1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 ticks the following the criteria:
- 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 style, 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 return, 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 some 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 type, they are hot swappable, so you can install other switches you prefer. For instance, maybe you prefer louder switches.
With 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 in addition. It’s also pretty thin.
Of course, 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 info like your current:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
Fundamentally, 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. Moreover, you can conveniently adjust the controller’s settings by proxy of web configuration.
RGB LED can make your C16 light up like it’s EDC. With four screws holding the top panel together, the art of this controller is customizable. This way, it looks the way you want it—in addition to performing at a high level. Note: We can design the art for you through our custom artwork service.
Why to Buy
The C16 has a right index button, and it 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
Following the groundbreaking success of the bestselling M16 Ultra, the award winning Haute42 came up with a sequel: the M Ultra Gen2. This controller also comes with a cable, few spare function buttons, at least one spare switch, and switch puller.
The M Ultra Gen2’s main difference compared to its awesome 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 because of the overclocked polling rate, the buttons in general have less than a millisecond of input lag. To prevent pressing the function buttons accidentally, you can find a tournament lock on the top panel’s far left.
That being said, the M Ultra Gen2 uses the popular and fast Shadow Hunting low profile switches, but if you prefer other switches, you can just hot swap them.
The M Ultra Gen2 also has a sloped space for your wrists to rest, and the bottom has a grippy design—with a grip pad for each leg.
Structurally, the M Ultra Gen2 is an aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to stay stable but not too heavy to carry around. The metal structure also prevents the controller from distortion when you gently press on it. As for the controller’s size, it makes it potentially fit in a tablet sleeve you already own.
Onward, the M Ultra Gen2 runs on the excellent GP2040-CE firmware. Not just that, there’s an OLED display 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 display. To meet your 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 be an obstacle. You can utilize the USB-C port on the left side as well.
Also available in blue, the M Ultra Gen2 has an elegant black design with tasteful accents, and it’s spray painted to prevent fingerprints, wear, and tear.
The M Ultra Gen2’s slimness adds to the visual 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 can print the art for you.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2 is made of aluminum alloy, 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 being on the left for your pinky. The Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons quickly. The input latency is impressively less than a millisecond. You can even make use of the turbo mode.
The R16’s onboard screen reveals 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 some 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 the controller’s compatibility.
The R16 is a thing of beauty, especially due to the RGB LED when you press its buttons. The controller can also accept custom artwork to make your controller truly represent your taste, and we can print that art. There is a black edition of the controller too.
Why to Buy
The R16 is made of acrylic, and it has a left pinky button instead of an extra 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 Kailh Choc low profile switches for speedy presses. There is another edition with less buttons if you prefer so. The input lag of the buttons is less than a millisecond.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges for the comfort of your hands. There are non-slip feet to make your controller stay in place during matches.
The USB port of the T16 conveniently comes out of the center back, and you can find another port on the right to insert a converter, making 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. The included screen lets you know your inputs, input mode, and SOCD mode.
RGB LED makes the T16 even more stunning when you press the buttons. You may also be glad to know that the art of the T16 is customizable, so you can have your favorite characters on it. Let us print the art for you.
Why to Buy
Because it has all large buttons, the T16 is most recommended if you have larger hands.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
Why to Buy
If you’ve been using fightsticks since 2009, you will probably appreciate how the F700 FLAT Elite uses Sanwa arcade-style buttons (instead of keyboard-like switches).
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
6. Qanba Sapphire
The Qanba Sapphire has 18 Qanba Gravity buttons—some of which have different sizes. The button on the very left is for your pinky.
With that said, the Sapphire’s Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are hot swappable, but if you stick to these standard profile switches, you might be glad to know that they are linear, fast, quiet, smooth, and durable.
Comprised 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 the 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 pick from a long, medium, or short travel distance.
On the Sapphire’s screen, you can see the chosen button mapping configuration. You see, there’s a toggle to cycle through your saved button mapping configurations.
Another nifty 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 lock function, making travel more convenient—especially if you use the shoulder strap. You can also find a headset jack in the controller’s back to stay laser-focused.
One style choice you can make is either a colorful foam slope or just a black flat panel for the wrists. Otherwise, the Sapphire’s bottom pad there has a mesmerizing geometric pattern.
Regarding the Sapphire’s glow button, it’s to control the LED that can shine through the buttons and sides. There are five LED modes total, and if you’d like the controller to stand out even more, consider customizing its artwork (which we can also print for you).
Why to Buy
With 18 buttons, the Sapphire has more buttons than most other 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 massive success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller that has all buttons. This controller is 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 with an ergonomic slant. This 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 quickly remappable if needed. Don’t need such extra buttons? You can just replace them with button lock caps. The controller supports the 8BitDo 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 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 tries to be tournament legal. The controller’s top is made of tempered glass that is smudge-resistant. This is also where you can find plenty of space for wrist resting.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bottom has an anti-slip mat to prevent the controller from sliding while you play a game. Also, the magnetic foldable feet made allow you to select from two angles.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes life easier is by connecting wirelessly through Bluetooth or 2.4G. Needless to say, a 2.4G 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 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. A cable (and manual) are also included in your package.
To wrap up, 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 movie.
Why to Buy
You’re 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
As for the controller’s mounting posts, they allow for a handle or shoulder strap, letting you carry the controller with little fatigue. Your Pro KO package should also come 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 very useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. Novablade Pro
The Novablade Pro is the result of when a veteran keyboard maker, CORSAIR, makes a leverless controller. Essentially, this controller’s buttons are 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 easily. The Novablade Pro also has two extra thumb buttons: one for your left thumb and one for the right thumb.
The Novablade Pro’s Rapid Trigger feature allows its buttons to reset instantly 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 technology cleans simultaneous opposing cardinal directions.
Onward, the Novablade Pro’s switches are also CORSAIR’s own. These MGX Hyperdrive switches are magnetic and feature the Hall effect. More than that, the switches are lubricated—with a double-rail design that should last you 150 million presses!
Having said that, the Novablade Pro has eight G-keys that are programmable to your liking. Five of the G-keys can be found on the main buttons’ right. In fact, the controller lets you swap between button setups fast, thanks to the five memory profiles.
The three remaining G-keys are simply the Novablade Pro’s extra main buttons (left middle finger, left thumb, and right thumb). As for the touchpad, it also serves as a trackpad.
Moving on, the Novablade Pro’s top plate is magnetic and easily removeable. As a whole, the controller is slim and sized well for both desk and lap play—with both surfaces benefiting from a full non-slip base. Also, a USB-C port is located conveniently in the center back. You can connect the controller through one of the following options:
- Braided cable
- Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz wireless
The wireless option works terrifically. 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 lights are off too.
Why to Buy
The Novablade Pro is one of the most feature-rich controllers—from a Rapid Trigger feature that adjusts button actuation to an inclusion of 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 Razer Kitsune’s development. Its low profile Razer linear optical switches have a shorter actuation height, resulting in a fast response time. The jump button is bigger than the rest, so you can hit it with the side of either thumb.
The Kitsune is a lightweight & mid sized controller, and its thinness may remind you of a tablet device. Also, SOCD cleaning makes it legal at tournaments. Speaking of tournaments, the controller has a tournament lock to prevent you from being disqualified by accidentally pausing a match.
Onward, 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-slipping pad at the bottom provides you stability. Not only that, the braided cable is detachable, and the port is lockable.
The Kitsune is a sight to behold. It is powered by Razer Chroma RGB, and the light shines through the controller’s sides. 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 can come in Cammy, Chun-Li, and other editions. Because the controller has an aluminum top panel, you can add custom vinyl art to it, which we print. This way, you get a controller that represents your aesthetic taste 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.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon