Finally, A Mixed-Layout Budget Controller: Tikitaka T15 & S16 Review

I got to try out the S16 and T15, two affordable leverless/all-button controllers from Tikitaka.
Purchase links:
T15 (split layout)
a.aliexpress.c...
Amazon:
www.amazon.com...
S16 (higher quality and RBG, traditional layout)
a.aliexpress.c...
Amazon:
www.amazon.com...

[@Chris_F]

These controllers will also be available on Amazon US in a few days, I’ll update the links when it’s up. Also, this is the last of my videos filmed back in Toronto, so apologies for any audio issues!

[@FelonSealion]

I've been using the T15 for a few months and I love it. The textured buttons were weird at first but I got used to it quickly. Honestly if anything I'd prefer there be even more space between the two hands. I hope the split layout becomes more popular so there are more options, it's much more comfortable for me.

[@unrighteous8745]

I thought I would love this layout, but my Haute 42 T16 wound up being more comfortable. The buttons on the Tikitaka are also really rough and not great feeling IMO. It's not a bad controller, but I was pretty disappointed when I got mine.

[@catalan86]

I wish they came out with regular 12 button layouts

[@Un1234l]

Thanks for this review. If I could justify buying a $150+ (!!!) CAD controller, this very well could be the one to get. It's been the closest to my ideal controller out of what I've seen so far. 24mm buttons, split design, WASD+Hitbox layout, low profile mechanical switches, 30 mm jump.... But alas, my current wireless mechanical keyboard ($300 CAD) is still not far behind enough to justify that purchase. Very tempting dream though.

[@Mcezz606]

I want that layout at 4:56 with an extra pinky button on the left and its my god tier layout :(

[@such-ej]

There is another review of T15 model where they warning about updating GP2040 to the latest firmware. This model has custom firmware, so updating will brick your device and you have to email the seller, they will send you a recovery file and then you can downgrade to previous firmware version. It's quite surprising because I thought all GP2040-based controllers are the same in software part.

[@Chris_F]

Oh wow, I had no idea!

[@vash254]

I've had my eye on these and they are even in my cart on my Aliexpress, but once I got the haute42 r16 with the wind switches I was content. I have five sticks currently and 4 are leverless. I think once I got my wireless hitbox those sitong buttons I realized I'm pretty happy with what I have atm. My next project is a wireless stick with a k lever.

[@such-ej]

Do you use left pinky button on R16? Is it comfortable?

[@vash254]

@@such-ej since it's for heat in Tekken it's pretty comfortable. You don't hit heat raw that often

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I like the look and layout of the split design but at $110 I'd rather buy a mayflash f500 flat or a haute42 t16 and have money to spare.

[@YunisRajab]

Yeah these days with haute I can't consider anything that doesn't play on ps5 for around $100

[@Un1234l]

Understandable. However, the Haute has larger 30mm buttons which may be a con for some. Like me.

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

@@Un1234l The f500 slat would be a good option then but I wont blame anyone for picking this one up. It looks nice. Also look into the Doio stuff.

[@МирославКръстев-с7и]

I've always hated how expensive those hitbox knockoffs are. It costs them less than 5 bucks to produce one, yet are sold for hundreds of dollars. For a knockoff... A gamepad, that is much more complicated to assemble and expensive to produce is cheaper than any of those controllers. We should gaslight people into playing fighting games (or force them against their will, either way works for me), drive the playerbase up along with the demand for controllers, get Chris Pratt to play in the SF6 movie and Zendaya to voice the GGST anime, have the government push nonstop ads for fighting games (like the "got milk?" ad or "you wouldn't download a car"), so companies can finally make controllers cheaper

[@Un1234l]

??? The key switches, machining, materials, labour and expertise, design planning alone costs way more than 5 dollars to acquire. This isn't some low quality Chinese knockoff. This is Japanese assembly.

[@Chris_F]

Less than $5 is a stretch man. The PCB alone is $7 USD, and that’s not even factoring in other parts, production, labor, assembly and shipping

[@similaritiesendhere]

Twice as expensive as Haute42 products and not any better. Oof!

[@Chris_F]

Not true, bc afaik haute doesn’t offer a split model. I know I’ve gotten comments from people with big hands who found the traditional layout uncomfortable

[@similaritiesendhere]

@@Chris_F The split layout is really not an upgrade. It's preference that comes with downsides. The extra space in between makes it harder for each hand to reach over and help the other hand for some advanced techniques (two-handed Korean backdashes). The 30mm jump and textured button caps are also just preferences that shouldn't double the price. Cons: 1. Missing LCD and RGB in the T15 2. No clear top piece to protect custom artwork 3. More expensive than even Haute's all metal model

[@k0L082]

I prefer the split layout. I have the Haute42 and it sucks compare this this. No wonder its cheap

[@similaritiesendhere]

@@k0L082 If you knew how these things were made you wouldn't be saying dumb shit like "Split layout cost more to make". The traditional hitbox layout is based on keyboard spacing. It's hilarious to hear people using a keyboard to complain about buttons on a hitbox being too close. I don't want to get used to split layout because: 1. I don't want pay double for a feature that no one without a medical condition needs 2. I don't want to get comfortable with a rare layout and then be assed-out when I have to use another controller 3. Split layout makes it hard to perform two handed techniques (shifting your right hand over to the left so it can help with difficult directional inputs like "Korean backdashing" Also, your $120 Tikita T15 uses the same PCB, body material and keyboard switches as my $60 Haute42 T16 but has: A. Less buttons B. No LCD screen to test buttons and check SOCD mode C. No RGB D. No clear top to protect custom artwork P.S. Haute42 makes a full-sized, all metal model for what you for paid your plastic Tikitaka. Dude in the video got review models for free. You're the one who paid $120 for a plexiglass, gp2040 device from a company no one's ever heard of.

[@Un1234l]

​@@similaritiesendhere Keyboard players don't put their hands that close together. Typically it's home row or WASD, meaning there're at least 2 keys of separation in between the hands, vs Hitbox layout being right next to each other. Haute also doesn't offer 24mm button versions of their controllers, or split. Is it worth the extra money? Maybe not. But people who want 24 mm buttons and split layout are NOT going to be serviced with the Haute, so the Haute is a no buy from that demographic regardless.