r/Controllers

▲ 3 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Suggest me any third party gaming controllers

Hey guys, I’m completely new to the whole MacOS ecosystem and recently bought m5 air and got Xbox Cloud Gaming subscription as a freebie from the electronics store.I’m now looking for a good third-party controller that works properly with MacOS and preferably has Hall Effect or TMR joysticks

I’ve already gone through three official Xbox controllers, and every single one eventually developed stick drift. I’m honestly tired of dealing with it at this point

Right now I’m confused between brands like 8BitDo, GameSir, Kreo, PowerA, etc. The problem is that most of their websites don’t clearly explain MacOS compatibility, Bluetooth support, button mapping, vibration support or whether everything works properly with Xbox Cloud Gaming

please suggest some reliable options with good long-term durability

THANK YOU 🙏

reddit.com
u/cheap_trick27 — 1 day ago
▲ 11 r/Controllers+2 crossposts

Leadjoy Xeno Plus review | the $60 controller that has no right being this good

The LeadJoy Xeno Plus

DISCLAIMERS:

  • I received my unit for free from Leadjoy in return for a review.
  • I am not officially associated with any controller company and all opinions are based on my personal experience and I try not to have bias towards any company.

Hello controller addicts! So Leadjoy is a brand new name in the space but definitely NOT new faces, the R&D team are ex-BIGBIG WON (MOJHON) veterans which already had me curious the moment I heard about it. The Xeno Plus is their first serious swing at a dedicated controller and honestly? I went in skeptical, came out impressed. $60 for what's inside this thing is kinda wild. Let me break it all down.

MAIN FEATURES:

  • JS13 Pro TMR joysticks (12-bit, 4096 steps)
  • Dual-Mode triggers: Hall linear + microswitch lock
  • Mechanical microswitch ABXY face buttons (0.5mm actuation)
  • 4 remappable rear buttons
  • 1000Hz polling rate (wired & 2.4GHz wireless)
  • 6-axis motion control (native + simulated gyro)
  • Bluetooth + 2.4GHz + Wired
  • PC / Switch / iOS / Android
  • 1000mAh battery (~30hrs)
  • Charging dock included

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?

  • Leadjoy Xeno Plus controller
  • Smart Charging dock (USB passthrough, dongle slot built in)
  • R10 dongle
  • USB-C cable
  • D-Pad Cap
  • User manual

No carrying case but given everything else that's packed in here it's a pretty understandable omission. The dock is a genuinely nice touch though, probably my favorite budget controller dock I've used, it's actually harder to put the controller in wrong than right which sounds minor but I love that design philosophy.

ERGONOMICS: smaller than you expect, better than it looks

how it sits in the hand

First thing you notice is it's a bit smaller than a typical Xbox-style pad. The grip angle is slightly stunted too. People with larger hands will feel it more than average sized hands, and if you're a claw gripper like some folks, the bumper placement is gonna take some adjustment. That said the weight is really well balanced. Not trying to be a premium heft controller but doesn't feel cheap light either, just... right. Build quality is solid. The plastic shell is high quality for the price even if it's fully plastic. The laser etched grip texture on the rear is so subtle you almost can't feel it which is a bit of a miss, definitely felt smoother than I'd like. One screw hidden behind a sticker during disassembly, tbh most brands do this but still annoying.

The joystick rubber caps are actually some of the best default caps I've touched. Super grippy, nice texture. The underlying plastic has this circular depression in the center that could show wear long term but easily solved by just swapping caps when needed.

STICKS: the main event

those JS13 Pro TMR modules up close

JS13 Pro TMR modules. 12-bit resolution, 4096 step input. No inner dead zone, the stick responds immediately to literally the slightest touch. For FPS players this is a big deal. The linearity is genuinely impressive, micro-adjustments feel clean and repeatable. Tension is around 65gf, even resistance all the way around.

One thing I did notice: on the left stick between roughly 90°-180° the input distance registered slightly shorter than the rest of the circle. Could be magnetic interference from the adjacent hall trigger magnets, could be a beta unit quirk, could be a firmware thing. The fix is easy, extend the outer deadzone in software and it compensates fine. I didn't notice it meaningfully in actual gameplay after adjusting. Worth mentioning though especially for people that depend on very repeatable micro-adjustment muscle memory.

Latency wise this thing is genuinely top tier. Around 6ms average over 2.4GHz wireless which is well under what most people will ever notice. Comparable to controllers costing 2-3x more.

FACE BUTTONS AND D-PAD: punching above their weight

The ABXY uses a double layer microswitch setup, plunger into silicone membrane into switch. The silicone does mute the tactile feedback a bit compared to bare microswitches. Still satisfying, still notably better than most controllers in this range. Pre travel is minimal. They feel premium for the price.

D-pad is a round shield style. Not designed with fighting games in mind, works really well for directional inputs in FPS though. Sturdy, reliable, feels a step above budget but not top tier.

TRIGGERS AND BUMPERS: the best and the weakest

rear layout

Dual mode triggers are a standout feature. Hall linear mode gives you smooth analog input for racing/flying, physical microswitch lock turns them into instant digital buttons, perfect for FPS. for FPS. The trigger locks feel absolutely top tier. Instant actuation, super satisfying click. Default trigger deadzone is 5-95 which I'd recommend keeping, at 0 they fire from the tiniest touch which takes adjustment.

Bumpers are the weakest part. Require more force to actuate than everything else, the angle makes them awkward especially if your hands are larger or you grip differently. They use microswitches but the design makes them feel the most muted. Manageable but I hope Leadjoy revisits the bumper angle in V2.

REAR BUTTONS: sneaky great

4 rear buttons arranged in a low profile row across the back. The outer two closest to the grips feel legitimately amazing, no membrane, immediate tactile click, laser etched grip texture that basically grabs your fingertips. Could spam them all day. The inner two (L4/R4) sit a bit further inward and take a few sessions to adjust to but they do work. After a week of use all 4 are usable, the inner placement is just less ideal ergonomically.

SOFTWARE: best in class at this price

The PC and mobile app is seriously impressive for a first release. More fine-tuning options than pretty much anything else I've used at this level. Deadzone control, stick curve customization, button remapping to keyboard/mouse/macros, turbo/rapid fire (5x/10x/20x/30x), 3 onboard profiles, gyro tuning. There's also an AI Visual Recurve feature that reads your actual in-game stick response via phone camera and generates a compensating curve, it's experimental and kinda clunky to set up but conceptually this is really cool and solves a real problem of games having inconsistent built-in stick curves. The app also has an AI assistant to help tune for specific games.

Minor translation hiccups here and there, clearly a new app, but the bones are excellent.

BATTERY AND WIRELESS

1000mAh battery, rated ~30 hours. In extended sessions (8-12 hours) the battery held up fine, never saw a low battery warning across multiple long sessions. Connection over 2.4GHz was rock solid. Tested at 12ft from the dock with dongle plugged in, zero drops or hiccups.

CONCLUSION

For $60 this thing really shouldn't exist. TMR sticks, dual-mode triggers with microswitch locks, modular motion control, best-in-class software, genuine 1000Hz polling on wireless, you're looking at internals that show up on controllers at $80-100+. The cost savings show up in the plastic shell feel and bumper ergonomics, not in performance. That's exactly the right trade to make.

FPS players are going to get the most out of this, the sticks and trigger locks are tuned perfectly for it. Claw grippers or big-handed folks might find the bumpers frustrating. And if you're coming from a more expensive pad expecting premium materials, manage expectations on feel vs function.

I can't think of another controller at this price I'd recommend over it. A few things to iron out for V2 but as a first controller from a new brand? Genuinely one of the better launches I've seen.

RATINGS:

PRICE/VALUE: 9/10 The internals-to-price ratio is almost embarrassing. A few material quality trade-offs are the only thing keeping this from a 10.

ERGONOMICS: 7.5/10 Well balanced, comfortable grips for average hands. Smaller frame and bumper placement hold it back for larger hands and claw grip users.

FUNCTIONALITY: 9/10 Dual-mode triggers, 4 rear buttons, modular motion modules, gyro, remapping, macros, it does a lot and most of it well.

PERFORMANCE: 9/10 Top-tier latency, excellent TMR sticks, 1000Hz wireless. Minor left stick input distance quirk on some units.

SOFTWARE: 9.5/10 Best customization app I've seen at this price tier. A few translation quirks being the only real issue.

OVERALL: 9/10

reddit.com
u/rajvir_03 — 1 day ago
▲ 7 r/Controllers+2 crossposts

Which Controller is better? Apex 5 vs KP70

Hi everyone, I am confused between Flydigi Apex 5 and Beitong KP70 controllers.

Currently, I am using Xbox Series Controller on PC with Dongle for past 5 years and now it has started to give me issues.

Now I want a better controller to play these games:

  • Tekken 8
  • Forza Horizon 6 ( with trigger hardening as gas pedal goes in)
  • Tomb raider and similar games with Bow and drawing and charging weapons.
  • Story FPS and role playing games like Doom, Resident Evil and Where wind meets.

I tried to find a comparison but there was no direct comparison of these two controllers.

The Beitong KP70 approach of microswitch with force feedback trigger vs Adaptive feedback on Apex 5 is quite confusing. Some reviewers showed that on Apex 5 the trigger can be registered as low Puch as a minor hit. That is quite similar to microswitch.

Let me know what you think. Thanks.

reddit.com
▲ 16 r/Controllers+2 crossposts

NYXI Imperial Review - I Don't Know, Man...

DISCLAIMER: NYXI sent me this controller for review. However, I can say whatever I want and no one will watch this video beforeit goes public.

There are some things in this controller that are great and some are borderline terrible.

TLDR: Can't recommend...

youtu.be
u/chaporg1n — 1 day ago
▲ 9 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Concerned about the durability of the Dualsense (i dont own one) and about the Pico 2W Adapter

Hello, i was considering getting a Dualsense to play games like Returnal on PC. I haven't used a Dualsense to this day but i disliked the DS4 controller. Im only interested in this because of the haptics, but im unsure if its worth it getting a DS5 for only 1-3 games that i plan to play and have support for the haptics.

Would you say the haptics are worth it and if yes, are they still worth it once you got accustomed to them?

I read a lot about durability and quality issues with this controller. I will definitely use aluminum stickheads and tmr sticks. But i heared about breaking triggers, very bad battery live and broken usbc ports and such stuff more frequently than i like. What is your experience with the durability of the controller aside the stock stick drift issue?

For those that have done the Pico 2W adapter, how well does it work? Is it plug and play (once you initially configured it)? Are the haptics etc. the exact same as using the controller wired? What about latency (for inputs and also the haptics)?

I personally use a Xbox one s controller since they released without any issues. I am also planning to buy a steam controller (v2). The Dualsense would therefore only be for the games that actually benefit from the haptics.

EDIT: also how loud are the haptics triggers when playing without a headset?

I would love to hear your feedback,

Greetings

Chriss

reddit.com
u/FreshChriss — 2 days ago

8bitdo ultimate vs 8bitdo ultimate 2c

Ultimate is 4500 and 2c is 3000

Key difference:-

ultimate comes full software support, charging dock

2c comes with a 1000hz polling rate (ultimate comes with 250hz), tactile buttons

reddit.com
u/SnooPeripherals3805 — 2 days ago
▲ 66 r/Controllers+2 crossposts

MOJHON Storm Review

DISCLAIMER: Both the review unit and 2 units for the giveaway were provided for free by MOJHON for review. Nobody watched this video before its release. All the opinions are mine only.

youtu.be
u/chaporg1n — 4 days ago
▲ 4 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Should I get the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller or the Hyperion 3 controller?

I have yet to buy a switch 2 and I need another controller with it for my gaming setup (a gaming monitor with a ps5 and Switch 2 on a gaming desk). I was gonna buy a gadgetronx universal controller charger that can also charge 2 of my ps5 controllers. People say the switch 2 pro controller is the best controller for Nintendo.
And then there’s the Hyperion 3 controller. It looks cool and the charger for it looks cool also….plus you can switch out the D pad, and instead of having 2 joycons (from the switch 2) and a switch 2 pro controller to play Mario Kart with my friends and family (which is 3 people), I can use 2 joycons (from the switch 2) plus 2 extra joycons (from the Hyperion 3 controller) and that would be 4 people. Also the Hyperion 3 won’t have stick drift. People say the S2 pro controller is better but I don’t mind having the Hyperion 3 if it’s good enough and more convenient, (especially if I want more people to play games like Mario Kart). I’ll only play in docked mode.

reddit.com
u/AlteredG919 — 3 days ago

How can i fix my controller?

I just pressed L3 while playing a game, and the thumbstick cover separated into 2 halves. I really would like to get it fixed so I don't have to buy a new one. If I can't fix it myself, then I'm fine with using it like this until I can get it repaired. I was able to get the 2 halves together again, but can't get it into the socket again.

u/Unlikely-Class-3165 — 4 days ago

Thumbstick replacement shaft size

Hi all, looking for a thumbstick to fit the thin metal shaft of the analog stick in my wii drum kit (Guitar Hero 5/band hero) I've bought some before but they are for the thicker plastic shaft analog sticks as you can see in the pic. I can't seem to find the ones I need. Does anyone have a link for them? Cheers

u/Lazy-Locksmith-8885 — 4 days ago

Similar Controller?

Is there a similar controller to this one? I purchased this one in 2021 and have used it alot between my tablets and phone. I went to go purchase another one but looks like they have been discontinued.

u/GamingKregger — 5 days ago

Is Flydigi Space Station software safe?

Hello, I’m very interested in buying the Apex 5 Elite, but I’m extremely worried about the Flydigi Space Station software app that is required for the adaptive triggers to work. I have very valuable files and account passwords on my PC that absolutely cannot leak. It’s a real shame that the app is not open source. Is the app actually that dangerous, or am I just being paranoid?

Also, for the Vader 5 Pro, is it necessary to install the app too, or is it more plug-and-play? I really like its user reviews and its very low latency, which for example is around 10 ms lower than the G7 Pro.

reddit.com
u/papuehdb — 5 days ago

Help me pick a controller for my PC

My current options are:

  1. Gulikit espro
  2. 8bitdo ultimate 2c wireless ( a lot of people report the membrane on the trigger buttons tear in a few months of use)
  3. vortex series XP107
  4. Gamesir nova 2 lite (some people are reporting the trigger lock cause the trigger buttons to break)

anybody have used these before how good are they? longetivity wise. also any other reccomendation? thanks in advance.

reddit.com
u/RepresentativeAd8418 — 5 days ago
▲ 13 r/Controllers+3 crossposts

Just re-assembled the dualsense after changing sticks..

Hello everyone.
Today I replaced the sticks on my controller. The soldering was done good imo and everything was clean.

Once I closed the shell, the L2 button stopped working and L1 stayed “stuck” as if it was always being pressed.
I opened it again, reconnected the ribbon cables, and closed it once more. From that moment, it works fine for 10–15 seconds, then it starts acting like you can see in the video.

I tried opening it again and thoroughly cleaning all the contacts and ribbon cable traces with isopropyl alcohol, but nothing changed.

I also have an “Extremerate Rise4” kit installed on this controller, and it has never caused any issues for more than a year.

What could this be? I can take a picture of the stick soldering if needed, but I don’t understand how it could affect the back buttons!

Thanks to anyone who can help me

u/creysi_ — 7 days ago
▲ 48 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Why are Xbox controllers so expensive!

Bought a simple all black controller, and it was 95$!! Which is crazy, and they seem to cheap you out now and not give a you a 14day gamepass code. Just batteries and the controller.

u/Resident_Title8319 — 8 days ago
▲ 19 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Are Grip Tapes Worth It for the Vader 5 Pro?

Hello, I have a question. Are these Grip Tapes for the Vader 5 Pro good?

The Vader 5 Pro already comes with rubber grips, so I’m wondering if the Grip Tapes would actually feel more comfortable, or if they might feel too rough because of the anti-slip texture during long gaming sessions.

My hands sweat pretty quickly, and I’m coming from the Vader 5S, which could feel a little slippery sometimes. The Vader 5 Pro that I ordered today will be my first controller with rubber grips, so I’m hoping the built-in rubber grip already feels excellent and prevents any slipping.

Also, I know I don’t necessarily have to place the Grip Tapes directly over the rubber grip areas. I could also place them on the side areas near the joysticks, buttons, back paddles, triggers, and other available spots.

So I’m mainly wondering: do the Grip Tapes actually improve the comfort and overall feel of the controller, or do they mainly just add more grip? Do they feel really nice in the hands, or can the texture become uncomfortable after long sessions?

Would it actually be worth buying them, or is the Vader 5 Pro’s rubber grip already good enough on its own?

u/WARIUS_WORDL — 7 days ago
▲ 12 r/Controllers+4 crossposts

Worst than yesterday

I’m the guy from yesterday’s post.
I desoldered it a couple of times without damaging anything, but no luck. Still getting 3 orange LEDs.
There’s no continuity between the various pins. The solder joint looks very shiny right after I make it, but when I use alcohol to remove the flux, it turns dull.

Today the controller started behaving differently: two lights with the battery connected, 3 lights without the battery, it was being recognized by the PC and then disconnecting after 8 seconds, it was being recognized and drifting automatically (with the L1 button acting as if it was permanently pressed), and now it only shows 3 LEDs, with or without the battery.

At this point I have no idea what else to try.
Sure, I should probably take it to someone who does this professionally, and that’s fine, but as a matter of principle (and to improve my skills) I’d really like to understand what’s actually wrong.

u/creysi_ — 7 days ago

Best Asymmetrical layout ps5 controller?

Hello everyone,
So 2 years ago i switched from the regular ps5 controller (Dualsense) to the Nacon revolution 5
The only thing i liked about the controller is the layout, and recently i figured that the audio port on my controller makes me sound awful and i checked it’s an issue with the controller not my headset.
I’m looking for the best ps5 asymmetrical layout controller options
I only play Call of duty :)

reddit.com
u/Glass_Panic9512 — 7 days ago
▲ 1 r/Controllers+1 crossposts

Which ps5 controller should I get

My scuff reflects FPS broke and is now off the shelves completely at the scuff store. I’m looking to get a new controller and I can get the new omega scuff controller or a custom aim controller. I’ve heard issues about both and I don’t feel like replacing or fixing a controller when I get it.

reddit.com
u/aint-easybein_cheesy — 6 days ago