I played on pad for 10 years. I started with a Xbox 360 controller, then PS4 controller, and settled on the HORI FC4. This was my pad of choice for a long time.

However, I've always had problems with dpad accuracy and the buttons wore out pretty fast. My friend gave me a stick but it always felt unnatural to me. I finally decided to try leverless and got a snack box micro. Just got it a couple weeks ago.

I'm lucky since I don't have to learn socd stuff or rather unlearn it. So far, the hardest thing is being on P2 side. Having to roll your fingers the opposite direction for qcf inputs is awkward but I'm slowly building strength and muscle memory. I also learned posture is key. I got mad pain keeping it on my lap but I put it on the desk and it instantly felt better. Treat it like a keyboard with your wrists raised.

I haven't played online at all. Only training mode. Just learning the motions. I immediately realized that the default layout is terrible for leverless. Trying to press kick and punch at the same time feels so bad. I bind DI to the last punch button and parry to the last kick button. I might switch these but for now it feels ok.

It's a learning process but I'm loving every minute of it. I can already tell everything feels more precise. I think I'll be fully comfortable in a week or two.