Whether it’s for fighting games or retro arcade fun an all-button control pad, or leverless controller, can come in handy. For fighting games it allows for extremely precise inputs that can be performed in quick succession. Long combos and difficult tech can become easier when you have a consistent tactile response.
Besides fighting titles, other games can benefit from a leverless controller. Tight platforming games can require short inputs which buttons can accomplish easily. Retro gaming certainly feels better on controllers like these, and rhythm games can feel better with a control pad. Whatever your need, we have a leverless controller here for you.
Sehawei 16 Key Arcade Stick
Master extreme combos on a reliable game pad
For a great arcade stick at a great price this 16 key has you covered. Hot-swappable switches and RGB lighting let you customize your game pad, and 1ms delay means instant input response.
This 16 key Haute board arcade stick is an excellent example of a leverless controller. Quality design, good pricing, and all the important features. Gamers of all kinds know the allure of RGB lighting, and it looks great with the clear front panel.
Besides style, this controller has a full key array that use hot-swappable switches, making repair or a custom feel easy. The buttons work wonders in whatever is your game of choice, although, the secondary ones like home and start leave something to be desired.
CosmoxGaming P12 Leverless Arcade Stick
Keep a quality game pad ready in minimal space
This Haute series game pad is designed with quality in mind and offers 12 key controls. The switches are hot-swappable and the black casing accents the RGB lights very well.
Anyone who wants the same awesome features but in a smaller package should look to the P12. You get the same hot-swap switches and RGB common in quality game pads, but in a lighter frame. This dinmished size and weight can cause discomfort for some, but works great for those with smaller hands.
A high diverity of system support is here, however, to use the P12 with the modern Xbox or PS5 you will need to pick up an adapter. Despite the few setbacks this is another excellent controller great for gaming away from home. It also comes in at a lower price than the Sehawei offering.
CosmoxGaming M16 Plus Leverless Arcade Stick
If you want a bigger better P12 arcade stick
This offers all the same benefits of the P12, but with a few upgrades. The casing is now made with aluminum panels, there are 16 keys, and hand placement is easy with a larger frame.
Did you enjoy the quality design and features of the P12 but want something more substantial? If the answer is yes then you need the M16 Plus, it is a bigger P12 but with cool extras. The first difference is more room including 16 keys and an aluminum front panel, allowing for the most comfortable play.
Just as the other boards of similar production this offers hot-swapping, RGB, and snappy button response. You might wonder what the difference is besides its size, but the weight actually matters for play. A higher weight and better footpads means stability when the controller is on a surface. Any slip could mean a wrong input, and no one wants to suffer that.
PXN X8 Arcade Stick
Combine familiar movement with sturdy controls
Don’t give up your familiar movement keys to gain fight stick switches. This controller features keycap movement inputs alongside arcade style action buttons for a hybrid experience.
Arcade buttons are not everyone’s cup of tea for movement keys, some platformers or fighters just work great with the classic WASD method. Thankfully, if you prefer keycap movement, this has an answer for you. The PXN X8 controller offers you the finesse of movement keys with the might of action buttons.
Unfortunately, the move away from Haute style boards means the RGB and hot-swap switches are gone, but this model also has a lower list price. Those looking to try out leverless control and are coming from PC will find this a familiar and affordable pick to use.
Sehawei Haute B16 Arcade Controller
For those who refuse the arcade buttons
Another excellent board from Haute this B16 controller features 16 buttons which all use keycaps. Tighter control size means less travel, and keys can feel more stable versus slick buttons.
Even more keycap power is available to you, and it comes on a Haute board. All the quality features you’ve become familiar with have returned, but this time you’ve got 16 keycaps. Arcade style buttons are a common choice for many. However, keycaps can hold certain advantages.
A set of controls with close inputs means less travel and spread for your hands when playing. For many, travel is not something they consider, but for those experts scraping for milliseconds, it can be a huge difference. Keycaps can sometimes be better for comfort or certain games as well, although the size will mean limited hand space.
Razer Kitsune All-Button Arcade Controller
When you need the best from your controller
Razer blows expectations out of the water with an extreme arcade board. 12 keys, amazing RGB lights, and a removable top plate for custom art, make this a preminum controller.
If you plan to go big, then Razer has the product for you. The buttons on the Kitsune use optical switches that provide incredible response and accuracy. Razer also adds all the best extras beyond just RGB lighting.
The cable comes with a security clasp you’re able to use to ensure nothing will stop you during an important match. Extra hand space for comfort plus a removable front for skins make for the best top panel yet. Compatibility is built-in for PS5 and PC, meaning no annoying setup.
While an amazing leverless controller, it does face some drawbacks. A greater cost is expected though the Kitsune is reasonably priced for a high-end device. The possible concerns are instead a lack of wider system compatibility, and greater difficulty in obtaining switches that fit the low profile.
FAQ
What’s the point of a leverless controller?
When playing games that require very precise movement and inputs standard joysticks can lead to misinputs. The analog nature of joysticks means that an input to the right could also read as up or down due to imperfect motion. Button inputs for movement elimnate this issue as a factor.
What’s good about hot-swap key switches?
Switches that are hot-swappable can be removed from the device without damaging it. Most keyboards and game pads have switches that are permanently affixed to the device. Switches you can swap them to be replaced if they fail, or exchanged for others if you desire a different feel and response.
