest, allowing you to press it without needing 100% precision.
The U16’s switches are fast and fairly quiet. Another awesome detail is the size of the wrist resting area you can enjoy with this spacious controller. An additional cool feature is the screen that tells you useful information like whether you are using the directional buttons as a left analog stick or D-pad.
Whether you like to play with a controller on a table or your lap, the U16 has got you covered. You see, the controller has built-in pads so that it does not skid around when you game.
If you would like to place the U16 on your legs, the controller is large enough not to have to squeeze your legs together, and the controller’s lightness makes long gaming sessions more comfortable. Furthermore, the controller is thin, and it might even fit into a laptop or tablet sleeve you already own.
When you buy the U16, you do not have to worry about buying your own cable because Haute42 ships a USB-C to A cable with it, and it is detachable. If you want to extend compatibility, you can insert an adapter into the USB-A port.
With the U16, you get an extra switch as well as a switch puller because of the hot swappable switches that allow you to customize how the controller feels. Even the buttons can be swapped.
You may be glad to know the U16 is one of the easier Haute42 controllers to customize the art of to represent your personality. Just take off the top plexiglass layer, insert your brand new print, and screw the plexiglass back on.
Why to Buy
You may prefer arcade-style buttons, but you still like buttons with switches. Fortunately, the U16’s button rings make you feel like you’re pressing arcade buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
6. Haute42 E16
Left handed fighting gamers are rare, but there are still enough for Haute42 to launch the E16 Mirrored. Its southpaw layout has the attack buttons on the left, while the directional buttons can be found on the right.
The E16 brings back the 16 buttons we have gotten used to seeing. You should also receive a guide, USB-C cable, keycap/switch puller, one/two extra switches, and three extra function buttons.
All of the E16’s buttons—except for the jump one—are 23.5 mm (a solid size). The jump button is 25.8 mm to make it easier to press. There are also several function buttons—in addition to a tournament lock.
The turbo function is back as well, so if you want to just press a button once and have that result in multiple inputs, the E16 lets you do that.
The Wind Engine switches of the E16 have been increasing in popularity. These low profile switches are fast, smooth, and quiet, but since they’re hot swappable, you can install other compatible switches you may prefer.
The screen is back too, so you can see information on your E16 like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
You can even see button presses happening live. That said, the thin E16 is a smaller controller, making it transportable—while still being wide enough to set on the legs.
With non-slip mats per bottom corner, the E16 should stay put on a desk too. Moreover, the surface and buttons are quite smooth.
Through an RP2040 chip, the E16 runs on the GP2040-CE firmware known for:
- Being updateable online
- Decent compatibility
- Pretty much no lag
- Open source
The black right-angle cable comes out from the back USB-C port. Alternatively, there’s another USB-C port found on the left side.
In typical Haute42 fashion, the E16 has custom RGB LED that can bring the button rims to life with some beautiful lighting. You may adjust some of the controller’s settings by way of web configuration.
Why to Buy
The E16’s target market is left handed players who find themselves winning more with a mirrored layout.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
7. Qanba Sapphire
The Qanba Sapphire comes with 18 Qanba Gravity buttons, and some have different sizes. By the way, the button on the far left is for your pinky.
That aside, the Sapphire’s Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are hot swappable, but if you stay with these standard profile switches, you might be glad to know they are linear, fast, quiet, smooth, and durable.
Comprised of weighty plastic, the Sapphire is a slim controller, and it has a detachable memory foam slope where you can rest your wrists.
If you detach the foam slope, you can find the Sapphire’s keycap covers, extra switches, keycap/switch remover, and adjuster. Just rotate that adjuster on a button to pick from a long, medium, or short travel distance.
On the Sapphire’s screen, you can see the active button mapping configuration. Essentially, there’s a toggle to cycle through any saved button mapping configurations.
Another cool tidbit about the Sapphire is that its grip pad covers the entire bottom. Furthermore, the USB-C cable is detachable from a hinged compartment that has a lock function, making travel more convenient—especially if you utilize the shoulder strap. You can also find a headset port in the back to stay laser-focused.
One style choice you can make is to either have a colorful foam slope or just a black flat panel for the wrists. Otherwise, the Sapphire’s bottom pad there has an appealing geometric pattern instead of a plain look.
When it comes to the Sapphire’s glow button, it’s there to control the LED that can shine through the buttons and sides. There are five LED modes totally, and if you’d like the controller to stand out further, consider customizing its art (that we can print).
Why to Buy
The Sapphire’s 18 buttons make it one of the most button-packed controllers, but you can still cover any buttons you don’t need.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
8. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
After the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller that has all buttons. This controller is thinner than last time, so it may fit into a laptop sleeve you already have.
Compared to most 16 button controllers, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller does something different: the extra buttons are bean-shaped with an ergonomic slant. The shape gives you more surface area to press the buttons without the need for that much precision.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are quick to remap. No need for them? You can just replace them with the included button lock caps. The controller supports 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 for macros and updates etc.
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 just take out the switches to then replace them with any compatible switches your prefer.
From SOCD cleaning to a tournament lock knob, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller tries to comply with tournament regulations. Also, the controller’s top is made of tempered glass that is resistant to smudges. This is where you can find plenty of space for wrist resting in addition.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bottom has an anti-slip mat to stop the controller from slipping while you play a game. Also, the foldable feet are magnetic and allow you to select from more than one angle to tilt the controller.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life better is by a wireless connection through Bluetooth or 2.4G. Needless to say, an adapter is included in the package, and there’s a magnetic compartment for that. The controller’s battery only takes three hours to charge and can go up to 20 hours of usage per charge.
You can still go for a wire connection, and you can find the USB-C port conveniently in the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s back. A cable and manual are also included in the package.
To wrap things up, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can light up through several RGB LED modes. To customize the controller further, you can add vinyl art to it, such as art that showcases your favorite game.
Why to Buy
Whether you need a wireless controller or find that bean-shaped buttons are more optimal for you, the 8BitDo Controller is worth a buy.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Switch / Xbox
9. Novablade Pro
The Novablade Pro is what happens when a seasoned keyboard maker, CORSAIR, makes a WASD controller. This controller’s buttons are essentially CORSAIR’s own keycaps.
The keycaps are all 24 mm—with the exception of the 30 mm jump button that lets you press it with either thumb’s side more easily. The Novablade Pro also has two extra thumb buttons: one for your left thumb and one for the right.
The Novablade Pro’s Rapid Trigger feature allows its buttons to instantly reset after 0.1 mm. You can adjust each of the buttons’ actuation points in 0.1 mm increments up to a deep 4 mm. Not just that, CORSAIR’s FlashTap SOCD technology cleans up simultaneous opposing cardinal directions.
Moving on, the Novablade Pro’s switches are also CORSAIR’s own. These MGX Hyperdrive switches are magnetic and feature a Hall effect. More than that, the switches are lubricated and have a double-rail design that should last you 150 million presses!
That said, the Novablade Pro has eight G-keys that are programmable to your liking. Five of these G-keys can be found on the main buttons’ right. In fact, the controller lets you quickly swap between button setups, thanks to the five memory profiles.
The three remaining G-keys are basically the Novablade Pro’s extra main buttons (left middle finger, left thumb, and right thumb). As for the touchpad, it doubles as a trackpad.
The Novablade Pro’s top plate is magnetic and easy to remove. We can even print art for you to place there. As a whole, the controller is slim and sized well for desk and lap play—with both surfaces benefiting from a full non-slip base. Also, a USB-C port is conveniently located in the center back. You can connect the controller through one of these options:
- Braided cable
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz wireless
The wireless option works fantastically. What also works well is the dynamic 360° RGB lighting, so the beautiful LightEdge can illuminate the Novablade Pro’s sides—plus button lighting. Otherwise, the black controller looks elegant when the lights are off.
Why to Buy
The Novablade Pro is one of the most feature-rich controllers—from its Rapid Trigger feature that adjusts button actuation to its inclusion of left and right thumb buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. GuileKeys GK-21
The GK-21 is an acrylic controller with 21 primary buttons, so you can use the directional buttons with your left and right hands in unison, but if you do not need 21 buttons, the GK-16 edition has 16 buttons.
The buttons of the GK-21 are rimmed, and as for the turbo functionality, it allows you to press one button and have that press result in many inputs, requiring less effort from you.
Regarding the RGB button, it refers to the LED that the GK-21 has, which glows around the buttons and through the midsection attractively.
When it comes to the GK-21’s switches, they are hot swappable Kailh Choc Reds, so if you have another preference, you can just change the switches.
Continuing on, you can find a screen that lets you know valuable intel to boost your GK-21 experience. For instance, you can watch your button presses, and you can also check the current SOCD cleaning mode.
When it comes to the connectivity, the GK-21 lets you pick from a USB-C port in the back and another on the left side. Compatibility-wise, the RP2040 chip runs on the open source GP2040-CE firmware with negligible input delay.
If you plan to play on more consoles than the GK-21 supports, there is a USB-A port to extend the controller’s compatibility through an adapter.
To wrap everything up, here are some freebies your GK-21 order may include:
- Couple of extra keycaps
- Couple of extra switches
- Switch puller
- White USB-C cable
- Black USB extension cord
Why to Buy
With 21 buttons, the GK-21 is the final 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