Rather a lot has modified on the earth of controllers since I found leverless controllers. Actually, I’ve discovered myself sticking to leverless or all button controllers as an alternative 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, mainly modified the panorama for most folk with very low value factors, and a number of choices. I coated the Haute42 T16 a number of months in the past as a unbelievable leverless controller and likewise the Haute Board Mini which is a keyboard model arcade controller.
What’s a leverless controller and why do folks like them?
Earlier than going additional, when you aren’t certain what a leverless controller is or why folks desire it, it’s a stickless controller that replaces the normal arcade lever with 4 buttons to symbolize the 4 instructions. The location and sizes of those buttons varies by controller and elegance, however it mainly is designed like the way you’d use the next keyboard keys A (left) S (down) D (proper) and area bar (soar/up) for motion. The remaining eight motion buttons are A B X Y LB RB LT and RT. This covers the principle 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 assume it’s right down to choice, but in addition makes sure inputs so much simpler. I discover myself enjoying higher and feeling much more comfy enjoying video games like Avenue Fighter 6 with a leverless controller, however I’ve observed I gravitate in the direction of my Hori stick for video games like Tekken 8. As for what is healthier, it is determined by 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 number of extra of their funds controllers, however the one which impressed me probably 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, however it is also the primary controller it has launched that looks like one which’s prepared for common shoppers, slightly than having parts of DIY ones. I say this as a result of it has correctly labeled additional buttons, a event lock, higher button placement above the principle controller motion and directional buttons, and even has a significantly better non-slip resolution.
The out of the field expertise for the Haute42 P12 is so much higher than the corporate’s different controllers thus far. 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 (often) on Amazon, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with the Haute42 P12 proper now, assuming you understand what platforms you need 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 Avenue Fighter 6 simpler given the place choices. The P12 is a extra conventional structure, and this permits for a extra compact measurement 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 matches into the physique higher to provide this complete controller a extra polished really feel, slightly than the way it seems within the T16 controller.
Haute42 P12 controller compatibility
The Haute42 P12 formally helps Home windows, Steam Deck, Android, PS3, PS4 (with a dongle), Nintendo Swap, MiSTer, iPadOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi as indicated on the official web site. Not supporting the PS5 natively is unquestionably the most important unfavourable 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 entering into what’s included within the field, the field itself feels so much higher, and extra like a product that you just’d purchase in a retailer slightly 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 minimize foam to guard it. I wasn’t proud of the inventory USB-C cable, so I used considered 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 understand what a distinction the smaller-sized buttons would make. I nonetheless don’t know what measurement 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 every little thing however soar, which is the bigger button as you’ll be able to see within the photographs. 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 Purple Switches. The crystal ones enable for higher mild transmission, however in any other case really feel fairly much like the pink 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 Try 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 Try with the Brook dongle. After Responsible Gear Try, I performed some extra Beneath Evening In-Start II Sys:Celes and Melty Blood. All the pieces labored completely.
Haute42 P12 controller – modding, paintings, switches, and keycaps
Talking of changing button caps, you can even take away the switches it ships with to make use of the Wind Engine ones or any others which might 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 will likely be changing all the T16 ones quickly although.
Haute42 P12 controller points
Other than 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 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 once I work on my MacBook Air as properly, and it has been a pleasant complement for utilizing smaller leverless controllers on my lap.
Find out how to 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 will likely be testing Haute42’s personal Booter 5 dongle when my order arrives. This dongle is inserted into the extension USB A slot on the proper of the P12 and must be plugged in when you play on PS5. Be aware that this solely helps you to play PS5 video games with legacy stick assist and never all PS5 video games. I used the P12 on my desk to play the 2XKO alpha check 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.
In the event you’re questioning why I haven’t coated easy methods to 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 the event 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 funds leverless controller for Swap and Steam Deck
At beneath $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 desire a small sized leverless. There’s at all times the T16 for a bigger measurement and even the R16 that I need to use, however the P12 is great proper now, and one to think about when you’re curious concerning the world of leverless, and desire a funds entry level.
In the event you’d prefer to seize it, the Haute42 T16 controller is often obtainable for beneath $60 (or so) on Amazon on the official sellers right here, right here, or right here. In the event 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 under, and likewise when you’d prefer to see any particular controller reviewed.
In the event you purchase the controllers or gadgets listed and linked above by way of our hyperlinks on Amazon, it helps TouchArcade in a small approach.
