1. Haute42 C16
The Haute42 C16 is highly 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.
That aside, 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 inputs, the C16 can let you do so.
The C16 also 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 type, they are hot swappable, so you can go for other switches. Maybe you prefer louder switches, for instance.
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 wish. It’s pretty thin too.
Of course, 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 important info like the:
- SOCD cleaning mode
- Directional mode
- Input mode
- Button presses
Continuing on, 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.
The C16 has a USB-A port that can accept a compatibility boosting dongle like the Brook Wingman XB 3 to make it compatible with the Xbox Series X. Moreover, you can adjust the controller’s settings by way of web configuration.
Aesthetically, RGB LED can make your C16 light up nicely. The art of this controller is also customizable, and we can design the art for you through our artwork service. This way, the controller looks the way you want it—in addition to performing at an insane level.
Why to Buy
The C16 has a right index button, and it also has two extra thumb buttons horizontally aligned—keeping your thumbs in a symmetrical position.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress: C16 / C-AT
2. Haute42 M Ultra Gen2
After the M16 Ultra’s immense success, the award winning Haute42 made a sequel: the M Ultra Gen2. This controller arrives with a cable, spare function buttons, at least one spare switch, and switch puller.
The M Ultra Gen2’s main improvement over the 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 inline, and the buttons generally have less than a millisecond of input lag. To prevent you from pressing the function buttons accidentally, you can activate the tournament lock on the top panel’s far left.
That being said, the M Ultra Gen2 uses the swift Shadow Hunting low profile switches, but if you prefer other switches, you can just hot swap them. The controller also has a curved wrist rest, and the bottom has a grip pad for each one of your legs.
Hardware-wise, the M Ultra Gen2 is a CNC aluminum alloy controller that’s heavy enough to be stable without being too heavy to carry.
The metallic hardware also prevents the M Ultra Gen2 from warping if you gently press on it. As for the controller’s form factor, it makes it possibly fit into a tablet sleeve you already own.
The M Ultra Gen2 runs on the widely popular GP2040-CE firmware. Not only that, there’s an OLED screen to inform you about the:
- SOCD mode
- Input mode
- Directional mode
You can even see which buttons you’re pressing live on the screen. To meet your tournament needs, the M Ultra Gen2 has more than one SOCD mode, 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 a nuisance, and you can utilize the USB-C port on the left side too.
An EXT port can be found on the M Ultra Gen2’s right, and this extra port allows you to insert an adapter like the Brook Wingman XB 3 for Xbox Series X compatibility.
The M Ultra Gen2 has an elegant black or blue design with tasteful accents, and it’s spray painted to prevent fingerprints (and wear & tear).
The M Ultra Gen2’s slimness adds to its appeal, and so does the optional RGB LED that gives the controller more flair. If you’d like to add art to this controller, we’d be glad to print that art.
Why to Buy
The M Ultra Gen2’s aluminum alloy relieves you from fingerprint smudges, 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. The Kailh Crystal low profile switches allow you to press the buttons in quick succession. The input latency is less than a millisecond, and you can even make use of turbo for fast inputs with little effort.
The R16’s onboard screen reveals aspects that include 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 function buttons that are small.
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 the controller’s compatibility. One option for the Xbox Series X is the Brook Wingman XB 3 adapter.
The R16 is a beauty, especially due to the LED when you press the buttons. The controller can also accept custom artwork to make your controller match your style, and we can print the art. There is black edition in addition.
Why to Buy
If you’re an acrylic fan, 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 fast pressing. There is another edition with less buttons if needed. The latency of the buttons is less than a millisecond, which is fantastic.
The T16 is an acrylic controller with chamfered edges for the comfort of your skin. There are non-slip feet to make your controller stay in place when playing a set.
The T16’s USB port conveniently comes out of the back center, and you can find another port on the right, which is where you would insert the Brook Wingman XB 3 adapter for Xbox Series X compatibility.
The SOCD cleaning includes the common modes of up priority, neutral, and last input priority, so tournament legality should not be a problem. The T16’s screen lets you know your inputs, input mode, and SOCD mode.
LED makes the T16 even more stunning when you press its buttons. You may also be glad to know that the art of the controller is customizable, so you can have your favorite character displayed on it. We print such art.
Why to Buy
Since it has all large buttons, the T16 is most recommended if you’re a player with bigger hands.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress or Amazon
5. Haute42 E16
Left handed 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 are on the right.
The E16 brings back the 16 buttons we at The Arcade Stick have gotten used to seeing over time. You’d also receive a manual, USB-C cable, keycap/switch puller, one/two extra switches, and three extra function buttons.
All 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 easy to touch with either thumb’s side. There are several function buttons—plus a tournament lock.
The turbo function is back too, 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 getting some traction. These low profile switches are fast, smooth, and quiet, but because they’re hot swappable, you can install other compatible switches you might prefer.
The screen is back as well, so you can see important information on your E16 like:
- Input mode
- Directional mode
- SOCD cleaning mode
You can even see button presses happen in real time. That said, the E16 is a smaller controller, making it transportable—while still being wide enough to set on your lap.
With non-slip mats per bottom corner, the E16 should stay stable on a desk. This controller is thin. Also, the surface and buttons are smooth.
Because of the RP2040 chip, the E16 runs on the excellent GP2040-CE firmware known for these things:
- Being updateable online
- Decent compatibility
- Pretty much no lag
- Open source
The black right-angle cable comes out from the back USB-C port. In any case, there’s another USB-C port found on the left side. For Xbox Series X compatibility, just insert the Brook Wingman XB 3 adapter into the USB-A port.
Finally, in classic Haute42 fashion, the E16 features custom RGB LED that can bring the button rims to life with some beautiful lighting. You conveniently adjust some of the controller’s settings via web configuration.
Why to Buy
Because of its southpaw layout, the E16 is most recommended for players who are left handed.
Where to Buy
Buy now on AliExpress
6. Haute42 X1
The X1 is Haute42’s most impressive controller yet, and it is like buying multiple controllers in one. This modular controller contains three main modules you can swap out:
- Upper directional buttons
- Lower directional buttons
- Attack buttons
You can get the X1’s buttons with or without rims. You can also opt for 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 lag.
You can rotate the directional button module to find the most comfy angle for you. What also adds to the X1’s comfort is its spacious wrist resting area. Oh, and this controller is slim.
With that being said, the X1 is made of machined aluminum, and it features LED that beautifully lights up the buttons as well as what looks like light under the controller when you place it on a desk or your lap.
The X1’s little screen shows your button presses in addition to the input, directional, and SOCD modes. You can activate the turbo feature as well to just press a button one time, resulting in multiple button presses within the game.
If you would like to make the X1 compatible with the Xbox Series X, there is a USB port where you can insert the Brook Wingman XB 3 adapter. Other than that, here are the free items you should be receiving when you order this controller:
- A couple of extra Haute42 switches
- Switch puller
- USB cable
- Manual
- Black bag
To wrap things up, you should definitely consider the X1. It adds a new layer of customization to the Evo award winning company’s line of bestsellers, which we at The Arcade Stick have had plenty of positive experiences with. We can even print art for this controller too.
Why to Buy
If you’re undecided on a button layout, you can buy the X1 and swap its layout on the go. Its aluminum hardware is also not easy to find elsewhere.
Where to Buy
7. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
Why to Buy
If you come from a fightstick background, you will probably appreciate how the F700 FLAT Elite uses Sanwa arcade-style buttons (instead of keyboard-like switches).
Where to Buy
8. 8BitDo Arcade Controller
After the 8BitDo Arcade Stick’s success, 8BitDo came up with the 8BitDo Arcade Controller that has all buttons instead of a joystick. 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 and slanted for ergonomics. This button shape gives you more surface area to press the buttons without the need for insane precision.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s extra buttons are remappable/programmable if needed. Don’t need these extra buttons? You can just replace them with the included lock caps. The controller supports the 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 for macros, firmware updates—you name it.
That aside, all the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s buttons utilize 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.
Ranging from a tournament lock knob to SOCD cleaning, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller strives to be tournament legal. The controller’s top is comprised of tempered glass that is fingerprint-proof and smudge-resistant. This is also where you can find plenty of space to rest the wrists during a session.
The 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s bottom has an anti-slipping mat to prevent the controller from sliding while you play a game. Also, the magnetic foldable feet made of metal allow you to select from a couple of angles.
Another way the 8BitDo Arcade Controller makes one’s life easier is by connecting wirelessly via 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 a few 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 in the 8BitDo Arcade Controller’s back center. A cable (and manual) are also included in your package.
Let’s wrap up: the 8BitDo Arcade Controller can light up through six RGB LED modes. To customize your controller even further, you can add vinyl artwork to it, such as art that showcases your favorite series.
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 provide you more surface area to press.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
9. Victrix Pro KO
As for the Pro KO’s mounting posts, they allow for a handle or shoulder strap, letting you carry the controller with less fatigue. To wrap up, your order should also come with a protective sleeve and switch puller.
Why to Buy
The Pro KO is recommended if you’d rather have two extra right thumb buttons, and the fact that you can cover any unwanted buttons is quite useful.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon
10. Hit Box Ultra
Hit Box Arcade pioneered using buttons for directional inputs instead of a joystick, and the rest followed. That said, here are a couple of ways in which the Hit Box Ultra is better than the classic 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 modern fighting games like Street Fighter 6. Maybe you need to press L3 and R3 for mechanics like the Drive Impact. What’s also cool about C.O.M.B.O. Extensions is that you can rotate them to your comfort.
Don’t need those C.O.M.B.O. Extensions? No worries, they’re optional. Otherwise, the default dozen buttons have some solid spacing between them, and they use Cherry MX Speed Silver switches that are smooth & fast.
As for the function buttons, they’re in the back, and you can disable them via the tournament lock if needed. Speaking of tournaments, the Ultra has SOCD cleaning for tournament legality.
One of the Ultra’s performance advantages is the anti-slip foam at the bottom to keep the controller in place while you pull off tough combos.
More interesting hardware aspects include the controller’s structure that’s comprised of steel with thick acrylic on top, and inside, the wiring is simple yet effective. Accessing the Ultra’s insides is easy because the bottom panel is magnetic. Not only that, the USB cable is removable whenever needed.
Truth be told, the Ultra looks elegant and slim. You can make it look even more stylish with custom art, which we can print for you. That being said, let’s conclude with 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
When you own a Hit Box Ultra, you own a piece of legacy—a controller from the pioneer of the leverless category—and the rotatable C.O.M.B.O. Extensions are very convenient.
Where to Buy
Buy now on Amazon