Some time again, I took a have a look at Cosmox Gaming’s premium arcade controller, the Hautepad X. It options modular elements that present a extremely customizable expertise, and the launch value is equally excessive.
For many who won’t be considering such an bold product, however need to see why Cosmox has earned a lot reward within the combating recreation neighborhood, the C16 and C16-S could also be a more sensible choice.
coming in from beneath $90 (virtually Β£67) Every of those new wired fashions is about the identical value because the 8BitDo arcade controller, however with out sacrificing high quality or options. It is suitable with Change and Change 2 for those who observe the directions and arrange the suitable profiles (PS5 and Xbox homeowners might want to spend extra on converters like Brook Wingman), and the C16 and C16-S weigh 789g. Slim but sturdy.
It options hot-swappable key caps with Kailh Wind Engine switches for a tactile really feel with out making an excessive amount of noise. Nevertheless, just like the Hautepad X, you should utilize the included swap puller to switch the swap with one thing you want extra. On the high is the operate bar, which has a small OLED display screen that shows real-time button enter, lights, event toggles, and buttons corresponding to “Begin,” “Choose,” “Seize,” and “Turbo.” All of them even have their very own light-up labels when Event Mode is turned off.
What’s the distinction between C16 and C16-S? Functionally, the 2 are the identical. They appear related, the function bar stays the identical, and the USB slots are in the identical location.
Each have 16 switches on the highest, however the primary distinction is the structure. I believe the C16 is a extra “conventional” structure. This is identical as what you may discover on the Hautepad X, 8BitDo’s arcade controllers, and lots of different fashions. The C16-S, however, boasts a “cut up” structure that strikes just a few switches round for one thing extra distinctive.
Principally, once you place your hand on the C16-S, all 10 fingers relaxation comfortably on the swap, your little finger on the alternative pill-shaped button, and your thumb on the identical button close to the underside heart.
When you’re used to a extra conventional structure, this will likely take some getting used to. For instance, in Avenue Fighter 6, the Drive Affect macro is on the far proper, so faucet your pinky finger to activate the macro. On the C16-S, the identical macro is moved to the middle and it’s a must to transfer your proper thumb as much as press it.
After all, you possibly can freely remap the buttons utilizing the net configuration device, so all you should do is transfer the Drive Affect macro again to the proper aspect. Nevertheless, if you wish to plug it in and go immediately, remember that the structure will take a while to get used to. One vital downside is that the OLED display screen does not match the C16-S’s structure, so you possibly can’t use this as an correct information.
In spite of everything, neither choice is “higher” than the opposite right here. It actually comes down to non-public desire. When you’re an entire newcomer to the world of leverless arcade sticks, contemplate the C16. Its confirmed structure is extensively utilized by all arcade stick producers, so it is comparatively simple to switch from one producer to a different. When you’re on the lookout for one thing totally different, the C16-S is a really cool little setup that you simply will not simply discover elsewhere.
Irrespective of which mannequin you select, the swap itself feels nice. The correct spacing means all buttons are simple to achieve except you may have very small arms, and combos like “GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-” and “DRAGON BALL FighterZ” are easy and pure. The underside curves barely downward, creating the right area to relaxation your wrist, and boasts a cute pixel design that shimmers within the mild.
On the again, there are two fundamental anti-slip strips on both sides to stop the controller from slipping on easy surfaces, and on the proper aspect there is a button labeled “Push.” If you push this in, a pin will seem on the opposite aspect and push out the magnetic acrylic cowl from the primary physique, making it simple to customise. It is much like how the magnetic Pleasure-Con 2 works.
As customary, Cosmox consists of 4 design templates with every mannequin, in addition to two further clean sheets in case you need to create your individual little masterpiece. Aluminum covers have additionally been launched that add some weight to the controller, however these are offered individually. As for the acrylic cowl, the frosted matte design feels good to the contact and repels nasty fingerprints, however it does barely blur the paintings beneath.
Lastly, each controllers have very nice RGB lighting. All predominant buttons have their very own light-up rims on the skin that change shade by default. If you press a button, a white mild illuminates to point enter, however you may as well disable this fully utilizing the operate bar.
There’s additionally an RGB strip on the skin of the controller, which appears to be like nice when positioned on a flat floor in a darkish room. This makes your controller stand out from the gang and permits for self-expression when mixed with customized paintings. After all, you possibly can take this a step additional by utilizing the configuration device to customise the lights to your liking. You may make the buttons and RGB strips show a selected shade, or you possibly can merely stop them from altering routinely.
conclusion
Each the C16 and C16-S are nice decisions for those who’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced arcade controller that punches properly above its weight. The ultimate selection comes down to non-public desire. Whereas C16 presents a extra conventional structure, C16-S goals to be one thing extra distinctive that skilled gamers will need to attempt.
Different minor quibbles apart, these are feature-rich controllers that may be remapped by way of an online configuration device, and the flexibility to simply swap out customized paintings will make them interesting to those that like to indicate off their persona by means of their {hardware}.
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Due to Cosmox Gaming for offering the pattern used for this assessment.