Fighting game fans are getting some love from Razer with the all-new Kitsune controller. This isn’t Razer’s first fight pad. But it is a refined piece of hardware combining the things Razer has learned from past fight controllers. Such as the Panthera.
The all-new Kitsune is incredibly slim compared to similar controllers. Both from Razer and other competing brands. This allows the controller to be extra portable and a perfect companion for tournaments, such as Evo 2023. Speaking of tournaments, Razer collaborated with Capcom to develop the Kitsune so it meets regulations at the Capcom Pro Tour. Basically, you can be assured this controller will be usable at those tournaments.
In addition to the slim and portable size, the Kitsune also swaps out the joystick for movement buttons. Razer says this gives players a higher level of control and allows for extreme precision of more complex movements. The four movement buttons also help to “reduce input errors.”
The Razer Kitsune uses low-profile linear optical switches
These are the same switches found on the Deathstalker V2 Pro (currently our favorite gaming keyboard) and are designed to help with the slim build as well as provide insanely fast response times on inputs.
Compared to other hardware like mechanical switches or Sanwa buttons, the linear optical switches on the Kitsune offer considerably less input latency. Razer claims that on PS5, the Kintsune has an input latency of under 7.5ms. Meanwhile the input latency for a competing device with mechanical switches is nearly 10ms, and one with Sanwa buttons is over 10ms. On PC the Kitsune input latency drops to below 5ms. Making the gap between competing arcade controllers more noticeable.
One neat detail about the Kitsune is that it comes with a locking cable. So when you’re ready to engage other fighters you can lock it in place to ensure your movements and attacks aren’t interrupted. There’s even a lock toggle for disabling non-essential buttons. That way you aren’t punished if you accidentally tap a button you don’t mean to.
The Razer Kitsune retails for $299.99 and comes in the company’s iconic matte black. But it can also be picked up in special Chun-Li or Cammy editions for $329.99 when those versions launch in Q4. Plus, the top plate comes off which Razer says is a customization thing. So presumably there will be more top plates available at some point.