1. Haute42 M16 Ultra
The Haute42 M16 Ultra is a sturdy metallic controller that is thin. There is an edition with 12 buttons too. Otherwise, this masterpiece can come in a black or silver version. With LED, the controller’s beauty is boosted.
The M16 Ultra has less than a millisecond of input delay, so you can enjoy responsivity in gameplay. Also, there are multiple SOCD cleaning modes to fit your needs, keeping your controller legal at tournaments.
The M16 Ultra has an info screen, so you can see your inputs live, and you can also know which input & SOCD modes you are currently in.
For your convenience, there is built-in web configuration so you can adjust your M16 Ultra online to meet your needs. As for the useful EXT port, it allows you to insert a dongle for compatibility with the Xbox Series X. An option is the MagicBoots dongle.
Another thing you can do is add custom art to the M16 Ultra to make it reflect your taste. For that, we at The Arcade Stick have an art service.
Order from AliExpress: Ultra / Plus
Order from Amazon: Ultra / Plus
Featured: FightBox F-PRO
FightBoxArcade is an inclusive shop for your leverless needs. With the FightBox F-PRO, you get a whopping 17 buttons, so you can even use the leftmost button with your left pinky. The possibilities have no limits.
Something we often see with modern leverless controllers is that they do not come with standard arcade buttons because they are too slim, but not this controller. The F-PRO comes with Sanwa buttons known for responsivity and durability. Moreover, you can swap them for other reputable brands, such as Seimitsu.
That said, all the buttons are 24 mm except for the jump button, which is 30 mm so you can press it more easily. The function buttons are harder to press, which means you are unlikely to press them accidentally.
Hardware-wise, the F-PRO is made of sturdy metal, and the acrylic on top is not malleable, which is neat. Not only that, the weight is moderate too, and in addition to the bottom feet, the controller should stay in place while you play. Though this controller is not flat, it is still on the thinner side.
Needless to say, the F-PRO features SOCD cleaning support, so you should not be disqualified from a tournament for hitting opposite directions together.
If you are tech savvy, you might be glad to know that the USB port has a couple of screws you can take out to replace that port. Speaking of modding, the wiring inside the F-PRO is organized.
To wrap things up, FightBoxArcade controllers come in different colors like white or black, and they often accept custom art to make your controller represent yourself. Be sure to check out all their models to find the controller you like visually and when it comes to performance.
Order from FightBoxArcade
2. 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 MagicBoots 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. There is black edition in addition.
Order from AliExpress: White / Black
Order from Amazon: White / Black
3. 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 MagicBoots 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.
4. Haute42 U16
The Haute42 U16 has plexiglass on top and an injection molded bottom. The controller has 16 buttons, which are plenty for modern fighting games, and the U12 edition only has 12 buttons if you do not need many buttons.
The buttons of the U16 have a satisfyingly smooth finish, and the button rings make you feel like you are pressing standard arcade buttons. For your convenience, the jump button is bigger than the others, allowing you to press it without needing to be too precise.
The U16’s Crystal linear switches are fast and not loud. Another awesome aspect is the size of the wrist resting area you can enjoy with this big controller. An additional neat feature is the screen that tells you useful information like whether you are using the directional inputs as a left analog stick or D-pad.
Whether you like to play with controllers on a desk or your lap, the U16 has got you covered. You see, the controller has built-in pads so that it does not slide 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 light weight makes long gaming sessions more comfortable. In addition, the controller is thin, and it might even fit into a laptop sleeve you already own.
When you order the U16, you do not have to worry about buying your own cable because Haute42 includes a USB-C to A cable with it, and it is detachable. For Xbox Series X compatibility, you can use the MagicBoots adapter.
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 feel. The buttons are changeable too.
You may be glad to know that the U16 is one of the easier Haute42 controllers to customize the art of to represent your personality. Just unscrew the top plexiglass layer, insert your new art, and screw the plexiglass back on.
Order from AliExpress or Amazon
5. 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 MagicBoots 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.
Order from AliExpress: Standard / Crystal
Order from Amazon: Standard / Crystal
6. 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.
Order from Amazon
7. Mayflash F700 FLAT Elite
8. DuelPad Zen
The DuelPad Zen has 16 buttons, and this controller comes with some freebies that include extra parts & rubber feet. DuelPad calls the Zen’s layout an ergo-split layout, a layout for reducing wrist pain.
Essentially, you would be tilting your wrists at a slight angle when using the Zen, and the movement buttons are farther apart from the attack buttons than what you may be used to.
The Zen’s buttons are smooth, and they sound quieter than a lot of buttons. Also, they should not pop off if you perform advanced techniques like pianoing or sliding.
When you play, the Zen should not slide around, even without having the optional feet on. The controller is light enough to carry without getting tired but has enough weight not to forget that it is still in your hand.
The Zen is slim, but it passed a malleability test when deliberately pressing on the top panel. That said, the controller has USB-C ports in the back and on the left. Needless to say, the cable can be detached.
There is a USB-A port as well where you can insert a converter like the one from MagicBoots to make the Zen compatible with the Xbox Series X. There is also a screen that tells you important info like which buttons you pressed.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Zen is an acrylic controller with matte black and crystal options. The matte black edition uses Ghost switches, while the crystal edition uses White Rain switches. These switches are low profile, linear, swift, and quiet, but if you have another preference, the switches are hot swappable.
The Zen’s beauty can be enhanced with RGB LED, and there are as many as 35 themes. The buttons and controller light up nicely. One last thing: the controller accepts custom art to represent your taste.
Order from AliExpress: Acrylic / Metal
9. DOIO KBGM-H07B
If you are passionate about fighting games, DOIO is a brand that you should be paying close attention to. It has many creative controllers—like the KBGM-H07B.
The KBGM-H07B has 16 primary buttons, and many of those buttons are teardrop-shaped. This means you need less precision to press them, giving you a competitive boost. You can even map buttons online.
The PBT keycaps of the KBGM-H07B are smooth with a slight texture, and they utilize the low profile Gateron Silver linear switches—that are hot swappable. If you have another preference for switches, you can go for it.
With aluminum alloy on top, the KBGM-H07B runs on the excellent GP2040-CE firmware for its compatibility. Also, the little screen tells you information like your input, directional, and SOCD modes.
While the KBGM-H07B is slim, it is has enough weight not to slide around while you play. Not only that, its width also allows you to play with it on your legs at the next tournament—without having to squeeze your legs together.
There are two USB-C ports: in the back and on the left. This way, you can insert the USB-C cable into the KBGM-H07B where it annoys you the least. As for an Xbox Series X adapter like the MagicBoots one, it can go into the USB-A port.
Anyway, the KBGM-H07B’s has LED backlight that makes it glow like a concert. The controller is also offered in many colors. You can four stabilization feet at the partially see-through acrylic bottom too. The feet should not dig into your lap during a gaming marathon.
If the KBGM-H07B is not really your style, be sure to check out DOIO’s other controllers because you are likely to find a controller that fits your criteria.
Order from AliExpress
10. GuileKeys GK-21
The GK-21 is an acrylic controller with 21 primary buttons, allowing you to use the directional buttons with your left and right hands together, but if you do not need 21 buttons, the GK-16 edition only has 16 buttons.
The buttons of the GK-21 have rims. The turbo function allows you to press one button and have that one press result in many inputs, requiring less effort from you.
As for the RGB button, it refers to the LED that the GK-21 has, which shines around the buttons and through the midsection beautifully.
Regarding the GK-21’s switches, they are Kailh Choc Reds that are hot swappable, so if you have another preference, you can change the switches.
Moving on, you can find a screen that lets you know valuable intel to boost your gaming experience. For instance, you can see your button presses on there. You can also see which SOCD cleaning mode the GK-21 is currently utilizing.
When it comes to connectivity, the GK-21 lets you pick from two USB-C ports: a left one and a back one. Compatibility-wise, the RP2040 chip runs on the GP2040-CE firmware known for almost nonexistent input lag less than a millisecond.
If you plan to play on more consoles than the GK-21 supports, there is a USB-A port on the right to boost the controller’s compatibility through an adapter like the MagicBoots one.
Finally, here are some freebies your GK-21 may come with:
- Couple of extra keycaps
- Couple of extra switches
- Switch puller
- White USB-C cable
- Black USB extension cord
Order from Amazon: GK-21 / GK-16