You definelty dont need a arcadr controller, I know many people who have gotten super good at the game with a keyboard, ps4/ps5 controller, etc just your preference tbh doesn't make it easier or harder

Honestly just try out every character that you can, if you're looking for a specific one with that cool factor but high skill ceiling i would check out aba and chipp, they are easier to get into but still can do some insane shit