T16 2023 (T Series)
While the T-Series laid the foundation for Haute42’s success, and even won an EVO award, the lineup is beginning to show its age.
At A Glance
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- The size is great
- Looks awesome fully customized
Cons:
- The Price, while still decent, is overshadowed by other models in terms of value
- The buttons might be too large for small hands.
- Some units have wear and tear issues with the USB-C port.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
Dimensions |
29.6cm X 19.6cm |
Buttons |
16 ( 25.8 mm x 16 ) |
USB-Ports |
1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A (Passthrough) |
Artwork Friendly |
Yes (Front & Back) |
Material |
Double Sided Acrylic/Plastic |
Switches |
Reds (Old) / Crystals (T16-C) |
Price |
₹7300 (Approx.) |
Variations:
The One that Changed Everything
The T16 launched in late 2023 or early 2024, and word spread quickly throughout the FGC. It completely shattered expectations for what a budget leverless controller could offer, to the point that resale prices of competitors like the Snackbox Micro and Razer Kitsune dropped sharply.
The T16 originally shipped with Kailh low-profile Choc V2 switches, which were replaced with Crystal switches in mid-2024. It features translucent button caps, and the box includes a USB-C cable, a switch puller, and an extra red or crystal switch for replacements.
Punching Far Above Its Price
I ordered my first unit in January 2024 and was immediately impressed by the build quality, especially considering the price I paid, which was around $80. My previous leverless was a Snackbox Micro with the Artwork Case (2022), which cost roughly $300 after shipping and customs. It was hard to believe that a controller nearly twice the size could be purchased for a third of the price.
The buttons felt great to press, I noticed no input lag, and setup was completely plug-and-play. The built-in screen is a nice touch; while it’s mostly a gimmick for single-platform players, it becomes genuinely useful if you frequently switch platforms, as it clearly indicates the active input mode. GP2040-CE’s built-in LED and SOCD shortcuts also make changing modes quick and painless.
After my initial hands-on experience, five or six friends ordered the T16 through me, and every one of them was very happy with it.
I’ve since created and installed custom artwork on several T16 units, often swapping out the stock button caps to match the design. The results look especially good with the crystal switches, which began shipping with the T16-C and T12-C models in mid-2024.
A personalized T16 in with Duelpad button caps.
The 26.6mm Era
The T16 uses 26.6mm buttons across the board, matching the layout of the Razer Kitsune (though the Kitsune only has 12 buttons). At launch, this made the T16 easy to recommend, as large, uniform buttons were the standard for full-size leverless controllers, and there were few alternatives to compare against.
This layout is comfortable for players with average to large hands, but those with smaller hands may struggle to reach certain buttons during fast, reaction-heavy moments.
I have average-sized hands, and I didn’t consider this a major issue until I tried later Haute42 models. I strongly prefer the 24mm layout on the S16 or the 20mm buttons on the R16, where the tighter spacing feels far more comfortable for quick reactions. While the T16’s buttons aren’t a deal-breaker, it’s difficult for me to go back after using these newer layouts.
Haute42 themselves appear to have moved on from this design, standardizing on the S16’s more universally comfortable 24mm layout in controllers released from mid-2024 onward.
The Single USB-C Port Holds It Back
The T16 features only one USB-C port. In most cases this isn’t an issue, but a small number of units have experienced port failures after six to eight months of use. My sample size is limited—two controllers shipped to friends, plus reports from a few users in the Haute42 Discord—so it’s hard to gauge how widespread the issue really is.
The T16 has received several revisions, including the T16 V2 and the T16 30th Anniversary Edition, but all versions still use a single USB-C port. This feels especially dated considering that the earlier G and S series both shipped with dual USB-C ports, and every Haute42 controller released since mid-2024 has followed that same dual-port standard.
Still Good, No Longer the Best Value
The T16 remains forward-compatible with GP2040-CE firmware updates, meaning all models continue to benefit from ongoing software improvements. However, since its launch, Haute42 has released multiple controllers in the same (sometimes lower) price brackets that significantly outperform the T16 in terms of features.
These upgrades include improved button caps and switches, RGB LED housings, additional USB-C ports, more premium chassis materials, larger display screens, cable locks, hybrid metal-plastic bodies, and better stock accessories in the box.
While the T16 completely undercut the competition on price at launch, it struggles to compete with Haute42’s newer offerings in terms of overall value in 2025 and beyond.
A Classic, but No Longer a Go-To
The T16 deserves credit for laying the groundwork for Haute42’s rise within the FGC and for proving that leverless controllers don’t need to cost over $200. However, after multiple rounds of iteration and innovation from Haute42, the T16 now feels dated. In 2025, it’s increasingly difficult to recommend when the brand’s newer controllers offer so much more for the same money.