In the evolving world of competitive fighting games, arcade-style sticks remain a force to be reckoned with. Yet, there’s a new challenger in town: the leverless all-button fight controllers, predominantly recognized as “Hit Boxes” – a title crowned by the company pioneering this innovative design. While traditional gamepads inch closer to dominance, Razer throws its hat in the ring with the Kitsune – a masterstroke blending the new and the nostalgic.
The Kitsune is Razer’s rendition of the Hit Box layout: left, down, and right directions seamlessly align with your three prime fingers. Movement becomes an intuitive dance, making intricate moves, like quarter-circles, almost second nature. And for those jumping feats? The thumb gets its dedicated button, reminiscent of a keyboard’s spacebar.
Razer’s pièce de résistance in the Kitsune is the incorporation of mechanical switches, a nod to their legacy in gaming keyboards. Using optical linear-style switches, they’ve ensured that your responses are not just fast, but instantaneous. If you’re someone who’s spent hours on Cherry MX Reds or Razer’s iconic Yellow switches, the Kitsune’s buttons will feel like a trip down memory lane.
It’s not just about the switches though. Razer’s Kitsune stands apart with its ultra-slim architecture. Mirroring the sleekness of a 13″ MacBook, it balances weight and width for comfortable lap placement. Crafted with solid aluminum, this controller is a testament to durability meeting design finesse.
But let’s delve deeper. The Kitsune, despite its finesse, is not just about good looks. It’s compatible with both PC and PS5, and houses all the necessary PlayStation buttons. Its only shortcoming? A surprising lack of native PS4 support.
Transitioning to a leverless controller like the Kitsune undoubtedly demands time and patience. But once you acclimatize, there’s no looking back. The Kitsune isn’t just another controller; it’s an experience. Its ergonomic design coupled with swift mechanical switches ensures not just accuracy, but a tactile satisfaction with every press.
Priced at $300, the Kitsune is undeniably an investment. Yet, compared to other premium offerings in the market, it justifies its price tag. After all, quality comes at a price.
Razer’s foray into this niche segment demonstrates their knack for reinvention. They’ve taken the best of their keyboard tech and seamlessly integrated it into a controller that’s bound to resonate with serious gamers.
In summary, the Razer Kitsune is not just a controller; it’s a paradigm shift. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, for those seeking precision, speed, and an edge in their fighting games, the Kitsune is nothing short of a revelation. It’s not just the best fighting game controller I’ve laid hands on, but a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets passion. Happy fighting! 💥👊
