6. 2nd Stage Creations
5. Panzer Fight Stick 4
The Panzer Fight Stick 4 is a swappable-panel controller, similar to the Mad Catz TE. The PFS4 is moderately weighty yet still transportable. The finish is smooth. The base is aluminum, and the swappable panels are cold-rolled steel.
The PFS4 has a custom AUX PCB with a plug-and-play wire loom that connects it to various points on Brook PCBs. There are LEDs for player and turbo indicators that shine through light pipes.
The included wiring harness makes connecting a joystick and buttons easy. The front of the PFS4 has a D-sized cut that supports common Neutrik, Switchcraft, and ProCable connectors.
The chassis is available in a few colors, the panel is black for the most part, and you should be able to order plexiglass overlays & order paper art with them. The available hitbox layouts include standard and Shiokenstar.
Order from Jasen’s Customs: DIY / Preassembled
4. FightBox B1
The FightBox B1 is an ultra-thin acrylic controller, but it is decently weighted. It is available in many colors and variations. The thickness is not more than two centimeters, but it is not a malleable controller. It has a layered structure that allows for the placement of custom artwork onto the panel, depending on the edition you choose.
All keycaps are sized 24 mm, and Cherry MX switches are featured. Thanks to hot swapping, you can replace them with your favorite mechanical key switches. Otherwise, the stock keycaps feel & sound good, and they are quite reminiscent of a keyboard. They can be taken out by using your fingers.
The B1 has no significant input lag. There is SOCD cleaning, and the cable is conveniently detachable.
Order from AliExpress
3. Punk Workshop
The acrylic Punk Workshop hitbox is light and easy to carry around. It comes with mechanical buttons as well as swappable SOCD cleaning. You can choose from the colors of black, white, red, clear red, clear blue, or custom. Again, this is an acrylic hitbox, so you can message Sinoarcade your own custom design.
Secondary buttons can be found on the top panel and also on the side. You can swap out the pink silent Kailh BOX switches to customize the feel, tension, and actuation, but Kailh BOX switches are relatively light and close to Sanwa parts feeling-wise. Furthermore, they have a soft bump above the actuation point. The controller’s internal wiring is organized.
Order from AliExpress
2. Slab Mini
The Slab Mini All Button Controller is a sandwich acrylic case controller that has replaceable Cherry MX Clear switches. The six secondary buttons have microswitches, and you can find reset & BOOTSEL buttons in the back. You can submit to the seller a digital art file to receive your Slab Mini with custom art on top and underneath.
The Slab Mini has countersunk top & bottom screws, and there are PLED pipes moreover. RGB LED is supported as well, and there is an OLED display screen. The port of the Slab Mini is USB-C. There is a bigger version of the Slab Mini named the Slab MX.
Order from Etsy
1. FightBox F1
The FightBox F1, also known as the RAC-J800B, is a great deal. It has three Sanwa OBSF-24 directional buttons, one Sanwa OBSF-30 jump button, and eight Sanwa OBSF-30 attack buttons. The secondary buttons are almost impossible to press by mistake, which is a good safety measure during tournaments. SOCD cleaning is featured.
The F1 is made of quality metal, and the panel is comprised of acrylic. You can upload custom artwork when ordering the F1. We at The Arcade Stick have a custom artwork team.
The wiring inside is very organized despite the F1 not having the most spacious interior. The F1 is not too heavy nor too light. There are rubber feet at the bottom to prevent the F1 from sliding around. If needed, you can install your own USB port instead of the stock one.
Order from AliExpress