| # | Learn More | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FightBox R1 | Price |
| 2 | Limit Labs Glyph | Price |
| 3 | Superslab | Price |
| 4 | Orca Analog | Price |
| 5 | Cross Cut | Price |
| 6 | RC-OF1 | Price |
| 7 | Leme Tech Mini | Price |
| 8 | Granola Plateau | Price |
| 9 | The Schism | Price |
| 10 | Cubstraption | Price |
1. FightBox R1
The FightBox R1 sports the community favorite layout that was popularized by the likes of the Frame1 and B0XX. There are different button colors available, and you can order the controller with a braided USB-C to GameCube cable.
Made of frosted matte-black acrylic, the R1 was designed for your comfort. There are Cherry MX Black switches, and hot swapping is possible for your convenience.
The ABS keycaps have a light press to them. The PCB is the Raspberry Pi Pico, and the USB type is C, which is the type the fighting game community prefers.
By the way, the FightBox R1 can accept custom artwork, which we at The Arcade Stick can design for you through our custom art service and/or print for you!
Why to Buy
The R1 is a fantastic entry point for newcomers as well as a solid pick for seasoned box users—having the Smash community’s favorite layout in addition to most other features you’d want in a box.
Where to Buy
Buy now from AliExpress
2. Limit Labs Glyph
The Glyph is a controller with many buttons because the primary layout is meant to fit different layouts in one, and because this is a modular controller, you can decrease the number of buttons within minutes if you like.
This Limit Labs controller has PBT keycaps and Gateron linear switches known for light actuation, a short stroke, and lube for smooth inputs.
MX compatible switches are also viable without needing soldering from you. The keycaps can come off with just your fingers, making the process convenient. Moreover, there is LED to add beauty to the controller. The Glyph’s color options include arctic white and anodized gold. You can pick the colors of the parts as well.
Glyphs can have diverse compatibility, depending on your order options, and each cable has its own stress relief anchor to protect the USB-C port. Haystack built upon the preexisting Haybox firmware, and the controller’s firmware remembers your preferences per console.
Why to Buy
The Glyph is the final boss of modular boxes, and whichever layout you find optimal for Smash, this controller should meet your requirements.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Satisfye
3. Superslab
The Superslab is a layered acrylic controller. It is lightweight in a way that makes it convenient for you to travel without sacrificing stability during play. Included is a bottom grip pad, foam key dampeners, and a couple of cables. Also included is a clear art layer to customize the controller to your liking.
The Superslab’s custom polycarbonate keycaps utilize Kailh Choc Red Pro switches with sub-millisecond latency, so you do not have to worry about input delay.
You can express yourself with LED per button. There are dozens of patterns, including a motion sensing mode and unlimited combinations to suit your taste when using the Superslab.
Why to Buy
The Superslab is the kind of box that’s convenient enough to travel with—without sacrificing performance.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Prong
4. Orca Analog
The Orca Analog’s name is based on its inclusion of variable-press analog switches. This controller allows you access to one-button tilt angles as well as two-button wavedash angles.
Add to that a two-stage spring system for physical notch emulation, and if you like micromanaging angled inputs without modifiers, then the Orca Analog may be for you. Oh, and the controller features true neutral additive SOCD.
With that said, the Orca Analog is an acrylic controller with an aluminum switch-plate. It features a combination of low profile Kailh Choc V2 switches, digital Kailh Speed Silver switches, and analog Lekker Linear45 V2 switches. The USB adapter mode is native, and a USB-C to GCC adapter should be included with your order as well.
For compatibility reasons, the Orca Analog runs on an RP2040 processor. The controller allows for easy software updates, making your life easier as a result.
Why to Buy
The Orca Analog’s mixture of switches—including analog ones—is insane, and its longer buttons give you more surface area to press.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Orca Analog Controllers
5. Cross Cut
The Cross Cut can double as a contraption. This controller uses injection molded Rana Labs PBT keycaps that are durable. The keycaps are smooth, and the hot swappable Gateron Clear/White linear switches are quiet, light, and fast.
That said, the Cross Cut’s width is suitable for lap play, especially because the controller is light in a way that should not fatigue your legs.
As for the Cross Cut’s wrist resting space, the upper portions of your palms can rest on the controller. Interestingly, the controller features rumble support with some of the major Smash games.
About Rectangle Corner’s own firmware, it works well. One thing you can do is remap your way to making certain combos easier when using the Cross Cut.
An interesting hardware component of the Cross Cut is the screen in the middle. The screen is helpful because it provides you information like which buttons you are pressing as well as which input mode you are in and which platform you are on.
That said, USB-C to GCC and USB-C to A cables should be included with your order of the Cross Cut. If you need an extra USB-C to GCC cable, Rectangle Corner may be able to provide it for you.
Now, the GCC port in the back center lets you use the Cross Cut like a contraption, which means you can use a GameCube controller alongside the Cross Cut.
If you pop open the Cross Cut, you may be surprised to find a compatibility enhancing dongle already inserted. Back to the bottom, there is actually some grip there.
One of the Cross Cut’s customization features is the keycap color. You can choose between black or white, depending on your taste. Other than that, the appearance of the controller is quite minimalistic.
Why to Buy
In addition to its endless features, it’s hard to find a box with an info screen like the one that the Cross Cut has.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Rectangle Corner
6. RC-OF1
Why wait for the Frame1 to be in stock when you can just get the RC-OF1? Its name stands for the Rectangle Corner Open Frame1, and it’s a variant of Rana Labs’ OFOF1 chassis design.
Even the PBT keycaps are from Rana Labs, a mighty establishment we at The Arcade Stick have become familiar with over time. PBT keycaps can provide you a pleasant texture plus durability, saving you some pennies on any repairs.
As for the hot swappable Gateron Clear/White switches, they can be described as pretty light and smooth—for a seamless Smash experience. More specifically, the Gateron Clears are ideal for precise directional inputs, whereas the Gateron Whites are perfect for jump or shield binds.
The RC-OF1 features charm holes in every corner, and it also hides the sharp edges from the top & bottom panels. The performance is supported by Percival and Haystack’s firmware that boasts from basically nonexistent input lag to SOCD cleaning modes.
Regarding the PCB made by Quark, one of its features is enabling hot swapping—to make your life easier. You can extend the RC-OF1’s compatibility further with a converter.
Needless to say, credit goes to Greg Turbo and Frame1 for the Frame1 platform, which provides the RC-OF1 a lightning fast polling rate with no dropped inputs to worry about.
As for the chassis, it was put together by Bloojay of UMS Ultra. This chassis is held together by nine screws, so it shouldn’t be too tedious to unscrew—if you need to pop open your RC-OF1.
Truthfully, the RC-OF1 has a pretty sleek look. You can even choose the keycap color to make the controller represent your taste.
As a competitive Smash player or even somebody who just plays platform fighters for fun, the RC-OF1 can be a good option—as it offers enough tools for high level play without alienating the casual community.
Why to Buy
The RC-OF1 provides what you probably like about the Frame1, such as a fast polling rate with no dropped inputs, without having to wait for an actual Frame1 to be in stock.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Rectangle Corner
7. Leme Tech Mini
Leme Tech offers a few rad Smash controllers, such as the Mini. This 21 key controller allows you to pick angles via three modifiers—instead of the C-stick (for Melee only). These modifiers are:
- ModX
- ModY
- ModZ
As for the Mini’s keycaps, they’re made of textured PBT. Now, you may be wondering about that one extra key the controller has…
The truth is you can use that modifier as a D-pad activation key in other game modes, which include Smash, Rivals of Aether, and so on.
In any case, a standard layout is available. Not only that, the Mini runs on custom firmware, and on top of that, the software is remappable.
That said, the Mini comes with smooth Gateron Pro Silver switches in the MX style. Fortunately, the switches are hot swappable, so if you have another preference, get swapping!
Moving onward, the Mini’s USB-C port is located in its center back, and for your convenience, you should be getting a USB-C to GCC cable with your order.
Structurally, the Mini is 3D printed from durable PETG. More than that, the bottom panel is made of aluminum. If you have the luck of the Irish, you may find all of the following enclosure colors in stock:
- Indigo
- Emerald
- Dark gray
- Black
If you’re still not sold on the Mini’s concept, Leme Tech’s logic behind it was to make angle access to techniques like Firefox simpler—while opening up more options for techniques like wavedashes.
The result: seven granularity levels for every quadrant—all accessible, all the time—so if this kind of leverage interests you, don’t hesitate to give the Mini a look.
Why to Buy
The Leme Tech Mini is a smooth transition for PC gamers who would like a box that uses keys.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Leme Tech
8. Granola Plateau
Are you suffering from a plateau in your game? If so, your remedy may be found in Granola Arcade’s Plateau. This rectangle controller has plenty to offer you in spite of having a compact size.
Needless to say, you can use the Plateau for platform fighters beyond Smash. Back to Smash though, and with 21 buttons, the Plateau has what you need to dominate in-game.
Through Kailh Choc V2 Red switches—that are linear with a light to moderate actuation force—you can be sure that the 3D printed and textured keycaps are responsive.
At this point, you may be wondering, “What if I’m not a Kailh Choc V2 Red fan?” No worries, the Plateau’s switches are hot swappable without the need for tools or soldering. In other words, if you prefer other Kailh Choc V2 switches—or even V1s—feel free to go for them.
Fortunately, the Plateau comes with a non-slip silicone pad you can apply to the bottom for stability purposes. Because this pad requires DIY application, it means you can also apply some other pad—or just skip it all.
We at The Arcade Stick would recommend placing a controller with such a form factor on a desk for optimal play. Otherwise, the Plateau is portable and sized like a tablet, so you can conveniently take it to your buddy’s place for a quick spar sesh.
The fact is the Plateau is printed from PLA Pro for rigidity and durability. The controller is a single piece, meaning toolless disassembly & repairs—and no need to buy extra tools.
Regarding compatibility, the Plateau uses an RP2040 chip and runs on the Haybox firmware—both great picks. You even get easy access to BOOTSEL controls to customize the firmware as you please. It’s also awesome that this controller’s cable is braided.
Now, it’s time to stack the performance with a beautiful look. You can mix and match the Plateau’s colors as you wish. We’re talking about the color of the enclosure plus the buttons.
For instance, you can have a purple enclosure with a mix of purple, red, green, yellow, and gray buttons. There are dozens of colors to choose from because, with the Plateau, the possibilities are nearly unlimited.
Why to Buy
Due to reasons like its small size, the Plateau is most recommended for casual players, but it still has enough features to perform at a high level if you can fit it on your lap at a tournament.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Granola Arcade
9. The Schism
The Schism is an ergonomic controller. When done with a gaming session, you can just fold the controller to close it. The controller’s layout is based on the B0XX, but the locations, angles, and spacing of the right & left action clusters are tweaked. They are distally rotated along the roll axis, eliminating any need for forearm pronation and ulnar deviation.
You can relax your fingers into a naturally curled position with The Schism, improving reaction time too. The close spacing of the keycaps allows your entire thumb to activate the action cluster of five buttons with minimal movement. There is also a resting pad for your left palm.
If you like concave keycaps, then the injection molded bjart keycaps should be your thing. As for the Gateron Clear switches, they are linear, light, and rather smooth.
The Schism is not much of a burden to place on your lap, so you can enjoy a seamless experience when using it. The controller is made of three pieces of metal with stainless steel screws and nylon knobs & washers to protect your controller’s finish, which is available in different colors.
A third party adapter can enhance The Schism’s compatibility, and you can make adjustments to the controller on the fly, thanks to the open frame design of its modules. Basically, each module is secured by magnets. The modules & boards are open source, and replacement just requires a hex key.
On a closing note, maybe WunVzn wanted The Schism to look minimalistic and more of a mechanism or piece of machinery than a colorful Smash controller. If you take it to the next tournament, you may get some looks!
Why to Buy
The Schism allows you to relax your fingers into a naturally curled position in a way that also improves reaction time.
Where to Buy
Buy now from WunVzn
10. Cubstraption
Cubs created a hybrid, the Cubstraption, that has a GameCube controller on the left and half of a box controller on the right. DIs that are impossible on a regular box controller are possible with the Cubstraption, and Firefox angles should be easier for you as well.
The D-pad, stick, left trigger, and start button of the GameCube controller are active, and the rest of the controller is inactive. You would need to attach your own controller to the Cubstraption.
The Cubstraption’s keycaps are injection molded by Rana Labs, using Kailh Box V2 Red switches with hot swap sockets. The buttons are responsive, and thanks to the two 3D printed molds for mounting the GameCube controller, you can choose a straight or more ergonomic angle.
The chassis of the Cubstraption is made of stacked acrylic to separate the buttons from the motherboard. For internal access, the Cubstraption is easy to take apart. Also, the GCC port’s housing is a nice touch. Finally, it is worth noting that you get different color options when ordering the Cubstraption, so you can pick your aesthetic preference.
Why to Buy
The Cubstraption gives you access to the best of both worlds: directional inputs with a GameCube controller and attack inputs with box-style buttons.
Where to Buy
Buy now from Cubs