TIKITAKA FTG Leverless Controllers Compared: T16, M3, M5, M16, Elite, J2A - How to Choose
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TIKITAKA FTG's leverless controllers span a wide lineup, from entry-level multi-platform slim models to CNC aluminum unibodies, the fully customizable Elite edition, and even a wireless model. With so many options, it's easy to wonder, "Which one should I actually pick?" This page compares all of TIKITAKA FTG's current leverless controllers (T16, M3, M3Pro, M5, M5Pro, M16, Elite, J2A and more) side by side, by material, switch, layout, and who each is best for. Use it as a guide to find the model that fits your play style and budget.
* All specs, included accessories, and shipping origins are based on each product page. Prices change, so they are not listed in this article. Please check each product page for current pricing.
First, understand the switch differences in TIKITAKA FTG
Before choosing a model, knowing the main key switches TIKITAKA FTG uses makes the comparison much clearer.
- Kasumi Switch: 0.5mm actuation, 1.5mm total travel, around 35gf. An ultra-fast trigger switch that responds to a light touch. Best for players who prioritize response speed.
- Panda Switch V1: 1.2mm actuation, 2.8mm total travel, around 30gf. All-POM construction for high quietness, balancing a light press with solid feedback.
- Panda Switch V2: 0.8mm actuation, 2.0mm total travel, around 40gf. Lower travel than V1 for faster input, while keeping quiet operation.
- Kailh Choc Red / Low-profile Red: Slim low-profile switches with around 1.5mm actuation and about 50gf, for players who like firmer feedback.
Full model comparison table
The table below summarizes TIKITAKA FTG's current leverless controllers by material and structure, standard switch, layout, and who they suit.
| Model | Material / structure | Standard switch | Layout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T16 | Ultra-slim 16-key, proprietary 3D-sintered nylon keycaps, large panel (slim body) | Kailh Choc Low-profile Red | 16-key standard | Those wanting a versatile, multi-platform first board |
| M16 (Aluminum panel) | CNC aluminum unibody + premium nylon buttons + side LED (app control) / approx. 930g | Panda Switch V1 | 16-key standard | Those who want slim-aluminum portability and rigidity in one |
| M3 (Aluminum alloy) | CNC aluminum alloy body + swappable frosted acrylic top + ABS buttons / approx. 1,100g | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm | 16-key standard | Those wanting an aluminum main board with a customizable top |
| M3Pro (PBT keycaps) | CNC aluminum anodized + brushed top + PBT dye-sublimation keycaps / approx. 1.1kg | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm / Panda V2 0.8mm | 16-key standard | Those seeking durability, fingerprint resistance and a premium feel |
| M5 (Split) | Left-right split + CNC aluminum alloy body + enlarged thumb/pinky buttons / approx. 1,100g | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm | Left-right split | Those wanting to play long sessions in a natural posture |
| M5Pro (18-key) | 18-key efficient layout + CNC aluminum unibody top + UV spray coating / approx. 1.1kg | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm / Panda V2 0.8mm | 18-key efficient layout | Those wanting to master modern input |
| M16B-elite (Elite) | CNC aluminum body + frosted acrylic top + fully customizable button layout and panel / magnetic back plate, independent buttons | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm | Custom layout (standard / wide) | Those wanting layout and design made just for them |
| J2A (Sloped design) | Front-high, back-low sloped design + tool-free magnetic panel + oversized 360x230mm / approx. 1,200g | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm (Kailh / Gateron compatible) | Type A standard / Type B split | Those wanting large size and slope with strong customizability |
| R1A (Wireless) | Wireless via BROOK GEN5W board + heat-bent one-piece large panel 39.5x26.5cm / approx. 1.7kg | Kasumi Switch 0.5mm | Custom layout | Those who want to play cable-free |
* To play PS5 games on a PS5 console, the PS5 version of each model is required (the PC version cannot be used on PS5).
How to choose by purpose and scene
Beginners / just getting started
If you want to get used to leverless first and use it casually across platforms, the ultra-slim 16-key, multi-platform T16 is the go-to first board. Its proprietary 3D-sintered nylon keycaps and large panel make it easy to handle, and the Kailh Choc Low-profile Red switch offers firm feedback.
Competitive / serious players
If you prioritize response speed and rigidity, the M3, which pairs a CNC aluminum unibody with the Kasumi Switch, and the popular M16 are the core choices. The 0.5mm-actuation Kasumi Switch keeps the tempo of early and release inputs stable, and is easy to handle even in high-intensity matches. For players who want to master modern input in Street Fighter 6, the 18-key M5Pro is a strong candidate. If you want both quality and durability, also consider the PBT dye-sublimation M3Pro.
Custom / modding enthusiasts
If you want to finish a board made just for you, from button layout to panel design, the fully customizable M16B-elite (Elite) is the top choice. It comes with a CNC aluminum body and the Kasumi Switch as standard, and allows swapping between nylon and ABS buttons. Its magnetic back plate and independent button structure make maintenance and adjustment easy. The J2A, with its tool-free magnetic panel and sloped design, is compatible with both Kailh and Gateron switch sockets and lets you choose between standard and split layouts, making it excellent as a custom base. If you like swapping top plates, the swappable-acrylic-top M3 is also a candidate.
Portable / space-saving
If portability and desk space are priorities, the ultra-slim aluminum M16 (300x155x12mm, approx. 930g) is the pick. It combines the rigidity of a CNC aluminum unibody with the portability and space savings only a slim body can offer.
Wireless users
If you want freedom from cable management, the wireless-capable R1A is the only choice. It uses the BROOK GEN5W board for stable, low-latency wireless on PS5, PC, and Steam Deck. Battery life is about 10-12 hours, and the connector-type battery is easy to replace. * The chassis is handmade, so production takes 15-30 days.
Details of the main models
M16 (Aluminum panel) - a popular slim-aluminum model balancing portability and rigidity
A high-rigidity model with a CNC-machined aluminum alloy unibody that suppresses flex during keypresses. In addition to a backlight LED under each key, it has an independently controllable side LED panel, and you can freely customize color and lighting mode via a smartphone app. The standard Panda Switch V1 is all-POM for high quietness, balancing a light press with solid feedback. At size 300x155x12mm and approx. 930g, its slim, unified feel is a highlight.
M5 (Split) - long sessions in a natural posture
With a split layout that separates the left and right key blocks, your wrists settle at a natural angle, reducing strain on the shoulders and arms. The thumb and pinky buttons are enlarged to reduce misinputs. The CNC-machined aluminum chassis is high in both rigidity and quality, with the Kasumi Switch as standard. It also has an EX port for certified devices such as XBOX and PS5. Size 300x200x15mm, approx. 1,100g. Suited to those who want to keep playing long matches in a comfortable posture.
M16B-elite (Elite) - the fully customizable flagship
TIKITAKA's flagship, which you can finish to your taste from button layout to panel design. A CNC-machined aluminum alloy body delivers high rigidity and corrosion resistance, while the frosted acrylic top helps you avoid the cold feel of bare aluminum in winter. The Kasumi Switch comes standard. The buttons use an independent structure and swap easily to nylon or ABS, and the magnetic back plate makes internal access smooth. Beyond the standard version (300x200x18mm), a larger wide version (360x230x18mm) is also available.
J2A (Sloped design) - a large panel with magnetic maintenance
It adopts an oversized panel (360x230mm) with a front-high, back-low sloped structure that fits your hand angle naturally on a desk or your lap. The tool-free one-piece magnetic panel makes cleaning and panel swaps easy. The buttons use an independent structure with nut fixing, so replacement and adjustment are simple. It comes with the Kasumi Switch as standard and is compatible with both Kailh and Gateron switch sockets. You can choose between Type A (standard) and Type B (split) layouts. TIKITAKA's original firmware, "Fighting Board" (using a Raspberry Pi chip), delivers low-latency input. Approx. 1,200g.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Which TIKITAKA FTG leverless controller do you recommend?
A. It depends on your purpose. For a versatile, multi-platform standard, the T16; for a rigid, popular standard, the M16 or M3; for full customization, the Elite edition; for wireless, the R1A are the representative choices. Comparing material, switch, and layout in the table above makes it easier to decide.
Q. Should I choose the Kasumi Switch or the Panda Switch?
A. As a rule of thumb, choose the 0.5mm-actuation Kasumi Switch if you prioritize response speed, the Panda Switch V1 if you want a balance of quietness and a light press, and the Panda Switch V2 if you prefer low travel and faster input. The standard switch varies by model, so check each model's standard switch in the comparison table above.
Q. Can I use it on PS5 as is?
A. To play PS5 games on a PS5 console, you need the PS5 version of each model. The PC version cannot be used on PS5. Please refer to the included Japanese manual for detailed connection steps (supported platforms are listed on each product page).
Q. Which models are easier on the wrists and shoulders?
A. The left-right split M5 and the J2A with its forward-sloped large panel are designed for easy long play in a natural posture.
Summary
TIKITAKA FTG's leverless controllers range from multi-platform slim models to CNC aluminum main boards, the fully custom Elite edition, and even wireless. If you're unsure, first narrow down candidates by three points: budget, switch (the response-focused Kasumi Switch or the balanced Panda Switch), and layout (standard, split, or sloped), then make the final call with the comparison table above and each product page. You're sure to find the one board that fits your play style perfectly.