Ever since I purchased my first 8BitDo Arcade Stick, I’ve gotten a bit obsessive about completely different sticks, controllers, and extra for arcade video games, fighters, shmups, retro video games, and extra. When you’ve learn any of our preventing recreation critiques or shmup articles, you’ve doubtless seen those I exploit each day like my Hori SF6 version stick or the leverless controllers I’ve just like the Razer Kitsune and more-recently, Haute42 fashions. I took an opportunity on the Haute42 Board mini as a result of it was very low cost, and in addition could be a brand new fashion of controllers for me with it mainly utilizing full keyboard keys. After spending a number of weeks with the controller throughout a number of platforms, I’m glad I gave it a shot, as a result of it has been eye opening in some ways, but it surely isn’t good.
Haute Board mini – the most cost effective keyboard controller
So what makes the Haute Board mini value overlaying? It’s the least expensive keyboard fashion controller, and was very fascinating to make use of in preventing video games and shmups since I purchased it. As a substitute of a d-pad or a stick like in conventional controllers for motion, the Haute Board mini has motion finished through 4 keyboard keys that act as WASD on the keyboard. Except for motion, the 4 essential buttons act as A B X Y LB RB LT and RT. There are secondary buttons for dwelling, again, begin, left stick press, proper stick press, and turbo as nicely.
Haute Board mini – what’s within the field
Effectively, the Haute Board mini doesn’t truly ship in a field, however a padded envelope. This consists of the Haute Board mini, a USB cable (A to C), equipment (LEOBOG Graywood V4 change, keycap puller, a change puller, two 6mm button caps, six anti-slip pads), and a small instruction handbook. Given the low asking value of the bundle, I didn’t anticipate a unbelievable USB cable, however I like to recommend getting a great one like certainly one of these.
Haute Board mini compatibility
The Haute Board mini works on Home windows, Steam Deck, PS3, PS4, Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS (in my testing), and extra as has been detailed on the official web site. I’ve been utilizing it primarily on iPhone, iPad, Change, and Steam Deck. I additionally examined it on PS5 with an adapter that I’ll get to in a bit.
Haute Board mini efficiency and really feel
Regardless of its low asking value, the Haute Board mini feels very sturdy and the most important enter buttons all really feel nice. It has one USB C port for plugging into different gadgets and a USB A extension port. The Haute Board mini is a wired-only controller. When utilizing it to play video games like Road Fighter 6, Tekken 8, G-Darius HD, Dariusburst, and extra, I had no bother with inputs. I did take a couple of minutes to get used to the Haute Board mini after I initially obtained it although. I’ve additionally used it for some rhythm video games with no bother since.
Haute Board mini on iOS
I didn’t see any point out of iOS for the Haute Board mini after I purchased it from Amazon, however I noticed the official web site listed iPadOS as suitable in keyboard mode. I can affirm it does work in PS4 mode (you may change mode while you plug it in by holding a particular button listed on the controller bottom) within the few video games I’ve been taking part in with controller assist like Streets of Rage 4 and Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop.
Haute Board mini on Change and Steam Deck
The Haute Board mini works flawlessly wired on each Change and Steam Deck out of the field. There’s nothing else required except for plugging it in with the proper button held (indicated on the bottom). On Change, I exploit the Haute Board mini with retro video games, shmups, and fighters. On Steam Deck, barring these, I additionally use it for some older platformers. Something you management with an arcade stick will work high-quality right here, so long as you might be comfy with the keys in fact. Doing 360 and 720 motions on the Haute Board mini is tough for me.
Haute Board mini on PS5 and Xbox
To get the Haute Board mini engaged on PS5, you want an additional dongle. I exploit the Brook Wingman FGC converter, however this solely works for some preventing video games and shmups. It is not going to work in lots of native PS5 video games. The converter doesn’t work in Dragon Ball FighterZ’s PS5 model apparently as nicely. It does work in Tekken 8, Road Fighter, Responsible Gear Try, and others although. On Xbox although, the Brook converter I had been utilizing earlier than doesn’t reliably work as a result of Microsoft retains pushing out updates to dam it. I don’t suggest getting this to be used in your Xbox Collection X.
Haute Board mini software program and options
The Haute Board mini makes use of GP2040-CE and it is extremely straightforward to replace, handle, and customise (software program clever). The board itself doesn’t have
Haute Board mini – customization
It’s straightforward to vary the principle buttons and switches on the Haute Board mini. When you’re as much as it, you may even order a DIY package from Haute42’s net retailer. Talking of customization, I’ve two complaints with the Haute Board mini proper now. The primary is the secondary buttons are exhausting to press or differentiate whereas taking part in with out trying down. You would possibly get used to this, however I might’ve preferred having one or two of them larger than the others so I might press them simpler. The second grievance is a minor one, however is customization associated. Getting your individual artwork on that is fairly exhausting and not using a good high quality sticker print. Haute42 has a template, but it surely isn’t as straightforward as working with artwork for his or her different controllers.
Haute Board mini – must you purchase it
As my first keyboard button fashion arcade controller, the Haute Board mini has been superb. Except for the 2 points I discussed above, I’ve no hesitation in recommending this for those who’re curious concerning the keyboard fashion controller choices accessible. That is reasonably priced and the compatibility is superb. Simply issue within the extra dongle buy if you wish to use this on PlayStation.
When you’d wish to seize it, the Haute Board mini keyboard controller is out there for $40 (or so) on Amazon right here. A brand new Haute Board mini plus AKA the B16 can also be accessible, however I’ll be overlaying that when the controller I purchased just lately arrives. When you do find yourself shopping for it or already personal one, I’d like to know what you consider it. Tell us within the feedback beneath, and in addition for those who’d wish to see any particular controller reviewed.
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