Haute42 Leverless Controller Arcade Stick: S16-C Leverless Controller with Kailh Crystal Low-Profile Switches,Leverless Arcade Controller Street Fight for PC/PS3/PS4/Switch Support Hot Swap & SOCD

This is my first leverless stick, I grew up playing arcade cabinets and have used a fair number of arcade sticks that do have levers, and I personally could never reach my full potential with a lever, something about the sweeping motions and diagonals for fighting games just didn't click with me on a lever. This stick however, wow what a difference it made, using 4 buttons as a D-pad instead of a literal pad INSTANTLY improved my own abilities, I now execute moves in fighting games no problem at all and I love it.As for this specific stick, I am new to this brand but I am definitely an instant fan. For PC and Nintendo switch it was just plug and play, you just have to hold a specific button as you plug it in to initialize the mode for that specific console, it memorizes this though so if you repeatedly use it for the same console you don't have to keep doing this. For PS4 it was definitely more of a challenge, you have to use the web config that they outline in the instruction booklet, and do a bit of googling and file management to get it running correctly (if you don't do the web config, the controller times out after 8 minutes on PS4) but once you do it's perfect, works like a dream on my PS4. This stick is on the smaller side, I believe it's intended to have the stick set on your desk/table/whatever in front of you, as opposed to larger sticks which are commonly called "lap pads" because they are meant to sit across your lap. This is not a negative, it's a specific preference, so buy the stick that suits your needs.

I also own the S16 leverless controller, which has an identical profile to this one with the same layout, but this one's buttons have a somewhat different feel to them being more firm.As far as leverless goes, this is a great option. It's very small and compact meaning it's not best for lap play, you kind of would prefer a surface to keep it on.I have not noticed any dropped inputs and the controller is ultra responsive.Works out of the box on PC and Switch, requires a controller or adapter plugged into the EXT port for use on PS4 and will work on some PS5 games that way, you can also use their Booter5 adapter for PS5 games, but the number of them that are compatible with fight sticks is very limited.This model does claim to work on xbox, but you require an adapter like one of the Brook Wingmans for it to work there and I do wish they were more clear about that on the store page.I do think this is a solid Leverless controller though regardless of your needs for it. Includes a replacement switch, button, a switch puller tool and a cable as well as rubber feet to install as needed.

Note: I'm new to this type of controllerPros-Feels well made, especially the base-Buttons are satisfying to use-Custom RGBs for the buttons which is great for different setups; being new to this type of controller, I found the number of buttons to be a little overwhelming but the custom RGB lights make it easier to distinguish the different buttons from each other.-Little screen is useful, especially for testing the button inputsCons-Software is a bit unintuitive to access-Software is a little confusing for beginners-Wish it had an on/off switchOverall: since this is the first type of controller of this kind that I've used, my opinions are of a beginner-level user. I occasionally play fighting games with an Xbox-type controller being my preferred input method, but I could see this unit being my introduction to arcade controllers. I can also see my self using this as a macropad for other PC games. I'm still getting used to the software but, once I get the hang of it, this controller be used more during my gaming. Recommended.

Embarrassingly, I learned how to play arcade games during the early years of emulators using my keyboard. I never had access to hitboxes and the local arcade was too expensive for me to spend a lot of time at. As a consequence, I mastered the art of the button mashing and a joystick was a control that I never developed a muscle memory using. Sounds like other people might have had the same experience because I'm seeing these leverless controllers everywhere now.This is solidly built. Buttons feel so good that I fidget with it when it's not even plugged in. The see-through acrylic does blur the printing a bit, but I love the internal clear case aesthetic. It's TINY! and can fit in a non-woman-pants pocket if you really really tried. It's a perfect companion for a Steam Deck. The only possible complaint I could have is the lack of bluetooth or wireless, but I imagine the input lag would be a nightmare.The box includes a few replacement parts and a keycap (buttoncap?) puller. I'm also including photos of the manual as a reference because I'm pretty sure I already lost it.

The Haute42 S16-C Leverless Arcade Stick is a great deal considering its low price compared to other options. At first, I was concerned that the buttons might come off easily, but surprisingly, that hasn’t happened at all. I even tried pressing them harder on purpose, and they stayed put. The software for setting up the device can be a bit tricky to navigate, but if you stick to the instructions in the manual, you should be okay. The buttons make a satisfying clicking sound, which some people might not enjoy, but I think it’s pretty cool. It’s pretty small and compact, so using it on your lap isn’t really an option.