Controllers
Synopsis
This guide provides an overview of popular arcade-style rhythm game controllers currently available to buy.
Controllers are ranked based on their popularity within the rhythm game community.
KONAMI
beatmania IIDX
Lightning cabinets typically use Sanwa buttons, 50g springs, 50g microswitches
PHOENIXWAN+ LMT
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price range: $299 ~ $447.50 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $425 (Sanwa 50g, Omron 50g, default LEDs)
This controller is widely considered the gold standard for IIDX controllers. With high-quality construction materials, a few spring and switch options, and an arcade-like textured turntable. The PHOENIXWAN's proven reliability makes it the top choice for both new and experienced players.
DX6TH
Product page
Vendor: YuanCon
Price range: $209 ~ $334 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $334 (Sanwa 50g, defaults)
The DX6TH is a good alternative to the PHOENIXWAN, offering decent build quality at a lower price point. However, its glossy acrylic turntable attracts dust and fingerprints easily, and doesn't match the premium feel of the PHOENIXWAN's LMT surface.
Sound Voltex
Valkyrie cabinets typically use Sanwa buttons, 20g springs, 100g microswitches
FAUCETWO+
Products: VW Skin - EG Skin
Vendor: gamo2
Price range: $169 ~ $466.20 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $296 (Sanwa 20g, Omron 100g)
The FAUCETWO+ probably is the most popular Sound Voltex controller on the market. It features improved knob durability compared to the original FAUCETWO, eliminating the need to regularly replace damping sheets. For microswitches, we recommend choosing Omron over LHS1F switches, as Omrons are generally more durable, cost-effective, and easier to source.
SDVX12
Products: Black - White - Black&Blue - White&Purple - Pink&Gold - Pink - Gold
Vendor: YuanCon
Price range: $188 ~ $333 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $333 (Sanwa 20g, LHS1F 100g)
The SDVX12 is YuanCon's alternative to the FAUCETWO+. While well-built, its main limitation is restricted customization. You can only choose between Chinese buttons with 50g springs, or Sanwa buttons with 20g springs and LHS1F 100g microswitches. The LHS1F switches are generally less durable than the Omron switches available for the FAUCETWO+.
SDVX LITE 3
Product page
Vendor: YuanCon
Price range: $138 ~ $283 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $283 (Sanwa 20g, LHS1F 100g)
The SDVX LITE 3 is a more compact and affordable version of the SDVX12. By trimming its sides, it remains arcade-accurate without wasting space. Like its larger counterpart, it has limited customization options (see SDVX12 description above). Despite this, its lower price point makes it an excellent entry-level choice for players of all skill levels.
pop'n music
POPOLLER
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price range: $229 ~ $279 + Shipping/Taxes
Recommended setup: $279 (SAMDUCKSA buttons)
It should be noted a few users have reported SAMDUCKSA buttons spinning in place, your mileage may vary.
Dance Dance Revolution
L-TEK / iamats
YuanCon Pad Single/Double
NOSTALGIA
NOSTROLLER
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price: $349 + Shipping/Taxes
The NOSTROLLER is the only dedicated controller option for NOSTALGIA. While information about this controller is limited due to its niche market, it's worth noting that any MIDI keyboard with enough keys can also be configured to work with the game.
SEGA
CHUNITHM
TASOLLER+
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price: $349 + Shipping/Taxes
The TASOLLER+ is widely regarded as the definitive CHUNITHM controller. Its premium aluminum construction, exceptional build quality, sleek aesthetics and customizable sensitivity and lighting make it the top choice for players looking for an authentic arcade experience at home.
Laverita 3
Products: Without stand - With stand
Vendor: YuanCon
Price: $328 + Shipping/Taxes
Note: Shipping is much higher for the "with stand" version
The Laverita 3 is YuanCon's alternative to the TASOLLER+. While it's a fully functional controller that gets the job done, its build quality doesn't quite match the premium feel of the TASOLLER+. Users should also note that the controller's performance can be affected by high humidity environments.
maimai
NDX
Product page
Vendor: YuanCon
Price: $899 + High shipping/Taxes
O.N.G.E.K.I.
ONTROLLER
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price range: $399 ~ $731 + Shipping/Taxes
The ONTROLLER is currently the only arcade-accurate O.N.G.E.K.I. controller available on the market. While its high price point may be a barrier for some, the controller's excellent build quality and five available configurations make it an attractive option for players seeking an authentic arcade experience.
YUANGEKI
Product page
Vendor: YuanCon
Price: $222 + Shipping/Taxes
The YUANGEKI is YuanCon's compact O.N.G.E.K.I. controller. While the side buttons are positioned closer together compared to the arcade layout, the controller offers solid performance at a more affordable price point.
NAMCO
Taiko no Tatsujin
Many of these controllers offer different configurations. Make sure to pick the correct one for the plaform(s) you plan to play on
Arcade-accurate
ZhongTaiko
Product page
Vendor: ZhongTaiko
Price range: $399 ~ $599 + Shipping/Taxes
ZhongTaiko offers the highest quality full-size Taiko controllers on the market. Their Pro version perfectly replicates the feel of arcade Nijiiro cabinets, while their more affordable Standard version still outperforms a lot of contenders in build quality and responsiveness.
TDC17
Product page
Vendor: rythmagica
Price range: $261.95 ~ $307.95 + Shipping/Taxes
The TDC17 is a solid arcade-style Taiko controller offering good build quality and responsiveness at a competitive price point. While it does not quite matching ZhongTaiko's quality, it provides a solid and authentic arcade experience for players seeking a high-end option at a great price point.
TAIKOLLER
Product page
Vendor: gamo2
Price: $329 + Shipping/Taxes
The TAIKOLLER is gamo2's arcade-style Taiko controller. It is very similar to YuanCon's TAIKO FORCE LV6, while being cheaper for customers outside of China.
TAIKO FORCE LV6
Product page
Vendor: YuanCon
Price range: $466 ~ $554 + Shipping/Taxes
The TAIKO FORCE LV6 is YuanCon's arcade-style Taiko controller. It is very similar to gamo2's TAIKOLLER. While the official store price is higher, it can be purchased at a significant discount through TaoBao (Chinese marketplace), though international buyers will need to use a proxy service.
Tatacons (much smaller than arcade but plenty capable)
TDC10 Pro
Product page
Vendor: rythmagica
Price: $139.95 + Shipping/Taxes
The TDC10 Pro is a smaller, more affordable version of the TDC17. It stands out as the highest quality Tatacon controller currently available, delivering excellent build quality and responsiveness at a competitive price point. For players seeking a compact but premium Taiko controller, this is THE choice.
HORI Official Tatacons
Catalog
Vendor: HORI
Price range: $68 ~ 157 + Shipping/Taxes
HORI Tatacons are officially licensed controllers available for multiple platforms. While they are widely accessible, most models suffer from hit registration issues that require modifications to fix. Given these reliability concerns, we strongly recommend the TDC10 Pro as a better alternative.
IINE Tatacon
Product page
Vendor: IINE
Price: $55.95 + Shipping/Taxes
IINE's Tatacon is a budget alternative to HORI's official controllers. While more affordable, it shares similar hit registration problems that require modifications to resolve. For a reliable, high-quality experience, we recommend investing in the TDC10 Pro instead.
In-betweens (not quite AC-size, not quite Tatacon)
IINE Taiko Pro Max
Product page
Vendor: IINE
Price: $180.95 + Shipping/Taxes
IINE's Taiko Pro Max comes in at an odd spot between arcade-accurate controllers and Tatacons. It feels really cheap but might do the trick if the size and price point sound good to you.