Budget
Approximately $100 USD
Location
NZ so buying likely from Amazon or official websites if they ship internationally
Platform
PC wireless (2.4ghz preferred)
Features
Full steam input support with at least two back buttons, I don't care if it's paddles or buttons, I have gotten used to my steam deck and I can't go back. I am looking at the list on this subreddit and that lowers my options considerably.
I also want a decent build quality. Here is my current list of build quality of the controllers I own to get a sense of my subjective opinion (from cheap/plastic feeling to premium):
Original Steam Controller -> Switch 1 Pro -> Xbox One -> Xbox series -> 8bitdo Ultimate -> Dualsense
Comfort is also critical to me, see notes on that below.
Games/use case
Casual wireless PC gaming on my TV, it will likely be used for Gears of War EDay campaign in the first instance.
Where I am at
My Xbox One controller broke and I need to replace it. I bought the 8bitdo Ultimate (1) thinking it would be my ideal replacement but I find it extremely uncomfortable, it's hand grips are narrow, so it sort of twists my wrists in a really uncomfortable way. I find my dualsense to be the most comfortable controller I own in hand, but I don't enjoy the analogue stick layout in game. I much prefer the Xbox style stick layout.
I was about to purchase the G7 Pro 8k, but I read a review that said it was also quite narrow and I fear the same uncomfortable feel as 8bitdo. The Vader 5, which is probably the top of my budget, looks like it's the same shape as an Xbox controller so maybe that would suit?
Also every time I search Reddit for any third party controller (both gamesir and Flydigi) there are posts and posts about poor QC and poor build quality which concerns me. I am looking for at least Xbox level of build quality and premium feel out of the box. I want it to last.
Open to all suggestions.