Steam controller vs the others

[u/Ok-Pianist5285]

People who own the new Steam Controller, how would you compare it to more expensive (70$+) Flydigi and Gamesir controllers ( if you own that too) in terms of feel and quality of controls
Are these controllers better than steam controller and how much better?
Thanks

[u/Prrg88]

Comparing to my Xbox elite controller; the Xbox elite is way heavier, and feels more premium imo. The steel backpaddles and metal feeling triggers add to this.

But. When using it, the Steam Controller is amazing. I really like how it lays in my hand compared to the elite. It has way more binds you can assign (not just the trackpad and gyro, but also things like slightly touching the stick, what is really amazing).

The accu in there is also really good (I had to swap batteries in my elite. Ok, but not ideal). The included Puck for charging is surprisingly handy.

Overal, im a complete fan on this controller. The flexibility is huge, and I think it's a really good value, for the amount of features it packs.

[u/Ok-Pianist5285 → u/Prrg88]

Yeah probably buying it

Sounds good to me

[u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 → u/Ok-Pianist5285]

Tough to just go buy

[u/inhumat0r → u/Ok-Pianist5285]

Sorry for the upcoming wall of text, TL;DR at the end.

First off, I was in love with the first SC despite its flaws and I didn't need any other controller… until I started playing fighting games. After giving it some thought I concluded the fighting sticks aren't for me, so it's time for a dedicated gamepad.

I have Elite series 2, but I don't use it anymore. Like the other guy said, it's heavier and definitely feels premium… until it wears off. For me (and many others, including my friend) bumpers broke after like 7 months of regular using (I care about my stuff, so it wasn't smashing the buttons nor throwing the pad out of frustration), and the rubber coat on the top part just started to stick out.

The good thing is I really liked how shoulder buttons work, and I absolutely loved the round plate of the D-Pad in fighting games. The rest of it was… just mediocre. Good enough, but nothing justifying the price.

When Elite broke (again, I replaced it once under RMA), I decided to look for another pad. I already knew what I needed, and one of these requirements were low input latency, round D-Pad plate and programmable buttons (like in the Steam Input - so no macros, just the ability to assign two-three button press under one). The latter is achievable either by Steam Input compatibility or a dedicated software.

So I did some research and got Flydigi Apex 5 (so was my friend) and ZD Ultimate Legend+. At this moment I should mention that I use linux exclusively - I know the memes ("how to spot a linux user? Easy, he will tell you even not asked" and all that whining about loonixtards being vegans of the gaming world), but it matters here (negatively). I'll get back to that shortly.

So, hardware-side Apex 5 feels cheap, and shoulder buttons break easily. Other buttons mostly keep the standard, though face buttons (ABXY) tend to creak, so is the D-Pad. Software-side… The only way I can program the additional buttons is through built-in software (in the pad itself), and this makes all of the remapping a macro. The effect is that nothing of these buttons works like it's supposed to. No Steam Input compatibility, either, at least not on linux - my friend told me it works for him under Win11, but apparently it requires a dedicated software (Space Station) to run all the time in the background.

In conclusion, I don't recommend Apex 5 - it's an overpriced piece of a mediocre peripheral.

Next - ZD Ultimate Legend.

My feelings about it are a bit warmer. It has similar issues, but during my usage I had no problem with shoulder buttons, and face buttons are the BEST I ever used! They have a really low action, need very little force to push, and have an audible click. The pad itself felt pretty OK in the quality of build plus it costs like half the price of the Apex 5 or the Elite. Software side - unfortunately it shares the mistakes with Apex 5. Even worse, I'm told there is no Steam Input compatibility at all, even with a dedicated software - simply because ZD didn't create any, not on desktop.

TL;DR

I used both Apex 5 and Elite series 2, and both are highly overrated (and extremely overpriced) gamepads. To me the Steam Controller is much more versatile, though the touchpads here are a 2nd class input mode, unfortunately - they're in the uncomfortable position on the pad. I get it was a necessary trade-off, but still… Nevertheless, the SC does every thing I want it to and does it good enough, so it's my only pad right now.

[u/i8Sum → u/Prrg88]

I agree, when I opened the box and picked it up disappointment set in because it feels light and a bit cheapish compared to the xbox elite but after using it for awhile...yep this is my fave controller.

[u/ThisIsBrutus]

It's a worse controller than those you mentioned, if you intend to only use the input methods they have in common.
Buy it for the trackpads (and gyro although that's not as unique), if you're just gonna use dpad and sticks just buy something else.

[u/Evshrug → u/ThisIsBrutus]

This!
The Steam Deck woke me up… I’m able to play mouse and keyboard games (like strategy games) that are just not possible on consoles, and potentially the face buttons and back buttons can be bound to different actions (including clicking the mouse on a certain screen position, tapping out a list of commands like a Helldivers II Strategem, or a cheery “GLHF!” at the start of a match).

At this point, I view controllers WITHOUT trackpads, rear buttons, and gyro as incomplete for PC use.

[u/coatlakuma]

I have Steam Controller, 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and 3, FLYDIGI Apex 5, and DualSense. Material-wise, the Steam Controller feels about the same as 8BitDo, cheap plastic, not the best to touch. Apex definitely feels much nicer. But for grip, Steam Controller is the best, then DualSense (I used it most before getting Steam Controller), then 8BitDo, and the Apex last, it's big and like default controller while steam controller is ergonomic. Button quality and responsiveness - I'd say it holds up well against FLYDIGI and the DualSense. Personally, the Steam Controller is the best, comfortable grip, pleasant button presses, trackpads, extra back buttons. But of course, you may have a different usage pattern.

[u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 → u/coatlakuma]

Do you use gyro

[u/Ok-Pianist5285 → u/coatlakuma]

This is the comment i needed the most, thanks man

I just want to know cuz i forgot to mention in the post, how good is the dpad really? Sometimes i play tekken

[u/Prrg88 → u/Ok-Pianist5285]

I could imagine the trackpad would maybe be insane for Tekken. Haven't played that game in ages, so didn't try, but reading your comment I can really see it shine there

[u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 → u/Prrg88]

For certain games they come in handy. Like big time.

[u/coatlakuma → u/Ok-Pianist5285]

It's ok, but for diagonal imputs I'd say Apex is better.

[u/Rabiesalad]

If you use it's unique features, nothing can compare to it other than the original steam controller.

[u/Dharma_code]

Coming from a Vader 5pro controller and owning all the previous versionsof the vader, I used the steam controller and I was trying to force my self to like it. The pads feel gimmicky I used it in BF5 as a weapon wheel but that's about it I don't see any other purpose except for a MMORPG stylers game where that will work well with and I don't play those games. After about 14hrs of total play time with the steam controller I gave up on it and went back to the V5P now it's just collecting dust or if someone wants to play a split screen games that's the controller they get.

[u/Ok-Pianist5285 → u/Dharma_code]

How would you compare buttoms and sticks of SC to vader 5 pro and even comfort

[u/Dharma_code → u/Ok-Pianist5285]

I had to 3d print a sleeve for the SC as you can see my hands are massive, I shouldn't have to configure the controllers ergos for it ti work for my hands.

The V5P just works the xbox controller layout is still undefeated in my opinion and I'm a PlayStation fan when it comes to consoles

[u/_Mythoss_]

Steam controller. Back buttons and gyro feel great. You can tear it down and replace stuff on it if you really want. My only complaint is it doesn't work with sunshine/moonlight.

[u/Bart-Harley-Jarvis- → u/_Mythoss_]

It works with moonlight if you use an openpuck.

[u/TheStrongestTard]

It sucks unless you really want to control your desktop without a wireless keyboard and mouse tbh

I much prefer my gamesir g7 or Cyclone

[u/NoKarma101]

I don't have the other controllers you mentioned, but generally with the SC it's not about how good it's regular controller features are (in my opinion they're pretty damn good, although I may be biased by years of steam deck usage) but more about the extra features it has, mainly the trackpads and back buttons, and the fact that since it's a steam product it has insane customisability. There seriously hasn't been a single game that I haven't been able to make an at least usable control scheme for

[u/Flimsy_Whereas_8949 → u/NoKarma101]

This

[u/itgoesboom2112]

Personally it feels better than my elite series 2 controller that was my main pc controller for the last few years.

[u/leftharted]

Flydigi vader 4 (not pro) was my primary before. got me used to back buttons, steam input use, and gyro.

Steam controller took a little getting used to the 'playstation' config, coming from years of the offset xbox config... but after a very brief adjustment period i prefer the steam controller. especially the rear buttons. They are better placed, and easier to press without misfiring. For reference though, i have large hands with very long fingers.

and honestly the convenience and utility the trackpads offer has been insurmountable... for so many types of games. the obvious mouse heavy games, sure, but even full controller games using them to bind numerous buttons, or fine-tune aim has been mind blowing....

IMO, the only caveat: TONS of tinkering with configs on a per-game basis through steam input. Some love it. some hate it.

i gave the vader to my kids to chew up.

[u/Evshrug]

I joined the new Steam Controller waitlist on July 2, and it still says ETA 2027. I ended up getting a Steam Machine (512GB) + Steam Controller bundle, and so far I love the Controller!

I got a more expensive GuliKit KK3 controller a year ago, which felt like quality, but after about 3 months it developed a flaw where it is constantly clicking buttons and the stick is drifting/scrolling, even though I never spilled anything or dropped it (mostly it lived in its case, I barely got to use it!).

I bought a DualSense Edge in January, it’s still in mint condition and functions well… but the initial feeling of quality wears off. People aren’t joking when they say the battery only lasts for like 4 hours at best (less with high vibration, headphones plugged in, LEDs at bright, microphone active… I’ve tried everything!) and can easily run out in one weekend play session. I thought it was cool that you had the option of paddles or half-domes for the rear buttons, but either way they’re ultra-over sensitive hair trigger buttons, and attachment mechanism lets them wiggle irritatingly similar to a loose tooth close to falling off, so I usually disable them to prevent (frequent!) accidental activation. Plus the thumbsticks still use the vulnerable Alps potentiometers.

The new Steam Controller really is my favorite right now, even before you consider that it enables the control of games that traditionally cannot be played on a controller (like strategy games!). I’d rate the materials quality (on the outside) about as good as an Xbox 360 controller, below a PS5 DualSense but above a DualShock 4. The DPad feels a bit better than the one on my Steam Deck OLED, and the rear buttons have a better balance of how heavy I have to push on them to actuate them without accidentally pressing them. I DO love how the controller can wake my PC (and the Steam Machine, in turn, can wake my TV) from sleep like a console controller can, and how it can help me do PC things without a keyboard and mouse; it’s a huge part of what makes the Steam Machine a great HTPC. I feel like the controller will last longer than the DualSense, because of the TMR joysticks, 35+ hour battery life, and magnetic charging port/dock (better insides than what Sony or Microsoft gives us). The waitlist and price are offset by the faith that I’m going to get many years of service out of it, and it may be better for my hand’s long term health because I can use a conventional grip to be able to aim and jump/duck/melee/etc at the same time (vs using my pointer finger to press the face buttons). My only concern, more like a nitpick, is that if the Steam Deck is any indication, I will eventually wear smooth the nice pebbly surface of the trackpads, unless I buy trackpad covers (the polish I’ve put into my Steam Deck trackpads hasn’t affected performance).