The Complete Guide to Leverless Controller Customization: Make Button Layout & Top Panel Your Own

What You Can Customize on a Leverless Controller

The appeal of a leverless controller is that you don't have to use it as-is out of the box—you can retune the button layout and top panel design to suit your own hands and preferences. At TIKITAKA FTG, the range of customization differs by model. Let's first organize “what you can actually customize on a leverless” based on what our current models genuinely support.

Button Layout

The button layout is what most directly affects how the controller feels. Finger length, hand size, and pressing habits differ from person to person, so the standard layout isn't always optimal for you. On our flagship model, the “Elite M16B-elite,” you can freely configure the button layout and finish it to a placement that matches your preference. Every button uses a single-unit (independent button) structure and is screw-fixed to suppress rattling, so even after changing the layout, a stable feel is maintained over long sessions.

With the J2A, rather than a full custom order, you customize the layout by “choosing from two types.” Type A is the standard layout, and Type B is a split-type layout. It suits those who prefer to pick from set options first.

Top Panel Design

The top panel greatly influences the look. On the Elite, you can order not only the button layout but also the panel design, finishing it into a one-of-a-kind “my model” to match your use and taste. The top panel uses frosted acrylic, so the part your hands touch is acrylic—a practical benefit in winter, when you're less likely to feel the coldness characteristic of aluminum.

The M3 Aluminum Alloy Series uses a replaceable acrylic top panel. You can customize it with an image of your choice, and swapping the top panel is easy. It's a configuration suited to those who want to start customizing casually, beginning with the top panel.

Note that the Elite's carbon fiber panel does not support panel design customization. Also, the purple custom panel may show slight color variation due to differences in the oxidation treatment between production lots. It's reassuring to keep this in mind when considering a design.

Button Material: Nylon vs. ABS

Feel and sweat resistance change with the button material. TIKITAKA's original nylon buttons and ABS buttons each have a different character.

• Nylon: Characterized by sweat resistance and moderate grip. It resists slipping even with sweaty hands, offering a smooth, comfortable touch.
• ABS: Being plastic-based, its sweat resistance is lower, but it offers a firmer grip than nylon. While keeping a smooth feel, its texture sits roughly between a typical matte-type keycap and a nylon cap.

On the Elite, because the buttons are single-unit structures, you can easily swap to nylon or ABS buttons. Those who worry about hand sweat can choose nylon, while those who want a firmer press can choose ABS—letting you use them accordingly.

Keycap Color & Appearance

Keycaps are the front line your fingers touch and also serve as a visual accent. In addition to the difference in texture by material, the impression also changes with color. Considering the keycap color together with the top panel design makes it easier to create overall visual cohesion. Note that the included spare nylon caps may show slight color variation between production lots, but there is no difference in material or quality.

How Does Full Customization Work? (The Custom Order Flow)

If you want both the layout and design made to your own spec, here is the flow at TIKITAKA FTG. It's based on the steps listed on the Elite and J2A product pages.

1. Prepare your layout file: When considering a custom layout, use the dedicated Elite Custom page to firm up your layout image and prepare a custom file.
2. Order the applicable model: Order a custom-layout-compatible model (the Elite, or the J2A with layout selection).
3. Send the file to customer support: If you purchase a custom layout, send the custom file by email to customer support. When you do, be sure to include your order number. Without an order number, we can't match the customization to the correct order.

If you request customization, production takes about 10 to 14 days (for the Elite). If you have a schedule where you want to use it soon, it's reassuring to plan with this production period in mind.

How to Choose a Full-Custom-Compatible Model

The model you choose depends on how far you want to make it your own. From our current lineup, here are three models from a customization standpoint.

Elite M16B-elite ―― Free layout and free panel

If you prioritize customization freedom above all, the flagship Elite is the choice. You can freely configure the button layout and also order a panel design. From layout to design, you can finish it into a one-of-a-kind “my model.” The housing is CNC-precision-machined, single-piece aluminum alloy with high rigidity and corrosion resistance, and the buttons are single-unit structures that swap easily to nylon or ABS. The switches feature the high-speed “Kasumi” key switch with a 0.5mm actuation point. In addition to the standard version (300×200×18mm), there is a Wide version (360×230×18mm) with a slightly larger top panel; the Wide version offers even greater customization freedom and increased stability when placed on the lap.

J2A ―― Choose a layout, with a top panel that's easy to maintain

If you “don't need a full order but do want to choose the layout,” the J2A is for you. You can select from two layouts: Type A (standard) and Type B (split). The panel uses an integrated magnetic structural design and can be removed without tools, so daily cleaning, maintenance, and panel replacement are easy. The buttons are an independent structure with nut fixing—easy to remove and stable—so modification and maintenance are highly convenient, another strength. With a wide panel design (360×230mm), it secures a comfortable operating space whether on a desk or on your lap.

M3 Aluminum Alloy Series ―― Easy customization via top panel swap

If you want to start customizing casually from the top panel, the M3 is for you. It combines a CNC-machined aluminum alloy body with a replaceable acrylic top panel; you can customize it with an image of your choice, and swapping the top panel is easy. With frosted acrylic, it's less likely to feel cold in winter, and the switch features the Kasumi axis. At 300×200×12mm in size, it suits those who want to enjoy customization starting from the design side.

If you'd like to compare the three models, please also see our Leverless Model Comparison Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Which model lets me fully customize the button layout to my own spec?

A. The Elite M16B-elite. You can freely configure the button layout and also order a panel design. The J2A is a layout customization where you choose from two types (Type A / Type B).

Q. What if I only want to customize the top panel?

A. The M3 Aluminum Alloy Series, with its replaceable acrylic top panel, is the easy option. You can customize it with an image of your choice, and swapping the top panel is easy. The Elite also supports panel design orders (the carbon fiber panel does not support design customization).

Q. After ordering a custom layout, what should I do?

A. Send the custom file by email to customer support, and be sure to include your order number. Having the order number lets us correctly match the customization to the right order.

Q. How long until a custom item arrives?

A. If you request Elite customization, production takes about 10 to 14 days. Please order with some lead time to fit your schedule.

Q. Should I choose nylon or ABS for the button material?

A. Nylon is recommended for those who worry about hand sweat or prefer a smooth touch. ABS suits those who want a firmer grip. Since the Elite has a single-unit structure, later swaps are also easy.