Decent game controller?

I was interested in the new stream controller even though I do not like the left analogue stick placement as I prefer the Xbox layout but hoped the track pads below lifted the analogue sticks high enough to be comfortable. However, the lack of xinput totally killed it for me.

Can anyone think of a another controller that also has good gyros as I want to try and play FPS games on the couch instead of mouse and keyboard. G7 Pro seems like a good choice. Thank you
 
I was interested in the new stream controller even though I do not like the left analogue stick placement as I prefer the Xbox layout but hoped the track pads below lifted the analogue sticks high enough to be comfortable. However, the lack of xinput totally killed it for me.

Can anyone think of a another controller that also has good gyros as I want to try and play FPS games on the couch instead of mouse and keyboard. G7 Pro seems like a good choice. Thank you
The Blitz 2 has a good gyro.
 
After a month of owning it, I finally got around to putting some hours in on the EasySMX D10. I'm coming from a near 15 year old wired 360 pad that had seen better days, so have nothing else to compare it to.

- TMR sticks: These feel really smooth and have an 'anti-friction' ring, a litte lighter in tension than I'm used to, but I'm getting used to it. I've been playing Skate and they seem to track very well/predictably.
- No software - That could be a pro or con depending on your opinion on it, all settings are controlled by keybinds/button combinations (using the macro/start/home/menu keys, so virtually no risk of accidentally reconfiguring something mid session!)
- Face buttons are microswitch so pretty instantaneous with an audible click, the 'dpad' (has a circle cap) is very clicky with a tactile feedback, the ABXY buttons have a silicon stem, so although they register quickly, they have a bit of a mushy bottom out beyond that (which i didn't like at first but am getting used to)
- 2 rear buttons: These can only be mapped to another controller button as far as I'm aware, not a keyboard input etc.
- Triggers switch between analog and micro, via a physical selector on the back.
- Supports Xinput as well as Direct, toggled by a button combo, there are also other features such as square/circle for the sticks, adjust rumble strength etc.
- Comes with a dock for charging, that the reciever plugs in to, so only 1 USB port. I have had to unplug and plug it back in once when it didn't automatically pair!

Overall, really happy with it for the price I paid (£25) - Cyclone 2 was also reduced at the time so about a £20 difference, I haven't used a cyclone but from what people have said here I would have gone that route if the price gap was smaller.... If you use controllers often, it may well be worth stumping up the extra. It also seems to be possibly EoL as they only have the black version in stock now.

...oh, it has gyro too, but that currently only works on switch, apparently would need someone (i.e. Valve) to work with them on recognising it to enable that on PC (it just shows as an xbox 360 controller in steam... and device manager :( )
 
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My Steam controller has also arrived. I've only tried it with games that I would have used my PS5 controller with and it's great. Definitely feels a lot more bulky than my PS5 controller, but not in a bad way. In a way that feels like it has more to offer even if I'm not taking advantage of it. Not tested it in games that require mouse movement or anything, but then I doubt I would play games like that with a controller anyway. I prefer the location of the D pad compared to the PS5 controller, I play a lot of fighting games so that's important to me. I think to get the most out of it you'd need to be someone who prefers controllers over KB & mouse, but that's not me. I like it and rate it better than the PS5 controller, but for my use it won't bring anything new to the table like it probably will for others.

Oh and the box is very nice. It's sealed with one of those cardboard tags that you need to peel off, so once it's opened you won't be able to sell it as brand new. This may give people confidence if buying one new on eBay etc as I see they're sold out on Steam.
 
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Going from an 8bitdo ultimate 2 to this is definitely a step up in quality. As no_1_dave has already said its definitely bulkier but still comfortable to hold. Though I've had a little hand ache from a game of space marine 2 but I also played a lot better than I normally do in an Op with it so take that how you will!

I do go reaching for the dpad in the xbox locale rather than this new one, that threw my muscle memory a bit haha

Very pleased with the purchase!
 
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My Steam controller has also arrived. I've only tried it with games that I would have used my PS5 controller with and it's great. Definitely feels a lot more bulky than my PS5 controller, but not in a bad way. In a way that feels like it has more to offer even if I'm not taking advantage of it. Not tested it in games that require mouse movement or anything, but then I doubt I would play games like that with a controller anyway. I prefer the location of the D pad compared to the PS5 controller, I play a lot of fighting games so that's important to me. I think to get the most out of it you'd need to be someone who prefers controllers over KB & mouse, but that's not me. I like it and rate it better than the PS5 controller, but for my use it won't bring anything new to the table like it probably will for others.

Oh and the box is very nice. It's sealed with one of those cardboard tags that you need to peel off, so once it's opened you won't be able to sell it as brand new. This may give people confidence if buying one new on eBay etc as I see they're sold out on Steam.

Peel off cardboard tag? Right I’m reserving two.
 
Steam Devs...shall we put the money left into providing rumble for the triggers, or a Wilhelm scream if the controller is dropped...
 
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So I got a bit of gaming in with mine.

For reference I have two controllers that I really like - G7 Pro and Leadjoy Xena Plus.

The Steam Controller is excellent imho. I like its fit in my medium size hands. It’s quality all around and I am pleased with the purchase.

I can see it becoming one of, if not my main, controller.
 
I think I need a bit more time with mine to form a proper opinion but so far I think it's kinda just alright?

There are certain things I like about it a lot (the puck/charging situation), the trackpads are really useful to use - but I'm not sure I like the bumpers/triggers compared to a regular PS5 controller and the dpad isn't as good as a PlayStation one.

250hz polling rate is also noticeable if you've used something higher. I know there's a lot of people that will say you can't tell the difference but if you're a competitive player and have used 1k/2k/8khz on a controller and are used to how responsive it feels then I find the Steam Controller noticeable 'less' immediate compared to either the G7 Pro 8K or the DS Edge.

I do think it's perfect for non-competitive games though, the convenience of the wireless puck / charging is fantastic. I also enjoy that the puck sits quite nicely on the desk too, it's almost got an extra weight to it that helps it sits and not be pulled off the back like some mice dongles are.

I'll keep using it over the weekend to see how I get on with it, I can always return it if I don't get on with it or put it on the MM!
 
Is anyone with a steam controller finding the sticks a bit slippery? My thumb seems to constantly creep in whatever direction I'm holding and then I have to adjust.

I've only played some RDR2 so far, but I find the trackpad quite good for driving the horse. I may try using the trackpads instead of the stick.
 
Yeah - after spending a few more hours using it (probably at around 5-6 hours now?) I don't think the Steam Controller is for me. I can 100% understand why people will like it a lot, there are plenty of things that are great about it that I wish other controllers would incorporate but it just doesn't suit how I hold a controller or how I use triggers.

Now to figure out whether I return it to Valve or whack it on the MM..!
 
Yeah - after spending a few more hours using it (probably at around 5-6 hours now?) I don't think the Steam Controller is for me. I can 100% understand why people will like it a lot, there are plenty of things that are great about it that I wish other controllers would incorporate but it just doesn't suit how I hold a controller or how I use triggers.

Now to figure out whether I return it to Valve or whack it on the MM..!
There'd be plenty of us interested in picking up a used Steam Controller on the MM... :p
 
I think I need a bit more time with mine to form a proper opinion but so far I think it's kinda just alright?

There are certain things I like about it a lot (the puck/charging situation), the trackpads are really useful to use - but I'm not sure I like the bumpers/triggers compared to a regular PS5 controller and the dpad isn't as good as a PlayStation one.

250hz polling rate is also noticeable if you've used something higher. I know there's a lot of people that will say you can't tell the difference but if you're a competitive player and have used 1k/2k/8khz on a controller and are used to how responsive it feels then I find the Steam Controller noticeable 'less' immediate compared to either the G7 Pro 8K or the DS Edge.

I do think it's perfect for non-competitive games though, the convenience of the wireless puck / charging is fantastic. I also enjoy that the puck sits quite nicely on the desk too, it's almost got an extra weight to it that helps it sits and not be pulled off the back like some mice dongles are.

I'll keep using it over the weekend to see how I get on with it, I can always return it if I don't get on with it or put it on the MM!

250hz in 2026, Jesus, didn’t realise that.
 
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There'd be plenty of us interested in picking up a used Steam Controller on the MM... :p
Yeah, that's a good shout. Seeing the prices that some people are selling them for on eBay is wild, I'll probably just put it on the MM then at the price I bought it.

Time to order the Scuf Omega for an insane price to see how that is... Although with a long delivery window I think I'll try the G7 Pro 8k again and change the thumb sticks to PS5 ones.
 
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