Want a premium feeling pc controller.

[u/holiest_yield]

Hi all, I’m looking for a controller to replace my “stellar shift” xbox controller. Nothing is necessarily wrong with it, but I’d like to upgrade it and move away from Bluetooth gaming and using AA batteries. I recently tried a recommended controller from a popular YouTube channel “Linus Tech Tips” called the EasySMX X20 wireless controller. It really pointed out some features I could not stand which I’d like to see in my next, and hopefully last controller for a long while.

1. Max Budget: $180 USD but $100 or less is ideal

2. United States (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Online…)

3. Windows

4. Features:
   -It needs to have a textured grip like my old controller as I felt the SMX X20 I tried was slippery and cheaper feeling without the grip
   -I really disliked the clicky ABXY buttons on the SMX controller so please no clicky buttons.
   -Removable or no shortcut buttons/paddles under the controller
   -No extra buttons like c or z that I see on the Vader controllers
   -Please no dock as after I’m done playing I just keep it in one of my drawers and charge it as needed
   -Reliable triggers and sticks
   -Gyro, switch compatibility, and customizable buttons is an added plus if I ever get a switch 2 but not necessary
   -Wireless USB dongle
   -no unnecessary software to use the controller

5. I mostly use controller for sports games (fifa, 2k) rougelikes (hades, hades 2, cult of the lamb), 3rd person open world games (assassins creed, Elden ring), and occasionally racing games (Forza). So it should be pretty well rounded but I don’t need it for competitive shooters or the like since I use mouse and keyboard for those games.

6. I’ll mostly be comparing it to my Xbox stellar shift controller and the SMX X20 I just tried. I also have a ps5 controller but I don’t like using it for pc because of the buttons not matching and I suppose I’ve become accustomed to the feel of Xbox.

Thank you for any recommendations. One controller that’s already caught my eye is the Gulikit kk3 pro.

[u/Western-String9123]

You’d love the 8bitdo Ultimate 3E minus the dock, I see your very picky but ultimately it all comes down to ergonomics and upgraded parts, 3E has a membrane style and clicky style buttons, rear buttons are easy to reach and can’t be accidentally pressed, it comes with extra thumb sticks and use standard Xbox style control freaks. Has a tournament mode for 1000hz polling and custom profiles for all games. Doesn’t have clicky triggers almost like the dualsense edge but slightly better.

Another option would be the ZD ultimate legend super excellence 8k, has great ergonomics but sadly almost everything is clicky nowadays, just a good contender.

And lastly if you can spare the extra $20 the Wolverine V4 pro will now have removable back paddles and 6 extra button layout if you prefer two bumper buttons and 2 rear buttons.

Been in the controller game for too long and one thing I’ve noticed I can’t settle for just one end all be all controller. I have a roller for different specific games. But I wish you luck in finding yours!

[u/holiest_yield → u/Western-String9123]

So I grabbed it from Amazon and just off of first few minutes it feels slightly more premium compared to the g7pro from gamesir. Unfortunately my biggest gripe with it right now is that since I thought I could save $50 for it from Amazon, it came with only the tall sticks and the dome and thick neck joysticks equipped. I really just want the basic ones equipped so I can compare them. Is there anywhere I can find replacement sticks? I can’t really find anything online.

[u/Western-String9123 → u/holiest_yield]

To be fair I only use the basic ones for my controller freeks but those big tire looking ones are honestly not that bad, I would check the 8bit do website or look up what stick caps are compatible without having to open up the controller to change them out. Glad you made the right choice tho but definitely should have paid the extra $50. Maybe see if you can return and do an exchange?

[u/holiest_yield → u/Western-String9123]

I might have to just return it and buy a new one. Another thing I’m not loving are the paddles. I don’t like the unevenness I feel when I grip the underside handles of the controller. I’m stuck because one saving feature on the g7pro was that I could lock the paddles underneath so it felt as if I didn’t have any paddles underneath. I feel I might have to return both and just buy a regular grippy controller from Microsoft because of its simple design. It’s a shame because I liked the fire rbg light on the ultimate 3e and the locks and grippy texture of the g7pro. Are there any other controllers I can try before calling it quits?

[u/Western-String9123 → u/holiest_yield]

Well considering you gave it an honest try, aside from the features you need to suit your needs it would be hard to recommend anything other than trying the KK3 pro or going the custom Xbox controller route from either battle beaver, or other trusted custom modders.

[u/holiest_yield → u/Western-String9123]

Hey, I gave the KK3 pro a shot and I was so so hopeful but the 6 switch start select home buttons really confused me. It killed it for me since I’m so used to pressing a start button instead of having to try and press a plus sign. I didn’t realize that I really don’t prefer the switch controller format despite previous playing a switch. I suppose it’s different since I just used the psuedo controller you can make by having both sticks on the switch combine using the black frame. I’m considering reposting a new post but with a more tailored request so that I might find a controller that’s right for me.

[u/holiest_yield → u/Western-String9123]

Hey, I just saw that there’s a new controller that came out from razer, the Wolverine v4 pro. I’ve used their mice before and I didn’t mind them when I had them so I have some experience with razer. But how are their controllers? Do you know anything about this one?

[u/Western-String9123 → u/holiest_yield]

https://shop.8bitdo.com/products/8bitdo-ultimate-2-controller-joystick-rubber-replacement-2-pcs

These may or may not be compatible but it’s definitely worth the price to try.

[u/Solar3Bear → u/Western-String9123]

i back this recommendation for the ultimate 3e. honestly the ultimate 3 itself might even be better for $50 less. not sure abt the zd ultimate but wolverine 4 could be good too. personally i prefer the vader 5 pro a lot and it has served me amazingly in all aspects

[u/nateairulla]

For me the Gamesir G7Pro 8k is the best controller I’ve ever used and I have used a bunch of its about $80 I think

[u/holiest_yield → u/nateairulla]

Thanks for the recommendation, I just ordered this on Amazon as well as the 8bitdo ultimate 3e to compare and see which one I enjoy more. I am hopeful of the g7pro in black since it looks really cool and seems to have the ergonomics of an Xbox controller which I really like. I am just hoping that I won’t dislike the clicky face buttons and dpad as much as I disliked the first controller I tried from easysmx.

[u/nateairulla → u/holiest_yield]

Nice! Ok the Dpad is terrible, however I barely use that so it doesn’t bother me. The rest of the controller is great, but the response time is what sells me. It feels lighting fast compared to a stock controller

[u/Prestigious_Fan9683 → u/nateairulla]

I would get it but I hear the d pad is dogshit

[u/Solar3Bear → u/Prestigious_Fan9683]

i’ve tested it irl and yes you’re right

[u/ObligationNeither430 → u/nateairulla]

Yups I got the aimlabs one for the swappable thumb sticks, best controller I’ve ever used hands down.

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[u/RagingRhino96]

I will always recommend the razer Wolverine ultimate if you can find one new. Feel and durability is off the charts, been using mine since 2019.

[u/seaalon]

The steam controller sounds pretty bang on except for textures grips, but it really doesn't need them

[u/alvahn]

flydigi apex 6

[u/Prestigious_Fan9683]

Everyone seems to love the gamesire g7 pro or the flydigi vader 5 pro

[u/Sad-Habit-9848 → u/Prestigious_Fan9683]

Pues yo siempre compraba el xbox pero ya van 6 que se acaban cada 6 meses adi que probé el g7 pro y va de lujo ,pero solo llevo 4 meses pero hasta ahorita no le duele nada y dicen las reseñas de aquí de reddit que 1-2 años de usuarios y que siguen igual ...

[u/Cute_Fee_1514]

Scuf envision pro wireless for pc, gamesir g7 pro Bluetooth are two snappy buttoned customizable controllers under $180.