u/IntrospectiveMT

My hands are growing too old for claw. I’m curious what you guys are using for paddles. The thing is, the only third-party paddle device I’m familiar with is the notorious one you all know by name, and I will not support that company. Is there a product that only provides paddles (no scripting, no rapid fire, etc) that you personally recommend for its reliability? I see some alternatives, but I’d like to hear some testimony on their reliability.

I *do not* know very much about electronics repair, and I don’t know how to solder. I want to learn so I can stop replacing as many damaged controllers and headsets. It looks like a fun skill to have, so I’m a bit excited to learn.

My understanding of soldering is that it’s the process of using a small heating element that melts a conductive binding paste over pins and pads on a motherboard, and desoldering is the same thing in reverse using heat to soften the paste.

So what should I know to make a responsible purchase on a budget? Does brand and price really matter? In my mind, I simply need flux and a soldering/desoldering(?) iron.

In the chance it matters, the tools will be primarily used on PlayStation 5 controllers. My gaming space is in a renovated a laundry room, so underneath the carpet is concrete. You can imagine why I’m spending >$200 USD on controllers year over year. I’ve a drawer filled to the brim of disassembled controller parts.