What Is a Split / Separate Layout on a Leverless Controller? Benefits and How to Choose

What Is a "Split / Separate Layout" on a Leverless Controller?

When choosing a leverless controller, the way the buttons are arranged (the layout) greatly affects how it feels to use. One arrangement gaining attention in recent years is the split layout (separate layout), in which the left and right button blocks are placed apart from each other. In this article we explain how it differs from the standard parallel layout, the benefits of a split layout, who it suits, and the current split-type models we carry, based on real data from our products.

If leverless controllers themselves are new to you, please first take a look at our What Is a Leverless Controller? Beginner's Guide.

What Is a Split / Separate Layout?

A split layout is a layout in which the button groups of a leverless controller are divided into left and right blocks. It is sometimes called a "separate layout," "divided type," or "left-right separated type," but they all refer to essentially the same thing: a design that intentionally separates the left-hand and right-hand button clusters, or angles them, when placing them.

Conventional leverless controllers were dominated by the "parallel layout (standard layout)," in which the direction buttons and attack buttons sit in a nearly single horizontal row on one top panel. The split layout adds consideration for the shape of the hand to this arrangement, aiming to make the reach of the fingers and the angle of the wrist more natural.

How It Differs from the Standard Parallel Layout

The differences between the two can be summarized as follows.

• Parallel layout (standard layout): The basic form of leverless controllers, with buttons arranged in something close to a single horizontal row. It is the arrangement most players are familiar with, and there is plenty of information available on it.
• Split layout (separate layout): A layout designed so you can rest your hands naturally open, by dividing the left and right blocks or adjusting the angle of the buttons. It is a layout that takes the structure of the wrists and shoulder area into account.

It is not a question of which is superior; the accurate understanding is that compatibility varies depending on hand size, play style, and your usual posture. We offer products that handle both layouts. You can see the differences between models, including standard and split types, at a glance in our Leverless Model Comparison Guide.

Benefits of a Split / Separate Layout

The reasons a split layout is favored lie mainly in "posture" and "freedom of operation." Based on the design data of the products we carry, let's look at the representative benefits.

1. Easier to reduce strain on the wrists, shoulders, and arms

When the left and right button blocks are placed apart, the angle of the wrist tends to settle more naturally. On our left-right separated model "M5," the split layout that divides the left and right blocks is designed so the wrist angle settles naturally, reducing strain on the shoulders and arms. Being able to place both hands close to shoulder width without twisting the arms unnaturally leads to less fatigue during long play sessions.

2. Operate with your hands naturally open

With a split layout, some models adjust the angle of the buttons to match the shape of the hand. The divided-type split model "N17SP" is designed so you can operate it with your hands naturally open by adjusting the button angles. Because you don't need to force your fingers together, there is less tension and it is easier to maintain stable input.

3. Broadens the choice of buttons you can press instantly

Some split layout models increase the number of buttons that can be handled with the thumb. By increasing the buttons the thumb can handle, the N17SP broadens the choice of buttons you may want to press instantly, such as parry or impact. Because you can make use of the quick-reacting thumb, the range of buttons you can press in sudden situations widens—an advantage of this design.

4. Easier to create a natural angle whether on a desk or on your lap

Some models create an angle through the shape of the body itself. The "J2A" adopts a wide panel design (360 × 230 mm), and because the entire panel has a sloped structure that is higher at the front and lower at the back, it fits the angle of the hand naturally during desk use and reduces strain on the wrist. Combined with a split-type layout, it can further enhance how easily you can create a comfortable posture.

Who Is a Split Layout Suited For?

A split / separate layout is especially recommended for the following people.

• Those concerned about wrist and shoulder strain during long play sessions: Because the left-right separation makes it easier to create a natural wrist angle, you can aim to reduce strain.
• Those who want to operate with their hands naturally open: With a model that adjusts button angles, input with less tension becomes easier.
• Those who want to increase the buttons pressed with the thumb: Suited to players who want to broaden their instant button options.
• Those who want to choose a layout to match their own posture: Suited to those who, after trying the standard layout, want to look for an arrangement that better fits the shape of their hand.

Conversely, if you are already fully accustomed to the standard parallel layout and have no complaints, there is no need to force a change. It is best considered as an option for when you "want to improve compatibility with the shape of your hand or your posture."

Current Split-Type Leverless Models

Here we introduce the current split / separate-type models we carry. All of them are equipped with the high-speed key switch "Kasumi axis," with an actuation point of 0.5 mm, a total stroke of 1.5 mm, and an actuation pressure of around 35 gf, and they share the common feature of allowing quick input with a light touch. Because the Kasumi axis is designed with the aim of "registering input the moment it is lightly touched," you get a light, brisk feel of operation. How light the touch feels varies from person to person, so please judge according to your own play style.

M5 | Left-Right Separated Split

TIKITAKA® FTG M5 Aluminum Alloy Series is an aluminum alloy body model that adopts a left-right separated split layout with the left and right blocks divided. It enlarges the buttons handled by the thumb and little finger to reduce mispresses, and thanks to the left-right separation, the wrist angle settles naturally, reducing strain on the shoulders and arms. Its rigid aluminum housing is finished with CNC precision machining, and its hallmark is a stable operating feel that suppresses unnecessary flex when pressing keys. Supported devices: PC / Switch / Switch2 / PS4 / PS5.

N17SP | Divided-Type Split

VSLAB VSNOVA N17SP is a model that adopts a divided-type split layout. By increasing the buttons the thumb can handle and also adjusting the button angles, it is designed so you can operate it with your hands naturally open. It suits players who want to broaden their choice of buttons to press instantly, such as parry or impact. It also features the ability to handle settings such as connection device, SOCD, and LED on/off using switches on the unit itself. Supported devices: PC / Switch / Switch2 / PS4 / PS5.

J2A | The B Type Is a Split Layout

TIKITAKA J2A is a model you can choose from two layouts. The A type is the standard layout, and the B type is the same split-type layout as the N17SP. With its wide panel design (360 × 230 mm) and a sloped structure that is higher at the front and lower at the back, it fits the angle of the hand naturally and reduces strain on the wrist. It has a design compatible with both Kailh and Gateron switch sockets, so you can swap switches to match your preference. Supported devices: PC / Switch / Switch2 / PS4 / PS5.

For a more detailed comparison of each model, please see our Leverless Model Comparison Guide, and for the basics of leverless controllers themselves, please refer to What Is a Leverless Controller? Beginner's Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Split layout or standard parallel layout—which should a beginner choose?

There is no single correct answer. An easy-to-follow approach is to start with the information-rich standard parallel layout, and consider a split layout once wrist or shoulder strain or ease of pressing starts to bother you. With a model like the J2A that lets you choose between the A type (standard) and B type (split), you can purchase after choosing the direction of the layout.

Q2. Does switching to a split layout make operation more difficult?

Because the arrangement changes, you will need some time to get used to finger positions at first. However, since it is designed so you can rest your hands in a naturally open posture, once you are used to it, it becomes easier to maintain stable operation with less tension.

Q3. Can I use a split layout even if I have small hands?

A split layout is an approach that optimizes the arrangement to match the shape of the hand, so it is worth checking compatibility regardless of hand size. There are also models designed with the reach of the fingers in mind, such as the N17SP, which increases the buttons the thumb can handle. Since the actual operating feel varies from person to person, please choose according to your own hand size and play style.

Q4. What does the button feel like on split-type models?

The three models introduced here are all equipped with the high-speed key switch "Kasumi axis," with an actuation point of 0.5 mm, a total stroke of 1.5 mm, and an actuation pressure of around 35 gf. They are designed with the aim of allowing quick input with a light touch, and a light, brisk operating feel is their characteristic. Because input registers at the stage of a light touch, preferences for the feel vary from person to person. Please judge according to your own play style.

Q5. Which split-type model should I choose?

If you want an aluminum alloy body with a left-right separated type, the "M5" is a candidate; for a divided-type split with more thumb buttons, the "N17SP"; and if you want to choose between standard and split by layout, the "J2A." For details, please also check our Leverless Model Comparison Guide.

Summary

A split / separate layout is a layout that, by dividing the left and right button blocks, makes the wrist angle natural and makes it easier to reduce strain on the shoulders and arms. It lets you operate with your hands naturally open, and some models can broaden the choice of buttons you press with your thumb. If you have no complaints about the standard parallel layout, there is no need to force a change, but for those who want to further improve the compatibility with their posture and operation, it is a strong option. We carry the left-right separated M5, the divided-type split N17SP, and the J2A that lets you choose the layout. Find the one that fits your hand and posture.