Quite a bit has modified on the earth of controllers since I found leverless controllers. The truth is, I’ve discovered myself sticking to leverless or all button controllers as a substitute of utilizing conventional combat sticks for 2D video games. I exploit my Razer Kitsune a number of instances per week for taking part in on Steam Deck or PS5. Haute42, AKA COSMOX, a brand new entrant to arcade controllers, mainly modified the panorama for most people with very low value factors, and a number of choices. I lined the Haute42 T16 a couple of months in the past as a implausible leverless controller and likewise the Haute Board Mini which is a keyboard model arcade controller.
What’s a leverless controller and why do individuals like them?
Earlier than going additional, in case you aren’t positive what a leverless controller is or why individuals want it, it’s a stickless controller that replaces the standard arcade lever with 4 buttons to signify the 4 instructions. The location and sizes of those buttons varies by controller and magnificence, but it surely mainly is designed like the way you’d use the next keyboard keys A (left) S (down) D (proper) and house bar (soar/up) for motion. The remaining eight motion buttons are A B X Y LB RB LT and RT. This covers the primary buttons you’d want throughout gameplay in a fighter, shmup, and even retro video games.
As for why some people want leverless to conventional arcade controllers, I actually suppose it’s right down to desire, but additionally makes sure inputs lots simpler. I discover myself enjoying higher and feeling much more comfy enjoying video games like Road Fighter 6 with a leverless controller, however I’ve seen I gravitate in direction of my Hori stick for video games like Tekken 8. As for what is healthier, it depends upon what you’re extra comfy with above anything. Simply having the very best controller isn’t sufficient if it isn’t comfy or causes you extra wrist pressure.
Haute42 P12 controller options
Ever since I purchased one thing from Haute42’s retailer on Amazon, I’ve ended up shopping for a couple of extra of their price range controllers, however the one which impressed me essentially the most regardless of its flaws, is the Haute42 P12 controller I purchased. Not solely is that this the corporate’s first ABS mould injection model of a stickless or leverless controller, but it surely is also the primary controller it has launched that appears like one which’s prepared for normal shoppers, relatively than having parts of DIY ones. I say this as a result of it has correctly labeled further buttons, a match lock, higher button placement above the primary controller motion and directional buttons, and even has a a lot better non-slip answer.
The out of the field expertise for the Haute42 P12 is lots higher than the corporate’s different controllers up to now. The others have extra flexibility and customization choices, however I’ll cowl {that a} bit later on this characteristic. For the low asking value of $59.99 (normally) on Amazon, you may’t go mistaken with the Haute42 P12 proper now, assuming you already know what platforms you wish to apply it to.
One factor to notice is that the P12, because the title suggests, has 12 buttons not like the T16 that has 16 buttons letting you do much more, and making issues like Drive Impression or Parry in Road Fighter 6 simpler given the place choices. The P12 is a extra conventional format, and this enables for a extra compact dimension and value level.
The P12 additionally has a small display screen like the opposite Haute42 controllers that exhibits the mode it’s in, inputs, and extra. This one particularly suits into the physique higher to offer this complete controller a extra polished really feel, relatively than the way it seems to be within the T16 controller.
Haute42 P12 controller compatibility
The Haute42 P12 formally helps Home windows, Steam Deck, Android, PS3, PS4 (with a dongle), Nintendo Change, MiSTer, iPadOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi as indicated on the official web site. Not supporting the PS5 natively is certainly the largest damaging in case you personal a PS5, however this may be mounted by a dongle like Haute42’s personal Booter 5 or the Brooks Wingman FGC that I exploit.
Haute42 P12 controller – what’s within the field
Earlier than stepping into what’s included within the field, the field itself feels lots higher, and extra like a product that you just’d purchase in a retailer relatively than a clean field with a sticker on prime. The Haute42 P16 ships with the controller itself, a USB cable, an instruction guide, and equipment (an additional swap and a swap puller). The controller is housed inside the field with appropriately reduce foam to guard it. I wasn’t pleased with the inventory USB-C cable, so I used one in all these.
Haute42 P12 controller efficiency, buttons, and really feel
Within the three or so months I’ve had the Haute42 P12 controller, it has labored completely. I didn’t initially notice what a distinction the smaller-sized buttons would make. I nonetheless don’t know what dimension I want, however I can see why some people have been irritated on the massive buttons within the T16 controller. The P12 makes use of smaller sized buttons for the whole lot however soar, which is the bigger button as you may see within the pictures. The button caps are the identical premium-feeling matte end ones, and you’ll exchange them simply.
The Haute42 P12 controller ships with the Crystal switches versus the inventory Kailh Low Profile Crimson Switches. The crystal ones permit for higher gentle transmission, however in any other case really feel fairly just like the crimson ones. I’ve ordered the Wind Engine switches they promote to see how they really feel, and can doubtless cowl these in a devoted modding article sooner or later.
For current testing, I spent a majority of time enjoying Responsible Gear Attempt following its latest replace with the brand new Season Go 4 skins, and likewise revisiting the sport after the final DLC. I used it on my Steam Deck and likewise on my PS5 in Attempt with the Brook dongle. After Responsible Gear Attempt, I performed some extra Underneath Evening In-Beginning II Sys:Celes and Melty Blood. Every thing labored completely.
Haute42 P12 controller – modding, art work, switches, and keycaps
Talking of changing button caps, you may as well take away the switches it ships with to make use of the Wind Engine ones or any others which can be suitable. I like to recommend checking the official Haute42 Discord or Reddit for what’s suitable as I’ve not modified mine but apart from one or two to check. I shall be changing the entire T16 ones quickly although.
Haute42 P12 controller points
Except for the controller being louder than the others I’ve which I anticipated given the plastic physique, my solely actual grievance is that it isn’t comfy for lap play. It feels nice for desk or desk play although. If you wish to play with this in your lap, I like to recommend one thing just like the IKEA OEJULF. I exploit this after I work on my MacBook Air as properly, and it has been a pleasant complement for utilizing smaller leverless controllers on my lap.
How you can use the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5
To make use of the Haute42 P12 controller on PS5, you want a dongle. I exploit the Brook Wingman FGC, however I shall be testing Haute42’s personal Booter 5 dongle when my order arrives. This dongle is inserted into the extension USB A slot on the suitable of the P12 and must be plugged in when you play on PS5. Word that this solely allows you to play PS5 video games with legacy stick help and never all PS5 video games. I used the P12 on my desk to play the 2XKO alpha take a look at from Riot Video games on PS5 the place it labored utilizing my Brook dongle flawlessly. I ended up sticking to my Razer Kitsune for lap play, however thought this was nice for desk play. I’m additionally trying ahead to enjoying extra 2XKO after I can.
In case you’re questioning why I haven’t lined how one can use this on Xbox Collection X, I gave up on utilizing these controllers there after Microsoft has repeatedly pushed out firmware updates to dam them making my Brook Xbox dongle a paperweight.
In case you do plan to get a Haute42 controller for PS5, be sure to issue the dongle value into the equation as properly.
The Haute42 P12 controller is the very best price range leverless controller for Change and Steam Deck
At underneath $60, there isn’t a lot that comes near the Haute42 P12. It isn’t good in fact, and the few points apart, that is going to be the controller I like to recommend to people who desire a small sized leverless. There’s at all times the T16 for a bigger dimension and even the R16 that I wish to use, however the P12 is great proper now, and one to contemplate in case you’re curious concerning the world of leverless, and desire a price range entry level.
In case you’d prefer to seize it, the Haute42 T16 controller is normally obtainable for underneath $60 (or so) on Amazon on the official sellers right here, right here, or right here. In case you do find yourself shopping for it or already personal one, I’d like to know what you consider it. Tell us within the feedback beneath, and likewise in case you’d prefer to see any particular controller reviewed.
In case you purchase the controllers or objects listed and linked above by means of our hyperlinks on Amazon, it helps TouchArcade in a small means.
