KeebMonkey DOIO HitPad Mini Leverless Controller is a HitBox You Can Pocket

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If you’ve been playing fighting games as long as I have, you probably have run the gamut of input controllers: from console pads to fighting game-specific pads to fight sticks to lever-less controllers. Like the games they’re made for, there’s a seemingly endless variety. But if you’ve ever looked for a truly pocketable controller chances are that you’ve been disappointed. The KeebMonkey DOIO HitPad Mini Leverless Controller (DOIO HitPad Mini from here on out) is a truly pocketable lever-less controller that aims to punch above its weight. Here’s what I’ve learned after 5 months of use.

Disclosure Notice: The KeebMonkey DOIO HitPad was purchased outright without any discounts or receiving a review sample. If the reviewed item was acquired any other way, we’d list what was/wasn’t paid here.

Key Specs via KeebMonkey

  • Material: Aluminum alloy + Acrylic
  • Dimensions: 6.8 x2.75×1-inches | 175*70*27.5mm
  • Weight: 278g Layout: 12 keys
  • Connection: 2 Type-C Interfaces
  • 0.96-inch Screen
  • Hot-swappable Support
  • Compatibility: Switch/PC/Up to PS5 (Converter Needed)
  • Input Modes: PlayStation 3-5*, Android/Pi (D-Input), Nintendo Switch, PC (X-Input) *requires a converter like Brooks Wingman or Magicboots

Ergonomics & Design

Let’s get some things out of the way first – this thing is tiny. Seriously, it’s smaller than 8BitDo’s mini controllers for Switch. That’s the point of the mini line of HitPad controllers that KeebMonkey offers. Despite its small size, I was very happy with the build quality. The top plate is made of CNC aluminum with an acrylic base plate that feels a lot heftier than the materials would suggest.  The keys are a bit clicky-er than I would like – my wife will go so far as to say that they are too loud – but they have a good travel distance and feel great once you get used to them.

There’s also a simple 1-inch screen on the DOIO HitPad Mini that helps you keep track of which mode you are in and allows you to confirm button inputs. The screen also provides SOCD information – whether you’re in Neutral (opposing inputs = no input), SOCD1 (“Up” priority), or Last Input priority. These options eliminate the guesswork of what to expect with your controller and confirm if you comply with your local tournament rules.

Did it Make Me a Better Player?

Often players look to new/specialty controllers in hopes of improving their gaming performance. From specialized gaming pads for FPS games to Driving Wheels to Arcade Sticks, everyone is looking for an edge or at the very least emulate their favorite pro gamer or content creator. When it comes down to answering the question, “Will this make me a better fighting game player,” the answer comes down to a hearty, “It depends.” While I did spend about 60 hours using the DOIO HitPad Mini, the results were a bit mixed. The first 10 hours required me to relearn how to play a game that I grew up with – Street Fighter – as I’ve spent the better part of my adult life playing on a standard PS controller. I’ve used sticks in the past and there was no real analog to using a stick vs. a leverless controller. The DOIO HitPad Mini did teach me the importance of intentional inputs. That is to say, where I might be able to get away with “fat fingering” an input on a pad with a less than likely chance that it impacts an outcome, the DOIO HitPad Mini felt unforgiving as I was learning to use it. I was slower and less able to react, but I was able to extend more difficult combo strings (when I was able to pull them off).

Over time, things began to feel a bit more natural, but muscle memory is really hard to rewire. If I were to compare my performance on the DOIO HitPad Mini vs. the standard PS5 Controller, I have a better win rate with the PS5 Controller. If I were to gauge my performance based on my ability to successfully “hit” combos and combo trials, then the DOIO HitPad Mini beats out the PS5 Controller. The truth is that I’ve probably become a better player because I forced myself to sit down and grind as I was testing out the DOIO HitPad Mini and not because of the controller itself.

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up this review we’re left with the question: Should you buy this thing? For the price it’s hard to beat – it’s $55 (plus taxes and shipping), and it fits in your pocket (actually fits in your pocket). It’s the most portable, versatile leverless controller you can buy today. That said, it’s a little cramped if you have large hands and will require relearning how you play (the “Up” button is placed where the “Up” key would on a keyboard vs. the common single button at the bottom row of other leverless controllers). There are tradeoffs but what I was looking for specifically was something that I could use with my Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5, and that didn’t take up valuable real estate on my desk.

If you’re looking for a minimalist leverless experience, then look no further than the KeebMonkey DOIO HitPad Mini. ($55 from KeebMonkey)