Borcham S16 Leverless Arcade Stick Review: DIY RGB & Turbo Functions
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick by Borcham. This innovative arcade stick offers DIY RGB and Turbo functions, ultra-low <1ms input latency, and compatibility with a range of devices including PC, Playstation, Switch, and more. With its ergonomic design and portable, slim profile, the S16 is a versatile gaming accessory suitable for a variety of gaming setups. In this review, we will delve into the features, performance, and user feedback to help you determine if the S16 Arcade Stick is the right choice for your gaming needs.
Product Description
The S16 Leverless Arcade Stick by Borcham is a versatile and innovative gaming accessory designed to enhance your gaming experience across multiple platforms. This arcade stick is compatible with a wide range of devices including Nintendo Switch, PC, Playstation 4, Windows, Steam Deck, Raspberry Pi, MiSTer, Android, Linux, iPadOS, and macOS, making it a must-have for gamers with diverse gaming setups.
One of the standout features of this arcade stick is its ultra-low <1ms input latency, achieved through the use of New Kailh Low Profile Switch and Pico2040 chip technology. This ensures lightning-fast response times with minimal delay, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. Additionally, the arcade stick supports firmware updates, allowing for continuous optimization and improvement of performance.
The slim and ergonomic design of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick not only enhances comfort during extended gaming sessions but also makes it highly portable. Its leverless design saves storage space, and the detachable USB Type C cable allows for convenient transportation in a backpack or gaming bag.
Included in the package are the Arcade Stick keyboard, USB Cable Accessories, Kailh Red low-profile Switch, Switch Puller, Button Caps, Anti-Slip Pads, and an Instruction Manual, ensuring you have everything you need to start gaming right out of the box.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Responsive and Comfortable Buttons: Users praise the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick for its responsive and comfortable buttons, making it ideal for intense gaming sessions without sacrificing comfort.
Open Source and Highly Configurable Firmware: The controller's open-source firmware allows for high configurability, catering to the preferences of individual gamers who like to customize their gaming experience.
High Quality at a Reasonable Price: Customers appreciate the high quality of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick at a reasonable price point, offering excellent value for money compared to other hitbox controllers on the market.
Cons:
Not Ideal for Lap Play: While the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick is praised for desk play, users have noted that it is not the most comfortable option for lap play, limiting its versatility in different gaming setups.
Compact Size: Some users have mentioned that the controller's compact size may not be suitable for all hand sizes, potentially causing discomfort for those with larger hands during extended gaming sessions.
Aesthetic Design: While functionality is paramount, some users have commented on the somewhat unconventional and "ugly" design of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick, which may not appeal to all gamers seeking a more visually appealing controller option.
Customer Reviews
The S16 Leverless Arcade Stick by Borcham has received an impressive rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 31 customer ratings on Amazon. Let's delve into what the customers had to say about this innovative arcade stick:
- "It's a little guy, but that's easy to see from the product description. Came with some nice QoL bits my favorite of which is replacement caps for the... (5 stars)"
- "It's as feature rich as it is ugly, and small, I really like it, you can fix the small thing by flipping your $150 snackbox micro xl upside down putti... (5 stars)"
- "Most importantly: the buttons are responsive and comfortable. Moderately important: the firmware is open source and highly configurable. Low importa... (5 stars)"
- "I bought this to play Street Fight 6 and Tekken 8, and I was surprised at how good this controller was for the price point. The buttons are very respo... (5 stars)"
- "Perfect for desk play. Bad for lap play. Model :s16 (5 stars)"
- "High quality hitbox controller for a reasonable price. All these haute42 controllers never disappoint. Very minimal input lag with these excellent GP2... (5 stars)"
These reviews highlight the compact yet feature-rich design of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick, emphasizing its responsiveness, comfort, and overall value for gaming enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The S16 Leverless Arcade Stick by Borcham is a top-tier gaming accessory that offers a plethora of features tailored to enhance your gaming experience. With ultra-low <1ms input latency and compatibility with various gaming platforms including PS3/PS4/Switch/Steam Deck/Windows, this arcade stick ensures smooth and responsive gameplay. The sleek and portable design, along with the detachable USB Type C cable, makes it convenient to carry and store.
The open-source firmware of the S16 allows for highly customizable configurations, catering to individual preferences and gaming styles. The ergonomic design and responsive buttons add to the overall comfort and enjoyment during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of extra accessories further enhances the value of this product.
In conclusion, the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick is a must-have for gaming enthusiasts looking to elevate their gameplay. Its impressive performance, portability, and customization options make it a worthwhile investment for both casual and competitive gamers alike. Upgrade your gaming setup with the S16 and immerse yourself in a seamless gaming experience like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick suitable for multiple gaming platforms?
- Yes, the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick is compatible with various gaming platforms, including PC, PS3, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and even the upcoming Steam Deck. Its versatility makes it a great choice for gamers who enjoy playing across different systems.
What makes the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick stand out in terms of performance?
- The S16 Leverless Arcade Stick boasts impressive features such as <1ms input latency, DIY RGB and Turbo functions, and support for hot swap and SOCD. These functionalities enhance the overall gaming experience by providing quick and precise responses during gameplay.
How ergonomic is the design of the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick?
- The S16 Leverless Arcade Stick is designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring that gamers can comfortably use the controller for extended periods without experiencing discomfort or strain. The compact size and thoughtful button placement contribute to a user-friendly design.
Can the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick be customized to suit individual preferences?
- Yes, the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick comes with open-source firmware that allows for high configurability. Users have the flexibility to customize button layouts, functions, and other settings to tailor the controller to their specific gaming style and preferences.
What are customers saying about the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick?
- Customers have overwhelmingly praised the S16 Leverless Arcade Stick for its responsive and comfortable buttons, high-quality construction, and minimal input lag. The positive reviews highlight the controller's performance, features, and overall value for its price point.
