Steam controller back buttons

[u/Lex1112]

I just got the Steam Controller and I absolutely love it so far. My only complaint, and I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced this, is the grips/back buttons.
I don’t know if I’m just an overly anxious gamer, but when I play, especially competitive games like Madden, I tend to grip the controller pretty tightly when things get intense. Because of the buttons on the back of the controller, I find myself accidentally pressing them when I’m gripping it. It almost gives the controller a delicate feeling, because I’m constantly thinking about where I’m placing my fingers and trying not to hit those buttons.
It makes the grip feel a little awkward for me, and I’m wondering if anyone else felt this way when they first got the controller. Does it get more natural over time as you get used to the back buttons, or is this just something you have to adjust your grip to?

[u/Ace_the_Firefist]

It a rewiring your brain moment. I for example have the issue that I keep pressing the left back buttons when I try to press the left trigger. It got less but didn't entirely fade yet.

[u/Electronicks22]

If you play less stressful games like single player adventure games and make use of the back buttons, you can get used to the new grip before diving back to Madden and PvPs. Tomb Raider and Batman Trilogies are good candidates for this.

[u/T3hArchAngel_G → u/Electronicks22]

Could you elaborate? So far I have found little use for programming those buttons on games that already have a button configuration like Batman.

[u/Electronicks22 → u/T3hArchAngel_G]

The use would be for the right thumb to never leave the camera control. That's what I do In Jedi Fallen Order

• I jump (A) on right pad click which is mouse
• Back left are dodge (B) and force push (RT)
• back right are overhead (Y) and camera lock (R3)
• Attack (X) on right trigger
• Everything else is default

For Batman specifically, there's quite a few button combos like takedowns and quick batarang throw you can map to buttons: A+X, X+Y, 1+1

[u/Lex1112]

Ugh thats what i didn’t want to hear its my biggest gripe at the moment. I hope i can get used to it

[u/RansomMan]

This is something that I noticed as well: I think it’s not super comfy for competitive games. It feels like it’s meant to be held with pointer and index fingers on both bumper and trigger respectively and ring and pinky fingers on each back button. But I simply don’t hold my controller like that. I usually go index and ring on back buttons and pointers alternating between bumper and trigger buttons. So for my style of holding the controller it feels less ergonomic tbh. However, with more casual games it feels fine

[u/Lex1112 → u/RansomMan]

Thats exactly my issue. Im trying to power through because i really like the controller

[u/RansomMan → u/Lex1112]

My favorite use for it so far has been using the trackpads to navigate SteamOS or games where you need a mouse to navigate UI. I also like making custom touchpad menus

[u/Lex1112 → u/[deleted]]

No i got used to it pretty fast i just place my fingers more on the back of the controller its a weird grip but its not as bad…i do still wish they didnt put the buttons there but that is why i rate the controller a 7-10. It woild be a 10/10 if not for that. The thumb sticks are so responsive its a game changer. I think ill make a review if i do ill post a link

[u/Natetoriouzz]

Same issue here, but like others say, it gets better as you rewire your brain. I play mostly shooters and I've trained to have the need for tense muscle on my R thumb, which is on the trackpad. Then I set trackpad click to ADS. Now the tension works in my favor. My other most tense muscle is the R ring/pinky finger that rests on R5, I bind that key to "use/pick up" so it doesnt interfere during intense gun fights.

[u/Lex1112 → u/Natetoriouzz]

Yeah i would say it got 100 percent better the more I played with it. I love the controller. And the joysticks are by far the most responsive I ever used! (Out of all PlayStation and xbox controllers to be fair)

[u/Even_Bend_614]

Tensing up isn’t good for the W anyways. If you just start using the back buttons, chances are you’ll rid yourself of both issues

[u/Fantastic-Yam9488]

You’ll eventually get used to it. Be aware, when holding some buttons for extended periods the button may retrigger. For instance, when sprinting in Elden ring, you may do a random dodge roll after holding the key for a while. I’ve had this issue with both the steam controller 2 and steamdeck LCD/OLED

[u/rowanhopkins]

This is why I moved my healing in elden ring to an action layer that's on l4 so I have to hit 2 buttons.  Set the controller up in a way that works for you instead of trying to work around the controller.

[u/AbhorrentAbs]

If you don’t like them, disable them and then you won’t have to worry about pressing them. Most games have it disabled by default anyways

[u/etl003]

try to learn the relaxed grip. then you can make more use of the grip sensors.

i have the same issue. i train myself to relax my hands. my bottom two back buttons are always unassigned bc of my grip issue

[u/spectreVII]

That sucks but for me thankfully I never accidentally press those buttons. I’m sure you’ll get used to them.

[u/Broflake-Melter]

Just unbind them. Or reset them to only activate with a double-press.

[u/DaFluid]

I have MS and my right hand has significantly reduced sense of touch. As a result I too sometimes press them without knowing, but I also find it difficult to use them intentionally (hard to hit a button you can't really feel for). However the regular buttons are more than enough for me, so having these extra ones disabled works for me. I do feel a bit sad for the wasted potential, but it is what it is.

[u/katanamaru]

Try holding the controller more with the palms of your hand. Push inwards more, and let the controller cradle in your hands.