The Leverless Awards
This section highlights different controllers across various categories. If you are unsure which controller to choose, this should help narrow down your options. For more details on any specific controller, refer to the reviews section
Best First Leverless
The “Best First Leverless” is a controller that offers most of the features needed for a full leverless experience at a relatively low cost, making it ideal if you decide the leverless style is not for you and want to avoid a large investment. As a result, these are also the cheapest controllers available. The S16 and G16 stand out thanks to their two USB-C ports and the ability to expand them using 3D-printed extenders. The cheaper B16 follows, which is essentially a compact keyboard.
Best Looking (Stock)
The “Best Looking (Stock)” category recognizes controllers that look excellent out of the box and require little to no modification or custom artwork. It is intended for players who do not want to learn art customization or spend extra on aftermarket button caps. The M-Lite Gold ranks first due to its unique color and finish, followed by the C16 with its RGB ring design, and then the U16 with its black rims and buttons. Both the C16 and U16 can also be customized with artwork if desired.
Best Looking (Modded)
The “Best Looking (Modded)” category recognizes controllers that look exceptional once customized with different switches and artwork. The R16 takes first place thanks to its smaller buttons, arcade-style rims, and slim body, followed by the T16 with its noticeably larger buttons. The G16 ranks third over the S16 due to its layout being more suitable for artwork than the S16’s wall-to-wall button design.
Best Metal Controller
The “Best Metal Controller” category includes all controllers made from aluminium alloy. The winner is typically the most recent metal controller released by Haute42 at the time of publication. The M-Ultra Gen 2 wins over the Gen 1 as it adds ringed LEDs, improved switches, and a cable lock, which the similarly priced Gen 1 lacks. The M-Lite Gold places third, costing about half as much as the other two but offering only a single USB-C port.
Best Final Leverless
The “Best Final Leverless” category recognizes feature-rich controllers that are unlikely to be outclassed in the future. If price is not a concern and you want an ultimate controller that can last your entire fighting game journey, this category is for you. The modular and very expensive X-series wins here, as it can swap between MX, low-profile, or arcade-style configurations. The C-AT, Haute42’s latest offering at the time of publication, takes second place with a massive 18 buttons and strong quality-of-life features. The M-Ultra Gen 2 finishes third.
The Best (Overall)
The “Best (Overall)” recognizes the controllers that excel in both value and features. The C16 takes first place for being outstanding across the board for the average gamer. The C16-S comes in second due to its unique layout, which is not for everyone. The R16 finishes third, offering standout looks and strong features at a low price, despite having only one USB-C port.
