« Review: Qanba Q1 "Cut" Joystick »

Small arcade sticks were once a very common choice for fighting game players during the early years of the new era. With new technology and price lowering down, players can spend on getting bigger sized models to conveniently fit on their laps. The lower price in smaller arcade sticks are sometimes to believed to provide lesser quality parts.

Chinese arcade stick company Qanba and international representative Eightarc have been on a roll for their arcade sticks including the Q4/Fusion series which gives a player an affordable multi-console stick. Qanba though have been looking back at their older models with new updated builds.

Their Q1 series was known for having a mini form factor while still providing well made arcade stick parts and also having the ability to attach to desks with separate clamps. Now, Qanba resurrected the series with a new model featuring its known characteristics and then some all at a low price.

Called the Q1 "Cut," this model body certainly looks sleek like a blade with its sharp edges instead of having a rounded style. The all black color does help support the construction of the body. Even if just slightly larger than a Mad Catz Arcade FightStick SE, the Q1 Cut is definitely a small body arcade stick. The weight is much expected as it's not heavy nor too light. When I see the Q1 Cut sometimes, the body looks reminiscent of the renowned Namco Arcade Stick for the original PlayStation but made for the current generation. A common trait found on recent Qanba arcade sticks is the cable compartment on the side and while it still looks unusual to see a cable coming from the side, the door blends well with the rest of the body. It might not accomodate most laps with ease, it does play well on a desk thanks to its rubber feet strips and even on the edges with one of its main features.

While separate clamps were necessary to put older Q1 models on desks, the Q1 Cut has clamps specifically made for it. The directions on how to use them were initially unusual but it made sense when using them hands on. The clamps' adjustable knobs surely fit many different sized edges of tables and desks with no problem. When tightened, the clamps definitely keep the stick and the tables in place even when playing. The idea to have proprietary clamps is well executed by Qanba. The clamps do look a bit unusual when not in intended use but it's great that it's detachable.

Qanba could have added Sanwa Denshi parts to this stick but they opt for a more proprietary approach, similar to their friendly Japanese competitor Hori with their Fighting Edge. The Q1 Cut is equipped with buttons and stick by Qanba. For a low priced small body stick, the parts do well. The joystick lever is very similar to that of the popular Sanwa JLF as it features the same exact microswitches and overall feel. Qanba also provides two extra restrictor gates (octagon, circle) free of charge which is neat; all three gates work on a regular Sanwa JLF with no problems. My gripe with them though is the slightly loose spring system which makes the lever a bit flimsy as a quick and hard pull of a direction can then let the lever hit the opposite direction. Fortunately, you can override the issue with harder springs. The buttons look and feel more or less like Sanwa's OBSF-30s but upon further testing, there has some give similar to that of Seimitsu buttons. The buttons fortunately have felt consistent during testing and it doesn't seem that it will wear out terribly in the long run. For those who want to get a Q1 Cut but are still picky, there is enough room to replace the original parts.

The Q1 Cut is currenly only for the PlayStation 3 and PC. It's unfortunate that there isn't a multi-console version like the Q4/Fusion but there are always workarounds including internal mods and using a converter like a Cronus. When testing the Cronus especially, it worked with no apparent input lag on the Xbox 360.

The saying "You get what you pay for" has a negative connotation but for this case with the Qanba Q1 Cut, it can be positive. This stick doesn't have the standard parts players expect but plays very close for a low price of $60. While more experience fighting game players might pass on this and go straight for the Q4/Fusion due to the more recognizable parts, bigger body, and multi-console support, newer folks (specifically PS3 users) who can't afford pricier models and arcade stick enthusiasts will love this. The unique technology really stands out and Qanba certainly knows how to make their sticks interesting. There is definitely enough bang for the buck in what the Q1 Cut offers then any other related sticks in the market.

It's currently available on Eightarc!