Steam Controller is INCREDIBLE for Modded Skyrim
Was lucky enough to get a Steam Controller and have been using it for the past week or so with my new playthrough and oh man. Most of the issues with Skyrim on a controller is that there are simply not enough buttons. Steam input helped with that but it still wasn't perfect on a normal controller. Now though, the addition of trackpads along with all the other features has unlocked the full potential of a controller playthrough.
First the trackpads. With the different layers you can create, I have 3 different "wheels" I'm using. One is for spell hotbar, a great mod on keyboard, and now able to be used with ease now that I can bind my spells to be cast on a direct press of the trackpad. Same goes for potions, which I'm using with Smart Optimal Salves, again bound to a different trackpad layer that is enabled with the hold of a back button. Then I have a classic weapon wheel on my other trackpad. All of the wheels are labelled with icons so I know what I'm pressing. I also have another action set I can switch to on the fly that has a numpad emulated on the trackpad, useful for "certain scenes" (you know what scenes).
Attaching keyboard binds to the controller works seamlessly. I have Dynamic Activation Key bound to one of the back buttons, as well as Quick Light to another. I know people hate quick save, but I have it activate when holding down the select button. For combat mods, it's useful to have a separate power attack button, which was a bit finicky to do on most setups. Now I just have a mode shift key on the back that when held turns right trigger into a power attack button. So much easier. Combined with For Honor in Skyrim, it's my favorite combat gameplay to date.
Gyro aiming is something I underestimated. It finally turns archery on the gamepad into something functional and able to be used in the midst of combat. Think Breath of the Wild's gyro aiming, where you could rip a quick shot off while fighting. All I have to do to activate it is have my thumb on the right stick and hold down RT. Don't even have to think about it.
It does require some tinkering to get set up, but I figure if you are bothering to mod Skyrim to this degree, you are used to tinkering. The only thing I couldn't figure a use of was the grip sense feature. Still don't get that one from Valve. But besides that, the feel of the controller is comfortable, the sticks and buttons feel good, if a bit quieter than I'm used to, and battery life has been no concern. Definitely recommend if you can get through the reservation process.