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| HyperX Clutch Tachi leverless arcade controller |
The battle for the perfect leverless fight pad just got more precise. Hot on the heels of Corsair's Hall effect announcement, HyperX has fired back at CES 2026 with the Clutch Tachi, a formidable new controller that swaps traditional sticks for cutting-edge TMR sensor technology and magnetic switches. This move signals a significant tech arms race in the niche but passionate world of competitive fighting games.
For the uninitiated, a leverless controller—or “hitbox-style” pad—replaces the analog stick with a layout of buttons for directional inputs. The premise is pure speed: digital taps are faster and more accurate than physical stick movements. The HyperX Clutch Tachi leans into this philosophy hard, boasting 12 buttons with a total travel distance of just 2.5mm. But the real magic is in its adjustability; players can fine-tune the actuation point of each button in 0.25mm increments, allowing Street Fighter or Tekken pros to dial in their perfect sensitivity.
The TMR Sensor Advantage: A Step Beyond Hall Effect?
The headline feature is undoubtedly the use of Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors. While Hall effect sensors (used by competitors like the new Corsair Novablade Pro) are already a leap in durability and consistency over traditional potentiometers, TMR sensors are often considered the next step. They’re known for even greater precision, stability, and the ability to detect finer magnetic field changes. In theory, this could translate to marginally faster input registration and unparalleled long-term reliability—a tempting prospect for players where a single frame makes all the difference.
Built for Comfort, Designed for You
In a market where some leverless controllers prioritize ultra-slim profiles, HyperX has taken a different approach with the Clutch Tachi. It’s a chunkier, more substantial peripheral (846g / 1.87 lbs), with dimensions of 300mm x 203mm x 23.7mm. The company believes this pays off in ergonomics. It features adjustable feet for a better typing angle and an expansive, integrated wrist rest to combat fatigue during long sessions.
Customization is also a major focus. The controller sports vibrant RGB lighting around its pudding-style keycaps, all controllable via the HyperX Ngenuity software. More creatively, it includes a transparent top plate that allows users to slide custom artwork underneath, and the buttons themselves are designed to be swappable with 3D-printed alternatives.
For enthusiasts ready to experience this new level of precision, the HyperX Clutch Tachi is generating significant buzz. You can check the latest pricing and availability on Amazon here.
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| HyperX Clutch Tachi leverless arcade controller top view is shown |
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| HyperX Clutch Tachi leverless arcade controller box contents are shown |
Ready for Competition
Understanding the serious environment it’s built for, HyperX ensures the Tachi is tournament-ready out of the box. It ships with four selectable SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions) cleaning modes. SOCD rules are crucial in fighting games to resolve conflicting inputs (like pressing left and right simultaneously), and offering multiple modes ensures compatibility with different game rulesets and player preferences.
The controller is a wired USB 2.0 device with broad compatibility across PC, Xbox consoles, and Android devices. Notably, the initially announced version will not support PlayStation 5, which may be a consideration for some players. Official pricing and a firm release date are still to be confirmed.
With the Clutch Tachi, HyperX isn’t just entering the leverless arena—it’s aiming to define it. By combining the emerging gold standard of TMR sensors with deep customization and a comfort-first design, the Tachi presents a compelling, high-end option for players looking to shave every possible millisecond off their input lag. The fight for fighting game peripheral supremacy has never been more technical.