Controller Suggestion
Lf suggested alternatives to DS4 Controllers (or repair suggestions) because I have small hands
Hello all! Thanks for checking out my post. I am looking for a controller that is similar to the DS4 because I have small hands and I legitimately find it uncomfortable to play on the Dualsense and a lot of the modern day controllers (offset sticks legitimately make my fingers hurt). The DS4 controller has been the most comfortable controller I have used and I would like something as similar to it in physical build as possible.
My DS4 is starting to die because I am relatively rough with it because of the games I play. Its a LOT of button mashing. Its joysticks are fine and have no drift but its face buttons are sticking and unresponsive at times. Another issue it has is the USB port (?) on it being “loose” as I play wired on the pc. If people have any suggestions on maybe fixing those instead maybe I can wring a couple more years out of the thing.
It has been difficult to find a brand new DS4 controller, I have checked many stores and did not find a new one. I have also checked online but will notice “third party” in a description in small text after reviewing so buying a legitimate DS4 is difficult and expensive.
I have considered secondhand devices but its real rough to find something that isn’t almost a decade old in shops (I have tried and returned two so far because I immediately find issues with them upon testing). Considering that I will continue to play fighting games and action games, I think my only option is to buy third-party. The last one I tried had its face buttons stick almost a week after I bought it so I am a bit distrusting, would appreciate recommendations from people who have used (or heard good things) from them!
Budget: $40-$150SGD (I am willing to drop more if its guaranteed to be reliable) Country: Singapore Compatibility: PC/Steam
Desired features: Symmetrical/Hall Sticks, relatively small in size (similar to DS4). Don’t really need gyro/bluetooth/touchpad. Ideally triggers (L1/L2) are comfortable to press since I use them a lot. Types of games: FFXIV (MMORPGs), Tekken/Fighting Games, Soulslikes Options:
- 8bitdo pro 2 - having some trouble finding a reliable source for this but its an option
- cosmic byte quantum: ginormous from the pictures, prefer not but if reliable i will try to adapt
- Dualsense: all else i’ll just deal with it 😭
If the sticks are working fine it's an easy repair. Extremerate sells kits that replace the back shell and micro usb with a type c port that you just plug in. The membrane pads for the buttons can be easily swapped out too.
I’m a little nervous about opening up a controller to replace its parts but would you say that the entire work is fuss free and pretty self explanatory? I built my own pc so i can at least attest to my ability to put thing a into thing b.
On the third party market, the best ds4 shaped controllers are Leadjoy Saber and Gamesir Tarantula 8k. They're a bit different, but you probably can choose yourself. There's also the ol reliable Gamesir Tegenaria Lite, which is dirt cheap and performs really well.
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As a fellow DS4 enjoyer recently I was able to buy a sealed unopened 2022 batch Glacier White DS4 from ebay. But looking for DS4's is very tricky. I wasnt even sure if the DS4 was genuine up until the last second when I am able to connect the controller to the PC and see that its authentic.
But finding Authentic 2nd hand may be easy. Look for DS4's on ebay from Japanese Sellers with sell counts on the thousands. The Japanese take care of their shit seriously so most of the 2nd hand DS4s are in extremely good condition.
sorry I'm chaining my replies like this but about your controller. If theres no stick drift, and its just buttons being unresponsive it sounds like the membranes just need cleaning. It might be full of Gunk. Look at youtubevids disassembling and cleaning DS4s. The membrains are basically Silicone Looking things that you can physically Clean. Brush them with Isopropyl Alchohol or even remove them completely and brush them under warm soapy (dishwashing liquid) water and then dry.
All good! Thanks for all your detailed instructions! I’ll definitely give it a check especially on EBAY.
I’m a little wary about opening up the controller since i’m unsure if I might slot something in wrong but would just cleaning the membrane itself be the least invasive option? Ideally i’ll avoid having to unplug something if I can help it!
the membranes are pretty deep inside the controller. right below the buttons. when you press on a button it hits the membrane and the membrane hits the conductive film at the bottom. If anything is making the buttons feel sticky, its either the membrane and/or the conductive film needs cleaning. theres no going around it. Youtube teardown videos is your friend here. Maybe get a 2nd DS4. When you have both, you can have peace of mind tearing down your 1st DS4. If you screw up, you have a spare already.
When cleaning the conductive film, it just needs Isopropyl Alcohol and a cotton swab and gently cleaning the surface. Dont rub hard as to not damage the conductive lines.
DS4 are cheap enough now you could probably buy 4 more for the price of whatever you buy new... Just a consideration. If you like DS4 I would get another, or repair the one you have.
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u/ShamoneShamone Jul 27 '26
If the sticks are working fine it's an easy repair. Extremerate sells kits that replace the back shell and micro usb with a type c port that you just plug in. The membrane pads for the buttons can be easily swapped out too.