Rather a lot has modified on the planet of controllers since I found leverless controllers. Actually, 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 occasions every week for enjoying on Steam Deck or PS5. Haute42, AKA COSMOX, a brand new entrant to arcade controllers, principally modified the panorama for most people with very low value factors, and a number of choices. I coated the Haute42 T16 just a few months in the past as a improbable 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, when you aren’t positive what a leverless controller is or why individuals desire it, it’s a stickless controller that replaces the normal arcade lever with 4 buttons to symbolize the 4 instructions. The position and sizes of those buttons varies by controller and elegance, but it surely principally is designed like the way you’d use the next keyboard keys A (left) S (down) D (proper) and house bar (leap/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 of us desire leverless to conventional arcade controllers, I actually suppose it’s all the way down to choice, but additionally makes sure inputs loads simpler. I discover myself enjoying higher and feeling much more snug enjoying video games like Road Fighter 6 with a leverless controller, however I’ve seen I gravitate in the direction of my Hori stick for video games like Tekken 8. As for what is healthier, it relies on what you’re extra snug with above the rest. Simply having one of the best controller isn’t sufficient if it isn’t snug or causes you further wrist pressure.
Haute42 P12 controller options
Ever since I purchased one thing from Haute42’s retailer on Amazon, I’ve ended up shopping for just a few extra of their finances 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 mildew injection model of a stickless or leverless controller, but it surely is also the primary controller it has launched that looks like one which’s prepared for normal customers, moderately than having components of DIY ones. I say this as a result of it has correctly labeled additional 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 loads higher than the corporate’s different controllers to this point. 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’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with the Haute42 P12 proper now, assuming you realize what platforms you need to apply it to.
One factor to notice is that the P12, because the identify suggests, has 12 buttons not like the T16 that has 16 buttons letting you do much more, and making issues like Drive Influence or Parry in Road Fighter 6 simpler given the place choices. The P12 is a extra conventional structure, and this permits for a extra compact dimension and value level.
The P12 additionally has a small display screen like the opposite Haute42 controllers that reveals the mode it’s in, inputs, and extra. This one specifically suits into the physique higher to present this entire controller a extra polished really feel, moderately than the way it appears 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 most important adverse when you personal a PS5, however this may be fastened 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 moving into what’s included within the field, the field itself feels loads higher, and extra like a product that you simply’d purchase in a retailer moderately than a clean field with a sticker on high. The Haute42 P16 ships with the controller itself, a USB cable, an instruction guide, and equipment (an additional change and a change puller). The controller is housed inside the field with appropriately minimize foam to guard it. I wasn’t proud of the inventory USB-C cable, so I used certainly one of 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 desire, however I can see why some of us have been irritated on the giant buttons within the T16 controller. The P12 makes use of smaller sized buttons for the whole lot however leap, which is the bigger button as you’ll be able to see within the pictures. The button caps are the identical premium-feeling matte end ones, and you may 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 mild transmission, however in any other case really feel fairly much like the purple ones. I’ve ordered the Wind Engine switches they promote to see how they really feel, and can probably 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 Move 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 Below 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 also take away the switches it ships with to make use of the Wind Engine ones or any others which might be appropriate. I like to recommend checking the official Haute42 Discord or Reddit for what’s appropriate as I’ve not modified mine but apart from one or two to check. I shall be changing all the 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 criticism is that it isn’t snug 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 once I work on my MacBook Air as properly, and it has been a pleasant complement for utilizing smaller leverless controllers on my lap.
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 correct of the P12 and must be plugged in whilst you play on PS5. Observe 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 once I can.
Should you’re questioning why I haven’t coated the best way to use this on Xbox Sequence 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.
Should 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 one of the best finances leverless controller for Change and Steam Deck
At below $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 of us who need a small sized leverless. There’s at all times the T16 for a bigger dimension and even the R16 that I need to use, however the P12 is superb proper now, and one to contemplate when you’re curious concerning the world of leverless, and need a finances entry level.
Should you’d wish to seize it, the Haute42 T16 controller is normally obtainable for below $60 (or so) on Amazon on the official sellers right here, right here, or right here. Should 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 when you’d wish to see any particular controller reviewed.
Should you purchase the controllers or objects listed and linked above by our hyperlinks on Amazon, it helps TouchArcade in a small manner.
