Ever since I got the Razer Kitsune, I’ve become more and more accustomed to stickless controllers. Kitsune runs on PS5 and PC, and I’ve been trying to try out more similar controllers ever since. Most brands are either too expensive or have long lead times to offer a controller like this. When I discovered Haute42, its controller seemed too good to be true, and the asking price was low. I bought a Haute42 Board mini and was sold. I decided to try another controller from the company and settled on the T16, which I purchased a few weeks ago. I wanted something big enough to fit comfortably on my lap, and also wanted to try out a 16-button controller. Been using it every day since buying it, the controller is great but there are a few niggles that hold it back.
While I wanted to try Haute42’s stickless controller after liking the Board mini, I also wanted to use a 16-button controller to see how well it would work for me in games like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 8 Influence. The Haute42 T16 allowed me to solve both problems in one go. While I didn’t find myself using every extra button, two of them helped a lot and even allowed me to shoot with the T16 in one situation. This Haute42 T16 will focus on the controller and how it works on the platforms we cover: iOS, Switch, and Steam Deck, but I’ll also be as comprehensive as possible about how to use it on PS5 and Xbox Series X based on my experience with Haute42 T16 experience. So let’s get started.
Haute42 T16 controller features, settings and firmware
The Haute42 T16 is a stickless controller with 16 main buttons, a small display to indicate inputs and modes (customizable), very low latency, and in addition to the usual secondary buttons you’d expect in a controller. External turbine function. The buttons use Kaihua low-profile red switches, and each button is the same size (30mm). This is worth noting, since some other stickless controllers use smaller buttons for all but the jump button on the bottom.
The design of this controller is quite interesting as it is essentially a board sandwiched between layers of acrylic. The top layer is transparent, allowing you to add your own artwork underneath, while the bottom layer has a matte finish. The buttons support RGB lighting, and the Haute42 T16 controller comes with a USB A expansion port on the right side in addition to the USB C port on the top, which you can use to connect it to whatever platform you’re using. If you want to use the Haute42 T16 controller with a PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’ll need to use the expansion port, but I’ll get to that later.
Haute42 T16 uses GP2040-CE and supports SOCD cleaning option. You can customize it and update the controller using a simple drag-and-drop process. Since this is my first Haute42 controller, I used this specific YouTube guide for help. The official Haute42 Discord server is also very useful for any customization or update related things. This is also one of the easier controllers to update and customize. I’m also glad that I’m not forced to do this on Windows like I was with the Razer Kitsune firmware updater.
Haute42 T16 Controller Compatibility –
What attracted me to the Haute42 T16 controller, besides being curious about its quality (given the price), 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 shown on the official website. If you want to use it on a local machine running a PS5, or want to buy one for your own PS5, the lack of PS5 support is definitely a drawback.
When you plug in the controller, you need to press specific buttons (indicated on the back) to use it in Switch, PS4, Xinput, Dinput/PS3, or keyboard mode.
Haute42 T16 Controller – What’s in the Box
The Haute42 T16 comes with the controller itself, USB cable, instruction manual, and accessories (extra switches, switch levers, button caps, and anti-slip pads). The controller comes in a padded envelope and all in a cardboard box. As for using a case or storing the Haute42 T16, I recommend purchasing a laptop case or finding a larger iPad case that will fit. I also recommend using your own braided USB cable, like this .
Haute42 T16 Controller Performance – Buttons and Feel
After using the Razer Kitsune, which I love, I was curious how the buttons on the Haute42 T16 felt. They feel great. I’m not sure which one I prefer, but I can safely say that the Haute42 T16 buttons feel great and work perfectly. I’ve never had any issues with button size or responsiveness in any game. These are also easily replaceable if you want to have your own buttons and switches here.
As for the Haute42 T16 itself, the edges are a bit sharp and can creak at times. That’s my only small complaint about it. I expect there will be a bit of squeaking, but I hope future revisions will fix this or make it less of an issue. I know the Haute42 T16 is more of a DIY controller than the others, but these little issues hold it back.
The buttons I don’t like are secondary. The start, return, home and other buttons in the upper right corner are not comfortable to use. I had similar issues with Kitsune, but at least it’s generally better for the secondary buttons now. The touchpad and easy-to-click and position buttons for PlayStation input on the PS5 controller also help.
Haute42 T16 Controller – Why 16 Buttons Make a Difference
Traditional stickless or hitbox-style controllers use four movement buttons (up, down, left, right) and eight action buttons, as you saw in my Razer Kitsune review. Choose from 5 movement buttons and 11 action buttons on the Haute42 T16 controller or Haute42’s other 16-button controllers. For movement, a fifth button is located above the three buttons in the upper left corner. This is suitable for those who are used to using WASD movement on their keyboard. I use the jump button here when playing shmups or platformers, and I use the normal jump button at the bottom when playing fighting games.
As for action buttons, you can map them to different things. As with most things related to controllers or settings I’m not used to, I’ve been browsing YouTube and talking to friends who have more experience. In this case, I found a great video on how the 16 button layout helps Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8. I didn’t stick to this except for testing, but did manage to change a few things to better suit my needs since. At this point, 16 buttons aren’t necessary, but they do seem helpful and convenient in certain games.
Haute42 T16 Controller Customization – Artwork, Buttons, and More
The top clear acrylic layer can be easily removed to insert your own artwork into the Haute42 T16. In addition to this, you can customize the buttons and switches in Haute42 T16 without any difficulty. You can even add artwork to the bottom for easier viewing from the back, but I recommend leaving that on as you get used to the keys required to switch modes.
Haute42 T16 controller issue
My only complaint about the Haute42 T16 besides squeaks and edges is that the top acrylic layer scratches easily. It’s not too noticeable, but after a week of use I noticed a lot of small scuffs or scratches on mine. Considering what you’re getting for under $100 (including shipping), these complaints aren’t significant, but they’re worth highlighting.
Haute 42 T16 Controller on PS5 and Xbox Series X
Since the Haute42 T16 itself won’t work on PS5 and Xbox Series X, you’ll need to use an adapter or dongle in the pass-through port. I purchased the Brook Wingman Converter FGC to test different controllers in PS5 fighting games, but I know there are other options. My Xbox converter stopped working because Microsoft keeps updating the console to block it. Therefore, I no longer care about the Xbox aspect. If you do plan on purchasing a Haute 42 T16 for PS5, consider the cost of the adapter, and remember that this won’t work with all native PS5 games.
Haute42 T16 Controller vs Razer Kitsune
It feels weird comparing a sub-$100 controller to a $300 controller, but that’s exactly what I’ve been doing in my head while using them. The Haute42 T16 has a lot more features than the Kitsune, but it’s not as elegant. It also lacks native PS5 functionality, tournament lock, and isn’t very comfortable on your lap or on a table. However, it does have more buttons, supports multiple platforms besides PC, and is easier to customize and modify. They’re both clearly targeting different aspects of the market, and with the T16 I have a controller I can recommend directly to newbies, at a very low asking price.
Comfort and things like that are subjective and ideally everyone would be able to try out multiple controllers before purchasing one, but unfortunately that’s not possible for many people. The Kitsune is more comfortable to sit on my lap and play with, and I appreciate the quieter buttons. I feel like Haute42 (now also known as COSMOX) will solve some of my problems with the upcoming M Plus series shown here.
Right now, my ideal stickless controller is the Razer Kitsune, which has 16 buttons, just like this one. It will be interesting to see what else we can expect from Haute42 and Razer in 2024.
Should you buy a Haute42 T16 controller in 2024?
For its price, it’s hard not to recommend the Haute42 T16 if you like playing fighting games and want to try a great stickless controller on Switch, PC, Steam Deck, or PS4. For PS5, consider the cost of the adapter. For iOS, I wouldn’t buy this particular controller just to play on an iPad or iPhone. I’ve used it in Streets of Rage 4 and similar games, but other than now wanting a great controller for PC, Switch, or PlayStation, I wouldn’t buy the Haute 42 T16.
When I first got the controller, I was almost ready to buy a second one just to have a backup because it was so good. I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone, but if you’re in the market for a great stickless controller, the Haute42 T16 is definitely worth considering. Just take into account the squeaking/scratching issues and the fact that you’ll need to buy an additional adapter if you want to use it with a PS5.
If you want to buy the Haute42 T16 controller, you can usually buy it on Amazon for $83 (ish). If you end up buying it or already own one, I’d love to know what you think of it. Let us know in the comments below and let us know if there are any specific controllers you’d like to check out.
It will help TouchArcade a little if you purchase the controllers or items listed and linked above through our links on Amazon.