Review: Hautepad C16 & C16-S Arcade Controllers For Switch 1 & 2
By A little while ago, I reviewed the Hautepad X, Cosmox Gaming’s high-end arcade controller that features modular elements for a highly customizable experience – with an equally steep price as well.
For those who may be hesitant about such an ambitious product but are still curious about why Cosmox has been receiving acclaim in the fighting game community, the C16 and C16-S might be more suitable for you.
Priced at just under $90 (approximately £67) each, these new wired variants are roughly the same cost as the 8BitDo Arcade Controller, and both maintain high quality and features. Compatible with Switch and Switch 2 once you follow the instructions and set the appropriate profile (PS5 and Xbox users will need to invest more in a converter like the Brook Wingman), the C16 and C16-S weigh 789g. Sleek yet robust.
You have hot-swappable keycaps fitted with Kailh Wind Engine switches, which provide a tactile experience without generating excessive noise. Similar to the Hautepad X, you can also replace the switches with ones more to your taste using the included switch puller. There’s a function bar at the top, where you’ll find a small OLED display to show real-time button inputs, lights, tournament settings, and buttons such as ‘start’, ‘select’, ‘capture’, and ‘turbo’. Each of these has its own illuminated labels as long as you have tournament mode disabled.
What distinguishes the C16 from the C16-S? In terms of functionality, they are the same; their appearances are alike, the function bar is consistent, and the USB ports are located identically.
Both controllers come with 16 switches on the top, however, the primary distinction is in their layout. I would categorize the C16 as having a more ‘traditional’ design; it mirrors what is seen on the Hautepad X, 8BitDo’s Arcade Controller, and many other prevalent models. In contrast, the C16-S features a ‘split’ arrangement that rearranges some switches for a more distinctive feel.
Essentially, when resting your hands on the C16-S, all 10 fingers will comfortably land on the switches, with your pinkies on the pill-shaped buttons at the edges, and your thumbs on the same buttons positioned toward the lower center.
If you’re used to a more conventional layout, this may require some adjustment; with Street Fighter 6, for instance, the macro for Drive Impact would be positioned on the far right, necessitating a hit with your pinky to activate it. On the C16-S, this same macro is now centered, requiring you to move your right thumb to engage it.
Of course, you can remap the buttons to your liking using the web configuration tool, so if you wish to shift the Drive Impact macro back to the right, you can. It’s important to remember, however, that if you’re eager to plug and play, you’ll need to dedicate some time to adapting to the layout. One significant drawback is that the OLED display does not align with the layout on the C16-S, meaning you cannot depend on it as a precise reference.
Ultimately, neither model is superior to the other; it boils down to personal preference. If you’re entirely new to the realm of leverless arcade sticks, then the C16 is advisable; its familiar layout is commonly utilized by all arcade stick manufacturers, making transitions between them relatively seamless. If you’re seeking something distinctive, then the C16-S is a rather intriguing setup – one that you won’t easily encounter elsewhere.
On the rear, you’ll discover two basic non-slip strips on either side to keep the controller from sliding on smooth surfaces, along with a button marked ‘push’ on the right. Pressing this activates a pin on the opposite side that pushes the magnetic acrylic cover away from the main unit for easy customization – much like how the magnetic Joy-Con 2 operates.
As standard, Cosmox provides four design templates for each model, along with two additional blank sheets in case you wish to craft your own masterpiece. Aluminum covers have also been released, which add a nice bit of extra heft to the controller, though these are sold separately. As for the acrylic cover, the frosted matte finish feels delightful and resists unsightly fingerprints, but it does slightly obscure the artwork beneath.
Lastly, both controllers showcase some impressive RGB lighting. All primary buttons feature illuminated rims that change color by default. Activating a button results in a white light to signify the input, but you can also disable this feature completely via the function bar.
Encircling the controller, you’ll also find an RGB strip, which looks fantastic when placed on a flat surface in a dim environment. It truly helps the controller stand out, and combined with some custom artwork, it allows for personal expression. Naturally, you can enhance this by customizing the lights to your preference using the configuration tool. You can set specific colors for the buttons and RGB strip, or even prevent them from altering automatically.
Conclusion
The C16 and C16-S are both excellent choices if you’re looking for an accessible arcade controller that exceeds expectations. The decision ultimately hinges on personal taste: the C16 presents a more conventional layout, whereas the C16-S opts for a unique arrangement that seasoned players might want to explore.
Otherwise, aside from minor nitpicks, these are feature-laden controllers with remapping options available via the web configuration tool, and the ability to effortlessly change custom artwork makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy expressing their personalities through their hardware.
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Thanks to Cosmox Gaming for providing the samples utilized in this review.