1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 is 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.
As usual with Haute42, you can expect to 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 so.
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 accidentally.
If the C16’s switches are not your cup of tea, they are hot swappable, so you can go for other switches. Maybe you prefer louder switches or something else.
Moving onward, the C16 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 you please. It’s pretty thin as well.
The C16 comes with an info screen, and it’s nice to see it in the very center instead of somewhere to the side. On it, you can see valuable information like your:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
Continuing along, 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 on the web.
Looks-wise, RGB LED can make your C16 light up nicely. The controller’s art is also customizable. Let’s design that art for you via our artwork service. This way, the controller looks the way you want it—in addition to performing highly.
Why to Buy
The C16 has a right index button, and it also has two extra thumb buttons horizontally inline—keeping your thumbs in a symmetrical position.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress: C16 / C-AT
2. Haute42 M Ultra Gen2
Following the bestselling M16 Ultra’s groundbreaking success, the award winning Haute42 came up with a sequel: the M Ultra Gen2. It comes 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 predecessor is having a left pinky button, and you should find the other extra buttons useful too.
The two buttons on the M Ultra Gen2’s jump button sides are horizontally aligned, and the buttons in general have less than one millisecond of input lag. To prevent pressing the function buttons accidentally, you can make use of the tournament lock on the top panel’s far left.
With 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 leg.
Hardware-wise, the M Ultra Gen2 is an aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to stay stable but not too heavy to carry around.
The metallic structure also prevents the M Ultra Gen2 from warping when you gently press on it. As for the controller’s size, it makes it possibly fit into a tablet sleeve you already have.
Moving onward, the M Ultra Gen2 runs on the excellent GP2040-CE firmware. Plus, 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 very screen. To meet your tournament needs, the M Ultra Gen2 has SOCD cleaning modes, and there’s built-in web config as well. There’s a lockable USB-C port is in the center back, and you can also utilize the USB-C port on the left side.
Also available in blue, the M Ultra Gen2 has an elegant black design with subtle accents, and it’s spray painted to prevent fingerprints (and wear & tear).
The M Ultra Gen2’s slimness adds to its aesthetic beauty, 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 happy to print the art for you.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2’s aluminum alloy relieves you from fingerprints, 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 being for your left pinky to press. The Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons quickly. The input latency is less than a millisecond, and you can even make use of turbo for fast inputs with little work.
The R16’s onboard screen reveals aspects 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 that are tiny.
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.
The R16 is a beauty, especially due to the LED when you press its buttons. The controller can also accept custom artwork to make your controller match your tastes. If you prefer black controllers, this controller can come in black too. Otherwise, we can print some art for you.
Why to Buy
If you love acrylic, and if you’d rather use a left pinky button than a left thumb button, then the R16 is for you.
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 swift presses. There is another edition with less buttons too. Fantastically, the latency of the buttons is less than a millisecond.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges for the comfort of your palms and wrists. There are non-slip feet to make your controller stay in place 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 could insert an adapter for more compatibility options.
The SOCD cleaning includes the common modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority, so tournament legality should not be a problem for you. Plus, the T16’s screen lets you know your inputs, input mode, and SOCD mode.
LED makes the T16 even more attractive when you press its buttons. You may also be glad to know that the art of the controller is customizable, so you can have characters from your favorite series displayed on it. Let’s print that art for your controller!
Why to Buy
Given that the T16 has all large buttons, it’s most recommended if you’re a player with bigger hands.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Haute42 U16
The Haute42 U16 combines plexiglass on top with an injection molded bottom. The controller has 16 buttons, which are enough for modern fighting games, and the U12 edition only has 12 buttons if you do not need a lot of buttons.
The buttons of the U16 have a satisfyingly smooth texture, and the button rings make you feel like you are pressing real arcade buttons. For your convenience, the jump button is larger than the rest, allowing you to press it without needing to be too precise.
The U16’s Crystal linear switches are fast and relatively quiet. Another awesome aspect is the size of the wrist resting area you can enjoy when playing with this spacious controller. Yet another neat 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 play with a controller on a desk or your lap, the U16 has got you covered. The controller comes with built-in pads so that it does not slide around when you game.
If you would like to place the U16 on your lap, the controller is large enough not to have to squeeze your legs together, and the controller’s lightness makes gaming marathons more comfortable. The controller is also thin, and it might even fit into a laptop or tablet sleeve you already own.
When you order the U16, Haute42 ships a USB-C to A cable with it, and it is detachable. If you would like to extend the controller’s compatibility, you can insert an adapter into the EXT port.
With the U16, you also get an extra switch as well as a switch puller because of the hot swappable switches that allow you to customize the controller further. The buttons are also changeable.
You may be excited to know that the U16 is one of the easier Haute42 controllers to customize the art of to represent your personality. Just unscrew the plexiglass on top, insert your new art print, and screw the plexiglass back on.
Why to Buy
The U16’s most impressive feature is its button rings, which make you feel like you’re pressing real 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 come out with the E16 Mirrored. This controller features a southpaw layout in which the attack buttons are 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 over time. You’d 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 decent size). The jump button is 25.8 mm to make it easier to touch with either thumb. There are several function buttons—in addition to a tournament lock.
The turbo function is back as well, so if you’d like to just press a button once and have that result in multiple inputs, the E16 lets you do that.
The Wind Engine switches the E16 uses have been increasing in popularity. These low profile switches are fast, smooth, and quiet, but because they’re hot swappable, you can install other compatible switches you may prefer.
The screen is back too, so you can see important information on your E16 like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
You can even see button presses happening in real time. That said, the thin E16 is a smaller controller, making it transportable—while still being wide enough to set on your legs. With non-slip mats per bottom corner, the controller should stay stable on a desk too. Moreover, the surface and buttons are smooth.
Because of the 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 USB-C port in the back. There’s another USB-C port found on the left side as well.
In classic Haute42 fashion, the E16 has custom RGB LED that can bring the button rims to life with some beautiful lighting. You conveniently adjust some of the controller’s settings by way of web configuration.
Why to Buy
Left handed players who prefer a mirrored layout should definitely consider buying the E16.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
7. Haute42 X1
The X1 is Haute42’s most ambitious controller, which is like having multiple controllers in one. This modular controller comes with three main swappable modules:
- Upper directional buttons
- Lower directional buttons
- Attack buttons
You can get buttons with or without rims. You can also pick the smooth Kailh Wind Engine switches or snappier Kailh Ice Cream switches. Because of the overclocked polling rate, there is less than 1 ms of input delay, so the X1 is fast.
You can rotate the directional button module to find the most comfortable angle. What also adds to the X1’s comfort is its wrist space. Plus, the controller is thin.
With that said, the X1 is a machined aluminum controller, and it features LED that beautifully lights up the buttons as well as what looks like light underneath the controller when you set it on a surface.
The X1’s screen shows your button presses in addition to the input, directional, and SOCD cleaning modes. You can activate the turbo feature as well to just press a button one time and then get multiple button presses in-game.
Here are the free items you should be receiving when you order the X1:
- A couple of extra Haute42 switches
- Switch puller
- USB cable
- Manual
- Black bag
Haute42 fans and newcomers should consider the X1 for sure. It adds a new layer of customization to the Evo award winning company’s line of bestselling controllers, which we at The Arcade Stick have had positive experiences with. We can print art for this controller too.
Why to Buy
There are two main reasons to buy the X1: you can change layouts on the go, and the aluminum hardware is rare.
Where to Buy
8. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
Why to Buy
Fightstick veterans should feel welcome when they use the F700 FLAT Elite’s arcade-style buttons.
Where to Buy
9. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
After the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s immense success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller that has all buttons. This controller is thinner than last time, so it’s likelier to fit into a laptop sleeve you already have.
Compared to most 16 button controllers, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller does something a little different: the extra buttons are bean-shaped with an ergonomic slant. The new button 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 if needed. Don’t need them? You can just replace them with button lock caps. The controller supports 8BitDo’s Ultimate Software V2 for macros and firmware 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 compatible switches your prefer.
From SOCD cleaning to a tournament lock knob, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller tries to be tournament legal. Also, the controller’s top is made of tempered glass that is smudge-resistant. This is where you can find plenty of space for wrist resting too.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bottom has an anti-slip mat to stop the controller from sliding while you play a game. Also, the magnetic foldable feet allow you to select from more than one angle.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life easier 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 it. The controller’s battery only takes three hours to charge and can go up to 20 hours of use per charge.
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. A cable and manual are also included in your package.
To wrap things up, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can light up through six RGB LED modes. To customize the controller even further, you can add vinyl art to it, such as art that showcases your favorite movie.
Why to Buy
The 8BitDo Controller is one of the rare wireless controllers, and the bean-shaped buttons may give you a competitive edge at tournaments.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Hit Box Ultra
Hit Box Arcade revolutionized the fightstick industry with the use of buttons for directional inputs instead of a joystick, and over time, the rest followed. Here are a couple of ways in which the Hit Box Ultra is better than the first Hit Box:
- The Ultra is compatible with more consoles.
- It comes more readily with C.O.M.B.O. extensions.
C.O.M.B.O. Extensions are the extra keys attached to the buttons to cater for fighting games like Street Fighter 6. For instance, maybe you need to press L3 and R3 for mechanics like the Drive Impact. What’s cool about C.O.M.B.O. Extensions is that you can rotate them to your comfort too.
By the way, the C.O.M.B.O extensions are optional! Otherwise, the 12 main buttons have good spacing between them, and they use Cherry MX Speed Silver switches that are smooth & fast.
The function buttons are in the back, and you can disable them through the tournament lock if needed. Speaking of tournaments, the Ultra features SOCD cleaning to keep itself legal at tournaments.
One of the Ultra’s performance boosters is the foam at the bottom to keep the controller in place while you pull off tough combos.
More interesting hardware elements include the controller’s structure that’s made of steel with thick acrylic on top, and inside, the wiring is simple yet effective. Opening up the Ultra is easy because the bottom panel is magnetic. Not only that, the cable is also detachable.
Vanity-wise, the Ultra looks elegant and slim. You can make the controller look even nicer with custom art, which we can print for you. With that, let’s conclude by mentioning what you should be getting for free with your Ultra order:
- Three sets of a dozen optimizers for silencing and changing travel distance
- Three C.O.M.B.O. Extension protectors
- Three extra C.O.M.B.O. Extensions
- Microfiber cloth
- Sling bag
Why to Buy
The Hit Box Ultra’s rotatable C.O.M.B.O. Extensions open up your gameplay options.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon