Gamo2 should be a familiar name to anyone who has spent enough time in the arcade rhythm game scene. They are best known for making controllers that aim to replicate the arcade experience as closely as possible, especially for BEMANI titles from Konami.
Today, we are taking a look at the Faucetwo+, the successor to the original Faucetwo Sound Voltex Controller that first launched back in 2020. We’ve used the controller for more than a year now, and we believe it’s a good time to finally share our experience with the Faucetwo+.
Accessories
Inside the box, you’ll find the accessories under the controller – the cover for the Sanwa buttons, additional springs, user’s guide, and the cables for the controller.
Frame, Size, and Portability
At a glance, the Faucetwo+ does not try to reinvent the formula. Instead, it builds upon what worked, fixes some long-standing issues, and refines the overall experience for players who want something that feels closer to the real thing without going fully custom.
Unlike some other well-known controller makers like Yuancon or GENBU with full metal chassis, the Faucetwo+ mainly uses a plastic chassis for its main body. While the outer shell is plastic, the controller does not feel flimsy. It feels sturdy enough for long sessions, and unless you are specifically looking for a full metal enclosure, the material choice here is reasonable.
There are currently two visual variants available, the Vivid Wave design and the Exceed Gear design, both of which should look familiar if you have spent time around modern arcade cabinets.
One advantage of the Faucetwo+ is its relatively compact size. Compared to larger controllers like the SVRE9, the Faucetwo+ is noticeably easier to store and transport. It fits better on smaller desks and is far less troublesome if you need to move it around or put it away between sessions.
Compared to the original Faucetwo, the Faucetwo+ comes with several meaningful upgrades. There is now a metal plate sandwiched between the top panel and the main case, which improves rigidity and reduces flex during intense play.
Knobs and Rotary Mechanism
Just like the original Faucetwo, the knobs on the Faucetwo+ allow for adjustable dead zones and deliver smooth rotation. The corrugated knobs closely resemble what you would find on the official arcade that gives you a better grip, which is better than what Yuancon has.
The original Faucetwo knob internal design itself is very similar to what we see on IIDX turntables. It uses a mini metal disc combined with a photoelectric sensor for input detection, which helps deliver consistent and precise rotational tracking. This approach feels familiar to players who are already used to Konami’s arcade hardware.
On the original Faucetwo, achieving the right resistance often meant stacking rubber pads, usually three of them, to get close to arcade-like feel. Over time, those rubber pads would wear out and need replacing.
However, there’s a mod for the Faucetwo made by SpeedyPotato where you can 3D print the parts and install a TOK TLEU-618-5W torque limiter. You can find the files on SpeedyPotato’s GitHub at https://github.com/speedypotato/faucetwo-torque-limiter.
The knob design has also been revised, which ends up being one of the most important changes. With the Faucetwo+, Gamo2 introduced a new internal design that removes the need for rubber pads entirely. This significantly improves long-term reliability and reduces maintenance. I do have something to pick on, especially on the sturdiness of frame that holds the sensor and knobs together.
I had my fair share of issue where I received my Faucetwo with a cracked frame which was eventually replaced – I was quite upset with that incident. Gamo2 claimed that they have improved the design for the Faucetwo+ so it’s much sturdier, I still received mine with a cracked frame again – as you can see from the photo above.
For players who want maximum authenticity, Gamo2 also offers an arcade-accurate knob upgrade using a TOK TLEU-618-5W torque limiter paired with a Sensatec ELV-24Y36G potentiometer, and a metal frame for the knobs and sensors. This upgrade adds another USD $139 to the price, so it is not cheap, but it is there for those who want the closest possible arcade feel.
Buttons, Switches, and Layout
Out of the box, the Faucetwo+ comes with 15g Honeywell switches paired with China-made buttons using 40g springs. The China buttons are perfectly fine and are similar to what you would get from Yuancon. They feel acceptable and consistent in regular play.
Sanwa buttons are optional, and upgrading directly from Gamo2 costs USD 99. Considering the cost of buying Sanwa parts separately, this option is actually quite reasonable. If you already know you prefer Sanwa, it makes sense to select this upgrade during purchase.
As for the switches, the stock 15g Honeywell switches are extremely light. For my own setup, I switched to 40g springs with 50g switches, which provided much better control. The arcade-accurate configuration usually sits around 20g springs paired with 100g switches, but this is very much down to personal preference.
One thing worth pointing out is the spacing between the Start button and the rest of the buttons. The distance is quite small, which increases the chance of accidentally hitting Start and ruining a good run. Using a switch with higher actuation force on the Start button can help reduce this risk. A heavier setup like 100g spring and 100g switch works well here.
Game Support
As a controller specially made for Sound Voltex, it works natively with Konasute Sound Voltex without requiring any input remapping, which makes setup quick and painless.
It also works seamlessly with popular simulators such as USC and KSM. Plug it in, configure your preferences, and you are ready to play. This level of compatibility makes the Faucetwo+ especially attractive for players who switch between official software and simulators regularly.
Quality Control and After-Sales Support
One important thing I would strongly recommend is to thoroughly check the controller as soon as you receive it, because you might see some QC issues with the controller or potential damage during shipping. Pay close attention to areas like the plastic frame around the knobs. In my case, the unit arrived with noticeable cracks around the knob frame.
I contacted Gamo2’s after-sales support, albeit slow, they were still helpful in arranging a replacement part. Gamo2 offers parts replacement within 180 days after you receive the controller, so it is important to take advantage of this window. Inspect everything carefully and get any issues sorted out early to avoid problems later.
Final Thoughts
The base price of the Faucetwo+ starts at USD $179, with shipping currently around USD $84. Adding the arcade-accurate knobs increases the cost by another USD $139, while upgrading to Sanwa buttons and Omron switches adds USD $99 and USD $20 respectively.
While QC issues exists, it doesn’t affects how the controller functions, as mine still works flawlessly despite the cracks on the knob frame. I do not have any major issue with the controller pricing itself, considering what the Faucetwo+ delivers in terms of feel, compatibility, and customization. However, the shipping cost is still quite high, and that remains the biggest downside for quite a lot of people at the moment.
Overall, the Faucetwo+ is a solid upgrade of the original Faucetwo. It reduces the knob maintenance, offers excellent software compatibility, and remains compact enough to be practical for most setups. If you are serious about Sound Voltex or similar rhythm games and want a reliable, arcade accurate controller that does not take over your entire desk like the SVRE9, the Faucetwo+ is still one of the better options available today.
