The Steam Controller is a love hate affair, and depending upon the games you play it might suit you. It's especially good in Steam Big Picture mode and with games that already have viable presets configured. Other than that the Xbox 360 Wired and Wireless pads are always very well regarded in that sort of price range. Personally I prefer the Dual Shock set up and use a DS3 but I hear the DS4 is also a good choice.
Xbox 360 wired is literally plug and play though so for simple and cheap, yet actually not junk, that's your best bet.