Corsair Unveils Hall Effect Fight Stick with Rapid Trigger Tech
▼ Summary
– The Novablade Pro Wireless is a new fight controller from Corsair featuring Hall effect magnetic switches for longer life and customizable actuation from 0.1mm to 4mm.
– It includes rapid trigger technology that stops key presses instantly, allowing faster and more frequent inputs compared to traditional switches.
– The controller offers multiple connectivity options: wireless via Bluetooth or 2.4GHz for lower latency, plus a wired connection.
– It has SOCD cleaning for key priority when multiple buttons are pressed, a feature with uncertain tournament legality, and customizable RGB lighting with swappable face plates.
– Compatible with PC, PS5, and PS4, the Novablade Pro Wireless is priced at $250 and is designed to improve execution of moves like quarter-circle attacks.
For fighting game enthusiasts seeking a competitive edge, the Corsair Novablade Pro Wireless fight stick introduces cutting-edge technology designed to enhance both performance and durability. This professional-grade controller incorporates Hall effect magnetic switches, which not only promise an exceptionally long lifespan but also provide players with the ability to fine-tune each key’s actuation point. Users can adjust sensitivity anywhere from a feather-light 0.1mm up to 4mm, allowing critical attack buttons to respond with minimal pressure while making surrounding inputs less prone to accidental presses.
Corsair rates these magnetic switches for up to 150 million operations, a figure that suggests remarkable resilience even under intense gaming sessions. Another standout feature is the inclusion of rapid trigger technology, which resets a key the instant it is released. Unlike conventional switches that require full travel before resetting, this system eliminates tiny delays, enabling faster and more frequent inputs. That kind of responsiveness can be crucial when executing complex combos or reacting to an opponent’s move.
Connectivity options are versatile, offering Bluetooth for convenience, a 2.4GHz wireless mode for reduced latency, and a traditional wired USB connection for those who prefer zero-lag gameplay. During a recent hands-on preview, Corsair representatives highlighted how the Novablade Pro’s key-based layout and rapid trigger capability help players perform quarter-circle motions and other special moves more smoothly than with traditional joysticks. This design philosophy explains the growing popularity of leverless controllers among competitive fighting game communities.
Visually, the Novablade Pro doesn’t disappoint. It features swappable face plates and full per-key RGB lighting across its 15 buttons. Onboard memory stores multiple custom profiles, so players can switch configurations effortlessly between matches or games. An interesting, and somewhat debated, addition is SOCD cleaning, which resolves simultaneous opposing cardinal directions by prioritizing certain inputs when multiple buttons are pressed at once. While SOCD is restricted in some competitive shooters, its status in fighting game tournaments remains ambiguous. Players can disable the function if needed, though its inclusion may influence whether the device is approved for official competitions.
Out of the box, the Novablade Pro supports PC, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, offering broad compatibility for multi-platform gamers. All these high-end features come at a premium, with Corsair pricing the wireless fight stick at $250. For dedicated competitors, the investment could very well translate into faster reactions and greater control in the heat of battle.
(Source: PCGAMER)
