1. Haute42 C-AS
After Haute42 dominated the leverless market, this award winning brand decided to release an excellent arcade stick: the C-AS. It comes with lots of freebies that include a magnetic joystick, and you get to pick from these three gates:
- Octagonal gate
- Circular gate
- Square gate
The joystick joins forces with PBT buttons that feel “dry”, and the buttons are in the legendary Sega 2P layout. The C-AS has 11 primary buttons, and by default: the extra index button is for macros, whereas the two thumb buttons are for LS & RS. You can replace the thumb buttons with analog sticks if desired.
Otherwise, it’s important to mention how the C-AS uses Wind Engine switches for quiet yet still swift presses. Still, you can hot swap these switches if you want.
More importantly, the C-AS has adjustable button travel to pinpoint your optimal travel. The arcade stick also has a tournament lock to disable the function buttons when at some tournament.
Hardware-wise, the C-AS is big, heavy, and slim. Up top, there’s an aluminum alloy panel that can be ejected with the press of just one button. At the bottom, you can find the anti-sliding pad that keeps the arcade stick nice and stable. Not just that, the arcade stick has a wrist slope.
Other than that, the screen on top of the C-AS can show:
- Live button press animation
- Custom splash screen
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Turbo mode
Onward, the C-AS has two USB-C ports, such as a regular USB-C port on the left and a lockable USB-C port in the back. Inside the arcade stick, you can find a storage area with a couple of spare switches and more freebies.
Aside from that, the C-AS comes in silver, gold, and purple variants. Finally, button LEDs and RGB backlighting can make the arcade stick glow nicely.
Why to Buy
With quieter switches, the C-AS has more buttons than many of its competitors, and you can set your desired button travel. You can even swap out the thumb buttons for analog sticks if you wish. You get to pick from three gates for the joystick in addition to that. To wrap up, the color options for this metallic arcade stick are neat.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon: Silver / Gold / Purple
Buy now on AliExpress
2. Mayflash F700 Elite
The Mayflash F700 Elite is wireless with a battery that can last much more than a dozen hours after just a few hours of charging it, so you can enjoy a gaming marathon with it. You can also go for a USB-C connection if you want.
The left side of the F700 Elite has a storage compartment, and this is where you can also find the USB-C cable. The inside is neat with organized wiring, making modding easier.
The F700 Elite is similar to previous Mayflash arcade sticks with some upgrades, such as a knob on the top panel to pick a console. The main improvement over the original F700 is usage of the Sanwa parts, namely a Sanwa joystick & buttons that are responsive and durable.
There is plenty of space between the F700 Elite’s joystick and buttons for your comfort during a gaming session, and since the arcade stick is mod friendly, you can still install parts like Seimitsu ones if you prefer them.
In addition to a microphone mute button, the F700 Elite has an earphone port, and these features help you stay focused. Also, through turbo mode, you can press a button one time, resulting in multiple inputs.
The decent weight of the F700 Elite prevents it from sliding around during an intense session. The arcade stick is a bit bigger than the F500 as well as a bit heavier, upping its stability.
The F700 Elite’s artwork is customizable, and we at The Arcade Stick can hook you up with our art service to speed up the customization process. We have had plenty of experience putting together art for Mayflash controllers in the past. Once you receive your beautiful art: remove the cover, slide your printed art under it, and put the cover back on!
Why to Buy
The F700 Elite has an overpowered combination of premium parts and spaciousness. More than that, it has a headphone jack, and it can be used wirelessly too.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
3. Mayflash F500 Elite
The Mayflash F500 Elite is a great pick with Sanwa parts, turbo functionality, and upgradable firmware. An octagonal joystick gate is also included for you as an extra addon.
Replacing the F500 Elite’s joystick gate is quite a simple process. There are screws at the bottom that are easy to see for access to the arcade stick’s insides. There is also ample wrist space, providing your wrists comfort during a long gaming session. The metal case and rubber feet enhance the stability of the arcade stick on your desk or lap.
You can use wired headphones with the F500 Elite to avoid getting distracted during serious gaming sessions. The acrylic panel is easily removable, so if you would like to customize the arcade stick’s art with a vision you have, you can feel free to do so. Contact us for a print!
Why to Buy
The F500 Elite is worth a buy if you’d like the same premium parts as the F700 Elite but a slightly smaller size.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
4. Mayflash F300 Elite
The Mayflash F300 Elite is an arcade stick with Sanwa parts, which are known for durability and responsivity. The joystick feels robust, and there is less travel distance for an input to go through.
With the F300 Elite, you receive an added octagonal joystick gate. Of course, the buttons are crisp, and there is turbo functionality for you to just press a button one time, resulting in multiple inputs. Plus, the arcade stick has upgradable firmware, keeping it updated as time progresses.
The F300 Elite is weighty, and its stability is enhanced by rubber feet below. The cable has a Velcro wrap to keep it tidy when you move the arcade stick from one place to another.
If you are looking to change up the F300 Elite’s minimalistic appearance, you can print out an artwork sticker for it, making it display your favorite band, for example.
Why to Buy
The F300 Elite is best for players who cherish the premium parts of the F500 Elite and F700 Elite but would like a more portable option.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
5. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s joystick feels good, and the buttons have quick disconnects for modification. The plastic top panel should not warp if you press on it, and the arcade stick’s weight is boosted by a thick metal plate inside.
As the 8BitDo Arcade Stick can work wirelessly, the battery can last up to 40 hours, and you just need four hours to charge the arcade stick.
No latency issues were detected when testing the 8BitDo Arcade Stick on a few platforms, resulting in a responsive experience as you enjoy your gaming sessions.
Why to Buy
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s unique selling proposition is its optional wireless connection, so if wireless matters to you, then you should consider buying it.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
6. KBSure-R8
Are you sure you don’t want the KBSure-R8? It’s a great arcade stick that could very well be the Audi R8 of arcade sticks. You see, this arcade stick features a joystick that’s not too different than Sanwa’s springy, responsive joysticks. There’s actually a couple of adjustable gate modes that range from square to octagonal.
As for the R8’s buttons, which are in the legendary Vewlix layout, no input delay was detected during testing. This is partially due to the tactile and clicky Cherry MX Blue switches. In any case, and with little effort, the buttons can be swapped with the spares that this arcade stick comes with, by the way.
Another reason the R8’s buttons/switches operate well is because the arcade stick runs on a custom version of the open source GP2040-CE firmware that we at The Arcade Stick love.
That said, the R8 is made of durable ABS. Inside, there are steel plates to boost the arcade stick’s weight and stability. What boost stability further are big feet at the bottom, which work for both desk and lap play.
One of the R8’s star features is its ability to open up like a briefcase without a screwdriver. Another smart design element is the cable compartment on the left side.
The already beautiful R8 looks even more beautiful when one of its many RGB LED modes is on. Even the info screen can have a custom splash screen to represent your personality. With this arcade stick, the coolness is endless.
Why to Buy
Honestly, the R8’s look alone is enough of a reason to buy it, but luckily, it has other upsides like a Sanwa-like joystick, Cherry MX switches, and opening up like a briefcase.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
7. Mayflash F101
The Mayflash F101 is a mini arcade stick with stock parts that are above average, but if you would like different parts, it is relatively easy to upgrade the arcade stick yourself.
As for the F101’s hardware, it is high quality plastic with a metal panel that increases the arcade stick’s weight and stability. More stability is added by large rubber feet at the bottom, keeping your arcade stick where it should be.
If you like turbo features in arcade sticks, the F101 has a turbo feature, so you can press one button one time, and that would result in multiple successive inputs.
Why to Buy
The F101 is a solid entry point that has decent parts, which can be upgraded to better parts if you want.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
8. Saitake STK-T01
The wireless STK-T01 has eight buttons in the Vewlix layout, and one of its extra buttons allows you to macro (or combine) inputs to execute moves more easily. Not just that, you can record up to 18 presses.
That being said, you’re probably most interested in the STK-T01’s connectivity methods:
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz
- Wired
The STK-T01 has a status screen and touchpad as well, but let’s not forget about the encoder knob. Further, the arcade stick has a port on its front panel for headphone use.
Onward, the STK-T01 is made of a kind of material commonly used to make arcade sticks, ABS, with its main benefit being impact resistance. The LED is interesting since it glows around the joystick—instead of around the buttons.
On a closing note, the STK-T01 has a subtle wrist slope, and it’s also got four big rubber feet to stay put when you mash out some tough combos.
Why to Buy
The STK-T01 fits unique features—like a macro button—into a fairly compact space, but you’d really want to buy it for the wireless feature that spares you from wire-related problems.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress
9. PXN-008
The PXN-008 is made from durable ABS that’s also waterproof, fade-resistant, and barely flexes. You can also make the arcade stick look like how you want with vinyl. If you have some art you’d like printed, we can print that for you.
The steel lever of the PXN-008 is firm, making it on par with the industry standard. The detachable buttons feel good and sound significant since they utilize clicky switches that provide you auditory feedback. Also, there’s a turbo mode for rapid button pressing without exhausting your precious fingers.
That said, the PXN-008’s interior is organized to make life easier, and there are small weights taped inside to make the arcade stick heavier so you don’t have to worry about it sliding around. There are also rubber feet for that.
There’s an audio jack to plug a headset into the PXN-008, allowing you to stay in the zone during play. Also, the cable has Velcro so you can tie it neatly. You have extra options in the form of micro USB & USB-C cables.
Why to Buy
The PXN-008’s main selling points are its detachable buttons and audio jack—the latter of which can tune out unrelated sounds while you play.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
10. PXN-0082
The PXN-0082 is slightly smaller than the average mini arcade stick. The button side features wrist space, so you can press the buttons with ease.
For fast button presses, the PXN-0082 features turbo mode. You should not be experiencing any latency or dead zones when using this arcade stick.
If you like clicky joysticks, you should like the PXN-0082’s joystick as it gives audible feedback. Also, there are suction cups so the arcade stick does not come off your desk while playing.
Why to Buy
What separates the PXN-0082 from other mini arcade sticks is that its right wrist rest is extended in a way that makes pressing its buttons more comfortable.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon or AliExpress