Haute42 T16 review – a near-perfect leverless controller?

Since getting the Razer Kitsune, I’ve turn into increasingly used to leverless controllers. Kitsune works on PS5 and PC, and I’ve been wanting to try more controllers like this ever since. Most brands were either too expensive or had very long lead times to deliver these controllers. When I discovered Haute42, the controllers seemed too good to be true for such a low starting price. I purchased a mini Haute42 Board and it was sold. I made a decision to try one other controller from this company and selected the T16, which I purchased a few weeks ago. I wanted something large enough to take a seat comfortably on my lap, and I also desired to try a 16-button controller. Having used it daily since purchase, the controller is incredibly good, nevertheless it does have a few minor issues that hold it back.

While I desired to try certainly one of Haute42’s leverless controllers after liking the Board mini, I also wanted to make use of the 16-button controller to see what a difference it made for me in games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. Haute42 T16 let me I’ll tackle each without delay. While I didn’t get to make use of every extra button, two of them helped me a lot, and in a single situation even forced me to make use of the T16 for shmups. This Haute42 T16 will deal with the controller and the way it really works on the platforms we’re covering: iOS, Switch, and Steam Deck, but I’ll even have a bit on using it on PS5 and Xbox Series X to be as thorough as I can based on my experiences with Haute42 T16. So let’s get into it.

Haute42 T16 controller features, configuration and firmware

The Haute42 T16 is a leverless controller that has 16 major buttons, a small display indicating inputs and mode (which may be customized), very low latency, and a turbo function along with the standard extra buttons you’d expect on a controller. The buttons use low-profile red Kailh switches, and every button is identical size (30 mm). This is value noting because another leverless controllers use smaller buttons for every thing except the jump button at the underside.

The controller has a very interesting design since it is largely a board placed between layers of acrylic. The layer at the highest is transparent, allowing you to position your personal graphics underneath, while the layer at the underside has a matte finish. The buttons support RGB lighting, and the Haute42 T16 controller also comes with a USB A expansion port on the precise side and a USB C port on the highest that you simply use to attach it to whatever platform you are using. The expansion port is what you will use if you wish to use the Haute42 T16 controller on PS5 or Xbox Series X, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

Uses Haute42 T16 GP2040-CE and supports SOCD wipe options. You can customize this and update your controller with a simple drag and drop process. Since it was my first Haute42 controller, I used it this particular YouTube guide for assistance. The official Haute42 Discord server can be very useful for any customization or update related activities. This is certainly one of the simpler controllers to update and customize. I’m also glad I wasn’t forced to do that on Windows like I used to be with the Razer Kitsune firmware update.

Haute42 T16 Controller Compatibility –

What attracted me to the Haute42 T16 controller, aside from curiosity about its quality/price ratio, was its thinness and 16 buttons. But what about compatibility? Haute42 T16 officially supports Windows, Steam Deck, Android, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Switch, MiSTer, iPadOS, Linux and Raspberry Pi as indicated on official website. The lack of support for the PS5 is unquestionably a negative if you wish to use it in local PS5 countries or need to buy a PS5 for your personal PS5.

Once your controller is connected, you should press a specific button (indicated on the back) to make use of it in Switch, PS4, Xinput, Dinput/PS3 or Keyboard mode.

Haute42 T16 controller – package contents

The Haute42 T16 comes with just the controller, USB cable, user manual and accessories (extra switch, switch puller, button caps and anti-slip pads). The controller is housed in a padded envelope and the entire thing is packed in a cardboard box. When it involves using the case or storing the Haute42 T16, I like to recommend getting a laptop sleeve or finding a larger iPad case that matches. I also recommend getting your personal braided USB cable like that.

Haute42 T16 Controller Performance – Buttons and Feels

Using the Razer Kitsune, which I like, I used to be curious how the Haute42 T16’s buttons would work. They feel great. I do not know which I value more highly, but I can confidently say that the Haute42 T16 buttons feel great and work perfectly. I have never had any issues with button size or responsiveness in any game. These buttons and switches may also be easily replaced in the event you prefer to have your personal buttons and switches here.

As for the Haute42 T16 itself, the sides are a bit sharp and it squeaks at times. These are my only minor complaints on this regard. I expected a slight creak, but I hope a future version will fix this problem or make it less of a problem. I do know the Haute42 T16 is more of a DIY controller than the remainder, but these minor issues hold it back.

The buttons I do not like are secondary. The Start, Back, Home and other buttons within the upper right corner aren’t convenient to make use of. I had a similar problem with a few of these in Kitsune, nevertheless it’s generally higher with extra buttons, a minimum of for now. The touchpad and easy-to-click PlayStation input button on the PS5 controller also help.

Haute42 T16 controller – why 16 buttons make a difference

A conventional leverless or hitbox-style controller uses 4 buttons for movement (up, down, left, right) and eight motion buttons, as seen in my Razer Kitsune review. The Haute42 T16 controller or other 16-button Haute42 controllers offer five motion buttons and 11 motion buttons. In terms of movement, the fifth button is situated above the three within the upper left corner. This is for many who are used to WASD movement on the keyboard. I exploit the jump button here when playing shups or platformers, while I exploit the traditional jump button at the underside for fighting games.

As for motion buttons, you may assign them to numerous things. As with most things related to drivers and configurations that I’m not used to, I looked on YouTube and talked to friends who’ve more experience. In this case I discovered it great movie about how the 16 button layout helps in Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. I do not follow it beyond testing, but I’ve since managed to vary a few things to raised suit my needs. At this point, 16 buttons aren’t obligatory, but they definitely assist in specific games and supply comfort.

Haute42 T16 controller customization – graphics, keys and more

The clear acrylic layer on top may be easily removed so as to add your personal artwork to the Haute42 T16. Besides, you may easily customize the buttons and switches on Haute42 T16. You may even add a graphic at the underside to view it from behind, but I like to recommend leaving this alone when you get used to the important thing presses required to change modes.

Problems with the Haute42 T16 driver

Other than the squeaks and edges, my only grievance concerning the Haute42 T16 is that the highest acrylic layer scratches easily. It’s not too noticeable, but after a week of use, I noticed a few small scratches and scuffs on my device. These complaints are minor, nevertheless, considering the sub-$100 price including shipping, but they’re value declaring.

Haute 42 T16 Controller for PS5 and Xbox Series X

Since Haute42 T16 doesn’t work natively on PS5 and Xbox Series X, you will want a dongle or adapter utilized in the pass-through port. I purchased Brook Wingman FGC converter to check different controllers in PS5 fighting games, but I do know there are other options. My Brook for Xbox converter has stopped working because Microsoft keeps updating the console to dam it. Because of this, I ended caring about it on the Xbox side. If you intend on purchasing Haute 42 T16 for PS5, think about the associated fee of the dongle and keep in mind that it won’t work with every native PS5 game.

Haute42 T16 controller vs. Razer Kitsune

I feel weird comparing a sub-$100 controller to a $300 controller, but that is exactly what I did when using each of them. The Haute42 T16 does far more than the Kitsune, nevertheless it doesn’t do every thing as elegantly. It also lacks native PS5 functionality, tournament lock, and is not as comfortable in your lap or table. However, it has more buttons, supports multiple platforms besides PC, and is way easier to customize and modify. They each clearly cover different sides of the market, and with the T16 I even have a controller I can directly recommend to first-time users as a consequence of its low starting price.

Comfort and the like are subjective and ideally everyone could try multiple controllers before purchasing one, but unfortunately for a lot of this just isn’t possible. The Kitsune is far more comfortable on my lap and while playing, and I also appreciate the quieter buttons. I feel like Haute42 (now AKA COSMOX) will solve a few of my issues with the upcoming M Plus line Here.

Right now, my ideal leverless controller could be a Razer Kitsune with 16 buttons like this one. It might be interesting to see what else we get in 2024 from Note not only Haute42, but in addition Razer.

Is it value buying a Haute42 T16 controller in 2024?

Due to the worth, it’s hard to not recommend the Haute42 T16 in the event you enjoy playing fighting games and wish to check out a great no-lever controller in your Switch, PC, Steam Deck, or PS4. For PS5, you should think about the associated fee of the adapter. For iOS, I would not buy this particular controller simply to play on my iPad or iPhone. I’ve used it with Streets of Rage 4 and similar games, but I would not buy the Haute 42 T16 aside from because I need a great controller for PC, Switch, or PlayStation now.

When I first got the controller, I used to be almost able to buy a second one simply to have a backup since it’s so good. It’s not something I’d recommend to everyone, but in the event you’re in search of a incredible leverless controller, the Haute42 T16 is unquestionably value considering. Just think about the squeaking/scratching issue and the incontrovertible fact that you’ll have to buy an extra dongle if you wish to apply it to the PS5.

If you wish to download it, the Haute42 T16 controller will likely be available for $83 (approx.) on Amazon Here. If you choose to purchase one or already own one, I’d like to know what you consider it. Let us know within the comments below and in addition in the event you would love to see a review of a specific controller.