Recently I've gotten my hands on the FunFortress SLM-B5 stickless controller (aka IMPACTX Hitbox). There is a lot of good to this controller, but one big flaw that actually might not be that much of an issue. This post is somewhat of a review, but mostly an overview.
Purchasing, Shipping Speed etc
First thing is that I am not associated with the makers/sellers of this controller. If you have an issue with the order please message them and not me because I won't be much help. This controller can be found on AliExpress and Taobao. Hearing those two stores might put some fear into some, which I can understand. However from my experience you'll get the item albeit it'll take some time. This controller is actually made by MOSICX on Taobao and being resold by FunFortress (aka SQARCADE) on AliExpress. Basically think FunFortress more as a forwarder, you order the item from him, he'll order it from Taobao, he'll receive the item, test it for any issues and then ship it off to you. This process took around 22 days. 15 days was for the item to actually ship and then another 7 days to go from China to the USA. Shipping speeds may be different in the future (i.e he buys a bunch and keeps them in stock), but this is from what I experienced. There is an extra Gateron Red low profile switch (KS-33), button cap (24mm), and a USB-C to USB-A cable.
>If this is made by MOSICX then why is the title FunFortress SLM-B5?
Mainly so it's easier to search on google.
EDIT (10/07/2023)
There is a new version of this controller that has keyboard like layout (mix box) rather than the standard stickless layout. While there are some differences between that controller and the one I did an overview on, it should be pretty minor and the information in this overview should work with that controller too.
Specs
Measurements: 15cm x 22cm (6in x 8.7in)
Thickness: 1.4cm (0.55in)
PCB: Raspberry Pi Pico w/ GP2040-CE firmware (v0.7.0)
Console Comparability: PC (X-Input/D-Input), Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4 (Native)
Weight: Light (I don't have an exact number)
Material: Stacked acrylic with the top panel being a clear glossy panel and the bottom panel being in a matte finish.
USB-C
SLM-B5 Firmware
The nice thing about the SLM-B5 is the usage of readily available GP2040-CE firmware. You'd be surprised on how many of these AliExpress slim stickless controllers try to get creative and use their own version. The version this one uses is the "GP2040-CE_0.7.0_Pico.uf2
" (the big PS4 update). This is outdated, however if you do not have the files to make the PS4 functionality work then I don't recommend updating the firmware. As the stock firmware will work on PS4 with no timeout. I did a test with Dead Cells and Street Fighter V and the controller did not disconnect after 8 minutes (look up PS4 8 min timeout for more info). If you don't care for PS4 functionality or have the files needed then I do recommend upgrading to the latest firmware.
SLM-B5 Switch Compatibility
While there are hotswaps in this controller, the switch compatibility for the SLM-B5 is pretty limited. Mainly due to low profile switches not having the same standard as regular size MX switches (i.e pins being located in different positions). The list below is what you'll be able to use. The stock switches in the SLM-B5 are Gateron Red KS-33 Low Profile.
Linear
Gateron Red Low Profile (KS-27/KS-33)
NuPhy Daisy Low Profile
NuPhy Aloe Low Profile
Tactical
Gateron Brown Low Profile (KS-27/KS-33)
Gateron Banana Low Profile (KS-33)
NuPhy Wisteria Low Profile
Clicky
Gateron Blue Low Profile (KS-27/KS-33)
There is a steep $38 price tag (since you have to buy 100) for NuPhy's switches so unless you are very curious about them then I'd just stick with Gateron. I'll update this section if I ever get around to buying some NuPhy switches and think they're worth upgrading to. Looking at a couple listings for Gateron low profile switches I see that there is a "Silver" switch too. However I've never been able to order one of these switches, so I'm not sure if they released or not.
Button Cap Compatibility
The stock button caps are actually pretty good, I'd only recommend changing them if you want a different look or color.
Punk Workshop button caps work well. They don't fully fit the circle, but it is close. You'll need 11 24mm and 1 30mm.
And that is about it. GamerFinger's button caps are too long to fit and pretty much every other option only supports choc type switches. 3D printing your own could be an option too, but like I said before I do like the stock button caps quite a bit and hope the creator makes more color options for them. Of course you could try to dye them to a different color yourself, but you do run into the risk of ruining them.
>What about the top row?
All I know is that keycaps for regular sized MX switches won't work. They're too big. You'll need to get a keycap set that is meant for low profile switches. I don't have any recommendations at the the moment.
Screw Size etc
The stacked plexi is being held by size M3 Allen flathead screws. I don't know the exact length, it should be around 12mm. Flathead or countersunk should work well. The nut size is also M3, slimmer size. 2mm Allen Key to screw and unscrew the screws.
Changing the option panel layout
In my opinion the option panel layout is a bit odd. It goes Home, Share, Turbo, Option, L3, R3. Personally I recommend changing Turbo to Option and moving L3 to Option, R3 to L3, and Turbo to R3. As well as turning the pin for Turbo into Touch Pad. If that sounds confusing then don't worry I have a screenshot of this change. Just change it in the Web config.
(Note the screenshot is of the 0.7.3 firmware. The firmware that comes with the controller is 0.7.0. Not much of a difference, but if there is any confusion then that is why).
So the new layout will be Home, Share, Option, L3, R3, Touch Pad. If you do plan on using Turbo then you don't need to change it to Touch Pad (or maybe even change out the layout at all).
Artwork
The SLM-B5 does support custom artwork. There is kind of a template, but nothing that is "1:1" as of yet. Just know that the dimensions of the SLM-B5 are "15cm x 22cm". You can fit that in a 8x10 print, which is a size that isn't too expensive to print at a printing store. Cutting the artwork can be a bit tricky. All I can recommend is cutting it to size of the top plexi then using a pen to trace where the holes and squares need to be cut. As I said before the size isn't too expensive to print so be sure to get multiple as a safety net.
RGB Light
Just disable it, here is how to on the Web config.
It is laughably bad, only helps with knowing if the controller is on or off, that's about it.
Conclusion
Overall, I do like this controller quite a bit. I would recommend it. Even if you don't decide to do the minor adjustments I listed above then completely stock it is still solid. Really the biggest downside to this controller is the limited amount of keyboard switches you can use. However if you really don't care for that or the Gateron Reds are the best option for you then this downside isn't an issue.
- globe
