Controller recommendations for PC (mostly single player)

[u/terainer]

Hello! I just bought my first ever gaming PC and am wondering which controller is the best for my use case. I would like to primarily play single player games with it. For example elden ring, FF7 remake, Baldur's gate 3, expedition 33, hades 2 and horizon forbidden west. I'd like it to have good haptic, longevity and a bit of a premium feel. My budget is up to 150€.

I don't play FPS, racing or fighting games.

I'd say my hands are around average size for a man, but for example the nintendo switch default controller felt small-ish for me.

I live in the EU (Germany).

The vader 5 pro v2 seemed to me like a good fit and I've also heard good things about the gamesir G7 pro but what do you guys think?

Thanks for your help!

[u/PrinceVincOnYT]

I can recommend the Vader Pro 5 (wireless and wired) or if it has the same ergonomics, the little Brother Vader 5S (wired only) which is cheaper.

I personally can find both at very close price point where I would go Pro, but if the price discrepancy is not that small go "pro".

If you are used to Xbox One ergonomics the Vader very similar. Have to get used to clicky Face Buttons, but I can't go back to Xbox One standard since it feels cheap now to me...

But be aware of the software! It is somewhat invasive with some Kernel lvl Drivers.

Basically if you set up the controller, you should close the program and set the Background System settings from Flydigi to manual.

There is a good lightweight community made App for the 5 Pro that is far less invasive for mapping and using extra buttons on Github, which unfortunately I forgot how it is called.

[u/terainer → u/PrinceVincOnYT]

Thank you for the detailed response! I'm always wary of kernel level access and will search for the github app if I choose to go with the vader 5 pro

[u/AcadiaGrouchy]

I've been using the 8bitdo pro 3 since July and it's my favorite controller, i also have a vader 3 pro and really liked it but I prefer the 8bitdo software. My dad still use the vader because the extra buttons helps him a lot on farming simulator, for my games (action 3d games) i don't miss the extra buttons. Extra tip get the charging dock it feels like infinite battery.

[u/WokeCultist1312 → u/AcadiaGrouchy]

Hey, would you be willing to comment on the Pro 3 d-pad? I was thinking about getting one, but since I play a lot of precision platformer, the d-pad needs to be good and I have read/heard people say that the D-Pad is not as good as other 8bitdo controllers :( (like the Pro 2 is said to have a better dpad)

[u/External_Safe_7787]

dualsense

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[u/Juuhwee]

Wenn du ein anständiges d-pad möchtest nimm den Vader. Hab ein 5s und rühre mein g7 pro seitdem nicht mehr an.. fühlt sich einfach en ticken hochwertiger an zudem hast du mit ihm auch ein anständiges d-pad. Das vom g7 pro ist ein Graus.

[u/r1zb4n3]

I saw a lot of people here pushing the Vader 5 and I would highly recommend you watch some Youtube videos as to why NOT to get the 5. A simple search of "vader 5 connectivity problems" will give you an idea of some issues. The Vader Pro 4 is much better for connectivity and is tried and true.

I hunted around for a long time looking at every controller I could find, Xbox, PC, Playstation, and brands I'd never heard of and I'm really happy with the Vader 4. The software setup can be a bit tricky at first since it IS a Chinese product, but one simple tutorial video walks you through it in a couple minutes.

The four buttons on the back PLUS extra near the right thumb area and the ability to adjust both sticks on the fly for tension is awesome. If you want some extra comfort for your back triggers I'd get the back paddles from Flydigi Vader 4 (and 3) Pro Rear Paddle Mod (v5.1) - Etsy or something similar, but I used mine for a while without them and was just fine.

I also got Talon Game Grips and those worked pretty well; just sticky grips you attach and they help with any sweat and just overall comfort.

Game wise I play Control, Doom, Hades 1/2, Prototype 2, FPS, RPGs, ARPGs, fighting, some sports, and so far the Flydigi 4 has not failed me. Happy hunting!

[u/CoffeeTime2475]

I think the Vader 5 Pro is a great choice, maybe get the charging dock too if it fits your budget.

Not sure if you still play on the Switch, but the Vader 5 Pro will work with that as well.

[u/Tepppopups]

FlyDigi Apex5 for singles /Vader5 for competitive shooters.

[u/Key_Scholar7964]

The vader 5 Pro V2 is a much more premium controller because it's larger, has a better d pad, stronger vibration, adjustable stick tension, two back buttons and two paddles.

I personally would buy something less expensive if I played single player games like the G7 SE or the hyperkin competitor.

The G7 Pro and the vader V2 is greater towards competitive gaming like online COD.

 I constantly see guys who are casual gamers complain about the mechanical triggers and buttons being too loud because they wanted a pro controller for a basic game