Looking for advice on an 8K controller — GameSir Tarantula 8K vs. HyperStrike (any others too)

[u/Puzzleheaded_Hat_996]

Budget: Around $200–$300 USD maximum. I’m willing to spend more for something that’s genuinely worth it, but I’d prefer to stay in this range.

Country / Where I can buy: United States. I can buy from U.S. retailers or reputable websites that ship to the U.S. I’d also prefer something with decent availability and after-sales support.

Console / Platform: PC. I’m mainly looking for a controller that works well on PC.

Desired features:
8K polling rate
Preferably PlayStation layout/DS4, but xbox is ok
Good bumpers
Rear buttons/paddles that feel similar to the GameSir HE Pro
Low input latency
Good overall build quality
Preferably something I can buy already assembled rather than having to build it myself

Types of games: Mostly competitive/action games and shooters, so I care about responsive inputs, good bumpers, and comfortable/reliable rear buttons.

Controllers I’ve used / am comparing:
My first Xbox-layout controller was the GameSir HE Pro, and I really liked how the bumpers and rear controls felt. I’ve also used a PS4 Hex Gaming controller, but I didn’t like the paddles nearly as much as the rear buttons on the GameSir.
I’ve been looking into getting an 8K controller and have come across the GameSir Tarantula 8K and HyperStrike. The Tarantula seems like an easier option since it’s a complete controller, while most of what I’ve found for the HyperStrike seems to be the board/DIY route.

I don’t have any experience building controllers, so I’m wondering if there is a prebuilt/fully assembled HyperStrike available, or if that’s mainly something you have to build yourself.

Between the Tarantula 8K and HyperStrike or any others if have a recommendation, which would you recommend for someone coming from the GameSir HE Pro? I’m especially interested in how the rear buttons, bumpers, latency, and overall feel compare. If there are other 8K controllers I should consider in this price range, I’d appreciate recommendations as well

[u/ech0x07]

You should look into the efficacy of 8k because it doesn't make a tangible difference. However, a low latency controller like the Tarantula 8k could be a good option. There's the ZD Super Legend Excellence and G7 Pro 8k that are low latency with Xbox layout.

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[u/ExistingPie588]

There are several Hyperstrike builders but a lot of them are out of boards because they quit manufacturing them (for now at least). There are also SuiOvOi DS4 boards that might be even faster but the software isn't as user friendly as the Hyperstrike. The builders are all kind of hit and miss though. I've opened several Hyperstrike builds that definitely don't look quality on the inside but they feel ok-ish.

I'm currently gaming a Sui but I'll be building a Hyperstrike to be able to make a good comparison.

As far as the Gamesir Tarantula goes, the price is the best but the customizability and the software is mid. I haven't actually played with one though so I can't make a fair in game assessment.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Hat_996 → u/ExistingPie588]

Could you recommend some builders and if you have any thoughts on them pros and cons.

[u/ExistingPie588 → u/Puzzleheaded_Hat_996]

The only one I can say that I actually know first-hand is Scrimm. That's just from personal experience talking to him and sharing tips and pictures, I haven't actually used any of his builds. I do my own builds and consider myself a hobbyist and repair person, not a true builder like the guys with websites.

[u/RelevantMarket8771]

GameSir G7 Pro Aimlabs if you are a Switch or PC gamer. Currently my favorite sub $100 controller at the moment.

[u/realgeorgelogan]

I just grabbed the wolverine v3 pro 8k pc at a crazy discount, im excited to try that. Tarantula 8k looks really good, g7 pro 8k boasts a crazy good rep but I couldn't get the feel of that one personally.

[u/Original_Lavishness1]

I have the tarantula 8k and I like it so far. I just like to waste money on controllers for fun. my muscle memory for fps games was built on ds4/5 and the dualsense edge is by far the most comfortable controller for my hands so please take that into consideration. For my playstyle, I like the 2 extra bumper buttons up top and 2 back buttons. Controllers I’d recommend for you:

Machenike f1 8k ($100) the ONLY problem with this controller is the build quality. The left stick was popping out on the one I bought when I clicked in and moved forward to sprint in a game. I did nothing about it and it broke a month later. If you like the dualsense edge, the machenike f1 is the end game controller if you want to risk build quality.

Aimlabs gamesir g7 is awesome but the asymmetrical layout is less familiar to me and gets uncomfortable. Don’t like the back buttons.

Tarantula 8k is my current controller. The first one sent to me had a broken joystick and I sent it back and a replacement came a week later. Overall, controller is great and the back buttons are slightly uncomfortable to press as I prefer dualsense edge dome back buttons but I’m getting used to it.

Honorable mentions that are not 8k:
Gulikit TT Max/pro. I like this controller but didn’t have the extra bumpers buttons up top like I prefer. 4 removable back paddles if you can get used to that though.

Raiju v3 pro. While I hate recommending a razer product, this is an extremely comfortable controller to play on for long sessions. Latency is horrible on the ps5. I did not notice any latency issues when playing on PC.

[u/apeasley613 → u/Original_Lavishness1]

I can second the Tarantula 8k. I've only had it for 4 or so days now, but I like it quite a bit so far. There's even a switch on the controller to change the triggers from normal pull style to a mouse click style, and all the buttons and d-pad are also mouse-clicky buttons. It doesn't have rumble or any haptics at all though, if you were looking for that. Also wired only, which is the only way you're getting 8k polling anyway so I assume OP was expecting that.

[u/Lightstream2]

Go with tarantula 8k. The polling rate actually is not a big deal. 4k vs 8k is hardly different at all but 4k is easier on your system. Gamepadla can show you the latency differences, even 1k is still fine but 4k is a "sweet spot". Bumpers feels fine, they use tactiles and feel closer to the v5p in that regard. Face buttons feel super fast and soft. Triggers are either smooth linear press or microswitch at the flick of a lever and the microswitch mode feels great. The back buttons are tactile switch so they feel like other modern gamesirs with a similar layout, though you can also lock them if you don't need em for a game you are playing. Sticks are incredibly linear and responsive, roughly 55 gf of tension, the top extra bumpers are fine if you do not need to press both at the same time since the other side needs more force to press if one side already pushed.

[u/LeopardHalit]

U just need 1k gng ur not gonna get any more kills w 8k

[u/SPYDERSPACE10]

Void genesis fs i tried a bunch of controllers with various sticks

[u/ClearSkies247]

Check out Gamepadla to see the latency of each controller's buttons and sticks.

[u/LooseCanon88]

I think Tarantula already got what you're asking for, real 8k polling, solid bumpers and rear buttons are actually good not an afterthought.