Gonna be that guy and have to say the Akuma Edition Kitsune. The etched artwork is incredible, the switches are lightening quick, great ergonomics (for me personally), along with all the other built in features. My only complaint is lack of ring lighting around the buttons or access to Razer chroma, but a small nitpick in an overall great package.
@@therealhudlesshorseman That etched artwork is indeed a thing of beauty. I was hoping the Cammy and Chun editions would be like that instead of a decal/sticker. Razer did themselves proud with the Akuma version.
Thanks Vid Vayder! We're really excited to be included in your 2024 picks! It means a lot to us to have our Vertibox prototype recognized by you. Thanks for the support as we work toward our launch!
Of course! The Vertibox is unique and very exciting and what you're trying to do is incredibly difficult. I'm looking forward to seeing how the project progresses. Thanks again for sending it to me ❤️
I've started my hitbox journey with the Haute 42 G16 and after a summer of playing around with that thing, I'm completely sold in trying out other hitboxes in 2025
Thank you for a great full of valuable reviews and increasing quality videos! Best of luck for the year to come, I can't wait to see more of your channel !
The Varmilo FK2 has Hall effect keys and it's light years above the others. You can be blocking let off block and still hit the button before a full release of it to insta block again.
DOIO Hitpad Standart v2 support both Gateron and Kailh switches. You can recognize v2 by the buttons, they will not have the spiral pattern but rather be smooth instead, as well as it will have a separate circular switch on the top side for LED controls
Personally, i've been thinking of purchasing a leverless controller and one of my options that i realized you have not reviewed (yet) is the LightFox Leverless Controller by SpeedyLabs. I honestly would wait for you to review it before i settle for one option. Great vid, happy holidays!
That one does look really good. I wish the U16 had an aluminium body just like that. I’m not sure if I will review it, depends if SpeedyLabs gets in touch with me. Thanks for the kind words mate, happy holidays to you!
Yeah, same here. Got both at roughly the same time, and while I love the clicky buttons on the Snackbox, the near immediate response of the Kitsune's buttons and the formfactor plus the slightly bigger jump button make it an absolute joy to play on. The only thing I wish they add for a Kitsune v2 is two additional buttons similar to the Haute 42 M+ so you can map different macros there. Other than that very close to a perfect product, for me at least.
Haute U16 with wind engine switches is currently my go to leverless controller. Waiting for an aluminium version of this, or might try the Victrix Pro KO, but yeah.
Thanks for a list of your faves. I bought my firsts this year, the first I got was the Haute42 S16 which I love but the top UBS-C port got loose and inconsistent for me. Luckily, it has the second USB-C on the left so that one is consistent for now and I'm letting my partner use it to try out fighting games. They like using it on their desk anyway, which I can't do as comfortably so I doubt the connection will have issues this go-around. But they aren't super expensive either so I wouldn't avoid buying another, just maybe immediately secure the cables on it so there's no chance gravity causes the connection to loosen. I bought the FK2 as my replacement one and it was a bit weird to get used to. The buttons are all the same size and much smaller than the S16, and it changes how I've had to hold my hands. Before, I'd sort of rest my finger tips on buttons but with the tech Varmilo is using, that slight pressure sometimes gets picked up and I end up holding down a button I don't intend to. Nothing wrong with that, but for anyone curious about the FK2, those are things to consider. You can adjust the actuation point(s) if you'd like, I made mine just a slight bit further down than the default but it's still very easy to trigger it. If they end up making a FK3 that has more customization options and hopefully they get it so we can pin map for consoles, I'll buy the new one if those things happen. They seem to be on the right track so I have faith they'll do well. Hope to see how the Qanba Sapphire shapes up assuming it'll release in 2025.
Ah, I've never experienced that because I don't rest my fingers. But that is the very reason why switch choices might help since a heavier switch along with actuation settings might improve your situation. I agree with them being on the right track, I'm glad Varmilo has entered this space to give us some options. They've been promoting heavily in the east as well so it seems they're in it for the long game. Roll on 2025!
I feel like your #2 is WAY better than your #1, but that could just be because that's the one I own from this list, so eh. Good video. I think I might check out #6, lol
Great list! Love the Haute products for the quality and price-point. I just wish their right thumb button is shifted left to be closer to the jump button. Similar to punkworkshop layouts. My right thumb is naturally resting there to DI in SF6.
Thanks 🙏 I see what you mean about the layout. As a right thumb jumper it would be problematic for me though. The Varmilo FK2 has it quite close as well, but the web config has settings to make the switch actuate at a lower point. Pretty cool idea.
The Haute M16+ would be perfect with the R series layout. I'm not a fan of having extra buttons next to the up key, so I bought the R16...but shorter travel distance sounds perfect because the distance on the R16 really makes it hard to slide, especially with their stiff buttons. It's funny because the rim series was recommended for being good for players who apply slide techs
Yeah, it does require a change in technique. I tend to use the joint and side of my finger to slide on the R. I do find it fun for anything else though.
i only have the U16 and R16 , i hope they make a mix of both, because, i really liked the spacing of the r16 but the layout of the u16, and the plastic case .
Yeah that will be very cool! If you want a metal version of Duelpad Zen, I recommend you go into the Duelpad Discord and let Shaw know if you have any suggestions. He's currently designing a metal Zen right now!
@@VidVayder Yeah I know the guy, he is pretty chill and responds with all kinds of help in their discord. Didnt know that they're making a metal one though :]
Thank you 🙏 I do not have a discount code for them unfortunately. If you’re willing to wait for the next Aliexpress sale there should be some coupons available then. Good luck!
I love my M16+ wind engine, and also have bought the Victrix Pro KO. I'm afraid I would still like the m16+ more and I'm nearly canceling my preorder. I've heard some complaints about the Pro KO buttons like loud noise and high key caps.
M16+ with Wind Engine is the master combo! I have heard the same things about the Pro KO. I think the high key caps won't be too much trouble unless you do slides (Gief). The loudness might be mitigated with the right switches.. you can look up Outemu Silent Cream Yellow on Aliexpress. I haven't looked at the pins on the Pro KO switches myself but they do look like standard MX stuff.
Is the Duelpad zen sturdy? I liked everything I saw about the controller except how incredibly bright and spammy the colors were, and how breakable it seemed. I thought to myself about my snackbox micro, and how I've dropped it a few times but it still workes perfectly. But that duelpad zen seems so breakable.. I do appreciate this video it's fantastic!
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words! The Duelpad Zen feels lighter than it looks, but I haven't been very delicate with it and it has not randomly cracked or broken, so I wouldn't say it's easily breakable. Mind you I have not dropped any of my controllers on a hard floor (maybe I will add drop tests in the future lol). I have heard of people dropping these kinds of controllers and instead of mentioning the body breaking they usually say the USBC port gets destroyed. If you check out my full review you will see me bend it and it's fine. Also, because it's bigger than the Snackbox Micro, it's possible that it won't drop as often because it will sit on your lap better?
@@VidVayder Thank you for responding! Good tips! I did watch your specific review on it. I liked the FK the most, but sadly in eu the shipping is not covered, therefore shipping costed more than the product which didn't sit right with me. Personally I had a bad experience with haute so I want to stay away from it. Thank you for the good tips! I'll keep thinking about the zen. Maybe a new one is just over the horizon
1. M16+ with foam mods + kailh islet switches 2. Pro KO with rubber band mods + kailh islet pink switches 3 U16 with foam mod (button, inside, bottom) + kailh spring switches
The upside of haute42 leverless is that if the gp2040 community manages to implement HE software with the current GP2040 microchip. Then current owners of haute42 will just need to swap the switches to an HE version and update the firmware.
I took it off my R16. But you can buy them from Aliexpress from haute42 official store. I just edited the description with the links to both sizes. 20mm (the smaller buttons) and 25mm (jump button).
Thanks for the video. This might be a stupid question but, I have a haute 14,but whenever I use it, it slides all over my lap. Is there a way to stop it from moving? Was considering getting the big original hitbox to prevent this.
@VidVayder I currently have the t12 but thinking about getting the haute 42 m plus. Does the bottom completely remove the sliding or does it just reduce it?
@@VidVayder thanks, though considering you were a fan of the haute m16 in first place, did you ever experience and sliding in your lap and if you did, what helped to stop ig
I don’t experience sliding. In warmer days I had it on my bare legs so my skin gripped to it. During these colder months I wear onesies, maybe the materials cause good friction? I have my legs split and I have the controller nearer to my knees than my stomach.
So before U16 I mention that Haute42 sent me the T and S pretty late in the year and I had trouble with switches on the T. It’s during my request for subs, which is probably why you skipped 😂 I might do a full review next year since it’s still very popular. Your request is noted!
@@VidVayder I recently found your channel, like and subd. I bought the Haute42 U16 because of your review, used the link with 2 extra blank paper. waiting for it to arrive. thank you! 🤜🤛
What's your number 1?
definitely GRAM Slim Smash and GRAM Pri$m if you're into platform fighters ;)
The Pri$m… don’t even know where to begin with that one.
@@kumite1984 We love to hear it!!
Gonna be that guy and have to say the Akuma Edition Kitsune.
The etched artwork is incredible, the switches are lightening quick, great ergonomics (for me personally), along with all the other built in features.
My only complaint is lack of ring lighting around the buttons or access to Razer chroma, but a small nitpick in an overall great package.
@@therealhudlesshorseman That etched artwork is indeed a thing of beauty. I was hoping the Cammy and Chun editions would be like that instead of a decal/sticker. Razer did themselves proud with the Akuma version.
Thanks Vid Vayder! We're really excited to be included in your 2024 picks! It means a lot to us to have our Vertibox prototype recognized by you. Thanks for the support as we work toward our launch!
Of course! The Vertibox is unique and very exciting and what you're trying to do is incredibly difficult. I'm looking forward to seeing how the project progresses. Thanks again for sending it to me ❤️
I've started my hitbox journey with the Haute 42 G16 and after a summer of playing around with that thing, I'm completely sold in trying out other hitboxes in 2025
Thank you for a great full of valuable reviews and increasing quality videos! Best of luck for the year to come, I can't wait to see more of your channel
!
Thanks for the kind words man. I really appreciate it! All the best to you and yours too 🤝
Great video to wrap up the season.
Fantastic work, cant wait to see what you bring in 2025.
Also V.
Thank you buddy. All the best to you and yours in 2025 👊
The Varmilo FK2 has Hall effect keys and it's light years above the others. You can be blocking let off block and still hit the button before a full release of it to insta block again.
Amazing list!
Thanks for watching 🫶
Amazing video my man, thank you
Much appreciated, thank you!
DOIO Hitpad Standart v2 support both Gateron and Kailh switches. You can recognize v2 by the buttons, they will not have the spiral pattern but rather be smooth instead, as well as it will have a separate circular switch on the top side for LED controls
I haven't tried the v2 yet. I wish they had gone with Kailh switch pins for the v1.
Personally, i've been thinking of purchasing a leverless controller and one of my options that i realized you have not reviewed (yet) is the LightFox Leverless Controller by SpeedyLabs. I honestly would wait for you to review it before i settle for one option. Great vid, happy holidays!
That one does look really good. I wish the U16 had an aluminium body just like that. I’m not sure if I will review it, depends if SpeedyLabs gets in touch with me.
Thanks for the kind words mate, happy holidays to you!
Went from the Snackbox Micro to the Razer Kitsune and haven't really thought about anything else. I love the silent switches.
Yeah, same here. Got both at roughly the same time, and while I love the clicky buttons on the Snackbox, the near immediate response of the Kitsune's buttons and the formfactor plus the slightly bigger jump button make it an absolute joy to play on. The only thing I wish they add for a Kitsune v2 is two additional buttons similar to the Haute 42 M+ so you can map different macros there. Other than that very close to a perfect product, for me at least.
Haute U16 with wind engine switches is currently my go to leverless controller. Waiting for an aluminium version of this, or might try the Victrix Pro KO, but yeah.
Next year definitely try the LVL ABC controller by ASI. With some punk workshop switches. Chefs kiss.
That one looks like a good build. I see Chris_F using that.
Yep that’s where I first was introduced to it. From Chris_F
Got the takitaka H15. It's the only leverless i can use without experiencing hand fatigue 😊
Thanks for a list of your faves. I bought my firsts this year, the first I got was the Haute42 S16 which I love but the top UBS-C port got loose and inconsistent for me. Luckily, it has the second USB-C on the left so that one is consistent for now and I'm letting my partner use it to try out fighting games. They like using it on their desk anyway, which I can't do as comfortably so I doubt the connection will have issues this go-around. But they aren't super expensive either so I wouldn't avoid buying another, just maybe immediately secure the cables on it so there's no chance gravity causes the connection to loosen.
I bought the FK2 as my replacement one and it was a bit weird to get used to. The buttons are all the same size and much smaller than the S16, and it changes how I've had to hold my hands. Before, I'd sort of rest my finger tips on buttons but with the tech Varmilo is using, that slight pressure sometimes gets picked up and I end up holding down a button I don't intend to. Nothing wrong with that, but for anyone curious about the FK2, those are things to consider. You can adjust the actuation point(s) if you'd like, I made mine just a slight bit further down than the default but it's still very easy to trigger it. If they end up making a FK3 that has more customization options and hopefully they get it so we can pin map for consoles, I'll buy the new one if those things happen. They seem to be on the right track so I have faith they'll do well.
Hope to see how the Qanba Sapphire shapes up assuming it'll release in 2025.
Ah, I've never experienced that because I don't rest my fingers. But that is the very reason why switch choices might help since a heavier switch along with actuation settings might improve your situation. I agree with them being on the right track, I'm glad Varmilo has entered this space to give us some options. They've been promoting heavily in the east as well so it seems they're in it for the long game. Roll on 2025!
I feel like your #2 is WAY better than your #1, but that could just be because that's the one I own from this list, so eh. Good video. I think I might check out #6, lol
I did mention that the lack or EXT port is a big thing for me. I am glad you like the Varmilo it’s a super cool controller!
Wooo, good amount of GP2040-CE powered controllers!
I only noticed that afterwards 😅
Great list! Love the Haute products for the quality and price-point. I just wish their right thumb button is shifted left to be closer to the jump button. Similar to punkworkshop layouts. My right thumb is naturally resting there to DI in SF6.
Thanks 🙏 I see what you mean about the layout. As a right thumb jumper it would be problematic for me though. The Varmilo FK2 has it quite close as well, but the web config has settings to make the switch actuate at a lower point. Pretty cool idea.
This sweater is amazing!
Haha thanks bro. They do this in green and blue as well. Guile and Chun iirc. I should look for a Cammy one.
I recently bought the overdrive arcade neo. It's my first leverless. I got it for 1 week now and getting used to playing it with.
That controller looks really nice.
The Haute M16+ would be perfect with the R series layout. I'm not a fan of having extra buttons next to the up key, so I bought the R16...but shorter travel distance sounds perfect because the distance on the R16 really makes it hard to slide, especially with their stiff buttons. It's funny because the rim series was recommended for being good for players who apply slide techs
Yeah, it does require a change in technique. I tend to use the joint and side of my finger to slide on the R. I do find it fun for anything else though.
i only have the U16 and R16 , i hope they make a mix of both, because, i really liked the spacing of the r16 but the layout of the u16, and the plastic case .
Not the first time I've heard this request. Haute42 are always looking for new ideas so who knows what's in the pipeline!
Yes that would be the perfect leverless for me, the spacing is far too wide on the U16
I want haute to make M16+ but with split layout, essentially making a metal version of Duelpad Zen.
Yeah that will be very cool! If you want a metal version of Duelpad Zen, I recommend you go into the Duelpad Discord and let Shaw know if you have any suggestions. He's currently designing a metal Zen right now!
@@VidVayder Yeah I know the guy, he is pretty chill and responds with all kinds of help in their discord. Didnt know that they're making a metal one though :]
Just what I was waiting for! Quality list, do you have a discount code/link for the m16 plus?
Thank you 🙏 I do not have a discount code for them unfortunately. If you’re willing to wait for the next Aliexpress sale there should be some coupons available then. Good luck!
I love my M16+ wind engine, and also have bought the Victrix Pro KO. I'm afraid I would still like the m16+ more and I'm nearly canceling my preorder. I've heard some complaints about the Pro KO buttons like loud noise and high key caps.
M16+ with Wind Engine is the master combo! I have heard the same things about the Pro KO. I think the high key caps won't be too much trouble unless you do slides (Gief). The loudness might be mitigated with the right switches.. you can look up Outemu Silent Cream Yellow on Aliexpress. I haven't looked at the pins on the Pro KO switches myself but they do look like standard MX stuff.
I bought the S16 this year. I really like it but it's too small. A friend bought it then I took a U16. It's the best leverless I've ever used now
Yeah for the size the S feels pretty solid. The T is quite thicc too. I think I would have liked the R with a beefier body like the T.
Watching this video after I just purchased the M16+ ... Let's see where that one ends.
nice video
Thank you mate 👊
Is the Duelpad zen sturdy? I liked everything I saw about the controller except how incredibly bright and spammy the colors were, and how breakable it seemed. I thought to myself about my snackbox micro, and how I've dropped it a few times but it still workes perfectly. But that duelpad zen seems so breakable..
I do appreciate this video it's fantastic!
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words! The Duelpad Zen feels lighter than it looks, but I haven't been very delicate with it and it has not randomly cracked or broken, so I wouldn't say it's easily breakable. Mind you I have not dropped any of my controllers on a hard floor (maybe I will add drop tests in the future lol).
I have heard of people dropping these kinds of controllers and instead of mentioning the body breaking they usually say the USBC port gets destroyed. If you check out my full review you will see me bend it and it's fine.
Also, because it's bigger than the Snackbox Micro, it's possible that it won't drop as often because it will sit on your lap better?
@@VidVayder Thank you for responding! Good tips! I did watch your specific review on it. I liked the FK the most, but sadly in eu the shipping is not covered, therefore shipping costed more than the product which didn't sit right with me. Personally I had a bad experience with haute so I want to stay away from it. Thank you for the good tips! I'll keep thinking about the zen. Maybe a new one is just over the horizon
Shaw is now designing a metal Zen. I encourage you to join the Duelpad Discord and let him know what features you want to see on it 💪
1. M16+ with foam mods + kailh islet switches
2. Pro KO with rubber band mods + kailh islet pink switches
3 U16 with foam mod (button, inside, bottom) + kailh spring switches
Nice list. I haven't tried the Islet Pinks yet. Is it linear/tactile/clicky?
Where do you find the foam mods and the switches? Can you give me a link?
@@VidVayder islet pinks are full size switches which are compatible with the pro ko. It's linear super silent and 37g actuation force so super fast.
Please do a review on the Steelbox Pro. That one seems like the best gp2040 leverless out there.
Is it out already? I've only seen it on kickstarter and it looks pricey £££.
@@VidVayder They've started production and will start shipping from January.
🔥
The upside of haute42 leverless is that if the gp2040 community manages to implement HE software with the current GP2040 microchip. Then current owners of haute42 will just need to swap the switches to an HE version and update the firmware.
Hopefully we get to find out in the next couple of years. I would like some Ink Blank inductions to pair with the Varmilo FK2.
Where did you get the clear caps for the haute u16??
I took it off my R16. But you can buy them from Aliexpress from haute42 official store. I just edited the description with the links to both sizes. 20mm (the smaller buttons) and 25mm (jump button).
@@VidVayder thanks!
Does the Zen have the same distance for the buttons (aside fron the split of course) as the r16? Since I have small hands it can be a good one to buy!
Slightly closer from eyeballing it. Check out my full review of the Zen. I place the R16 plate on top of it for a few seconds.
@VidVayder I will for sure, subscribed too for the amaaazing content 😁
@@helmino8787 thank you 🤝
Thanks for the video. This might be a stupid question but, I have a haute 14,but whenever I use it, it slides all over my lap. Is there a way to stop it from moving? Was considering getting the big original hitbox to prevent this.
Which model of the Haute42 do you have? If it's the M Plus, I think you can buy a felt bottom for it to add grip. Try focusattack.com or etsy.
@VidVayder I currently have the t12 but thinking about getting the haute 42 m plus. Does the bottom completely remove the sliding or does it just reduce it?
I haven’t got the mod myself, but I reckon it will improve the situation a lot since the material should have a lot of friction.
@@VidVayder thanks, though considering you were a fan of the haute m16 in first place, did you ever experience and sliding in your lap and if you did, what helped to stop ig
I don’t experience sliding. In warmer days I had it on my bare legs so my skin gripped to it. During these colder months I wear onesies, maybe the materials cause good friction? I have my legs split and I have the controller nearer to my knees than my stomach.
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@@VidVayder Very similar to my Haute42 T16... why isn't T16 in the list?
You skipped the middle of the video? 😱
@@VidVayder No. U16 and R16 are diferent of T16... I'd like that you can review it, because I am playing flawessly with T16 and I really like it
So before U16 I mention that Haute42 sent me the T and S pretty late in the year and I had trouble with switches on the T. It’s during my request for subs, which is probably why you skipped 😂
I might do a full review next year since it’s still very popular. Your request is noted!
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@@VidVayder I recently found your channel, like and subd. I bought the Haute42 U16 because of your review, used the link with 2 extra blank paper. waiting for it to arrive. thank you! 🤜🤛
@@jozac05 Thanks for the support buddy, I hope you enjoy the controller! 👊
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