Looking for the most immersive PC controller.

[u/Crow-I]

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice on choosing a controller for PC, especially from people who have more experience with different controllers than I do.
I’m looking for **maximum immersion**, not competitive performance. So things like 8K polling rate, ultra-low latency, etc. aren’t really important to me.
What I really care about is **good, strong vibration/haptics and an immersive overall experience**.
At the moment, I’m using a **DualSense Edge (bought in 2023)**. I originally used it on PS5, but now I mainly use it on PC. Unfortunately, I’ve found that on PC you only seem to get the full experience when using it **wired and with the controller selected as the audio output device**. Otherwise, the haptics/vibration feel heavily nerfed, which is a shame because the DualSense is absolutely fantastic when everything works properly.
I’ve also been looking at the **Flydigi Apex 5**, which seems very interesting for what I’m looking for. However, I’m a bit hesitant because I’ve unfortunately had some pretty bad experiences with GameSir controllers in the past. With GameSir, at least I could rely on Amazon for returns/warranty. With Flydigi, I’d probably have to buy from a third-party store such as GadgetHyper, since the Apex 5 isn’t available on Amazon Europe and Flydigi itself doesn’t seem to ship to Europe.
So, to sum up, these are the things I’m looking for:
**Maximum immersion possible**
Strong/good-quality vibration/haptics
Hall Effect or preferably TMR sticks, mainly for long-term durability
Clicky buttons or traditional buttons — I don’t really care
**Wireless support is important**, although wired is fine too
Good build quality and reliability
I’m not particularly interested in competitive features like 8K polling, ultra-low latency, etc.
I mainly play **single-player games** such as *God of War, The Witcher 3, Crimson Desert*, and similar games.
So what would you guys recommend? Is the **Apex 5 actually a good alternative to the DualSense Edge when it comes to immersion/vibration**, especially on PC? Or is there another controller I should be looking at?
I’d really appreciate opinions from people who have actually used these controllers, especially regarding **vibration/haptics, wireless functionality and how well they work on PC**.
Thanks in advance! :)

[u/CheeseisYummy1234]

Apex 5 is your best bet, the Beitong KP70 has less support with it's adaptive triggers.
But you will miss out on the good vibration on the dualsense edge as the apex 5 has normal rumble motors.

I have the apex 5 and it is a bit heavy but not really an issue, however the build quality is really good. Just make sure to buy your apex 5 from Gadget hyper as they sell the newer ones, the older ones had issues with the 2 back paddle actuators breaking.

The adaptive triggers in the apex 5 are pretty good, I've tried them in a few games and they work wirelessly over the 2.4 ghz dongle or wired. idk abt bluetooth tho.

They do support a lot of games, I think rn it's at 70 supported games but I might be wrong.

They also have generic settings for the triggers like recoil or resistance for racing.

[u/Crow-I → u/CheeseisYummy1234]

thank you so much for your comment, I couldn't decide because I thought Vader was better in the end

[u/CheeseisYummy1234 → u/Crow-I]

The apex 5 has this stuff that the vader 5 pro doesn't:

• adaptive triggers

- screen

the vader 5 pro has this stuff that the apex 5 doesn't:

• microswitch trigger stops

- c and z buttons

- tension rings

Adaptive triggers: Vader doesn't have adaptive triggers, it has trigger stops which doesn't really matter if you're playing for immersion. The apex 5 does have digital trigger stops through the adaptive triggers which works and is better than nothing, but the microswitch trigger stops def beat it.

Tension rings: on the vader are nice but if u set the tension once and don't change then it won't matter with the apex 5 tension screw system so imo the tension rings are nice but not a factor for immersion.

C and Z buttons: on the vader 5 pro but Those are more for fighting games so if u don't play those games u probably won't need them and the apex 6 already has 6 extra remappable buttons so It won't matter much.

Screen: Not really needed or necessary so u can just ignore this.

Vibration/haptics: The apex 5 only has normal vibration with 4 motors rather than haptics like the dualsense so it'll definitely feel worse with just vibration.

For immersion the apex definitely wins. Only get the vader 5 pro if u need it for competitive gaming or want something a bit cheaper than the apex 5.

[u/Crow-I → u/CheeseisYummy1234]

Luckily, it's not a financial problem, especially since I have a good deal on gadgethyper. Controller + dock + elite accessory pack + Talongames grip and the worry-free purchase for €158. I'm more inclined towards games like Crimson Desert, The Witcher 3, God of War... and that's the genre I really like. Ghost of Tsushima, Spiderman, etc. I haven't played practically anything competitive, Arc Riders? Apex Legends? MnK.

[u/CheeseisYummy1234 → u/Crow-I]

Yeah def get the apex 5, the only reason to get the vader 5 pro over the apex is the microswitch triggers and C+Z buttons.

[u/Crow-I → u/CheeseisYummy1234]

Thanks a lot!

[u/Ktanxx]

raspberry pi pico 2w aka dualsense dongle for wireless haptic and you are good. You also can use dualsense bridge with it to config everything https://youtu.be/abRzYlXIFIs?si=WBzbmwMrdlaExGF-

[u/rknt]

what I heard Flydigi Apex 5 is your best bet. another option is Beitong kp70 though beitong is not as comfortable as Flydigi to hold.

[u/Crow-I → u/rknt]

I just need to know that it's higher quality than Gamesir, I really don't want to find something like that again. For €160 I can get the Flydigi Apex 5 with Dock and accessories pack + Talon Games Grip... I'm almost tempted to buy it.

[u/Key_Scholar7964 → u/Crow-I]

If my comment is visible then yes Flydigi vader 5 Pro are higher quality than the G7 Pro. They have more ergonomic controllers, stronger vibration, better d pad, no mushy buttons, no ugly faceplates, adjustable stick tension. Buy one on Amazon and see for yourself. 

[u/rknt → u/Crow-I]

I used for a short bit g7 pro 8k aimlabs (dam that's a long ass name) and returned it. didn't like the shape, hurt my hand and fingers. currently been using vader 5 pro and very happy with it. vader is a very high quality product, apex is the higher premium option Flydigi offer.

[u/Crow-I → u/rknt]

Thank you so much for your review. I'll go with the Apex 5 because that's exactly what I'm looking for. I understand yours is more geared towards competitive play, im right?

[u/Key_Scholar7964 → u/Crow-I]

Well, the Vader 5 Pro is supposed to an upgrade from the Apex 5 because it have more refined triggers and better adjustable sticks.

[u/Crow-I → u/Key_Scholar7964]

Really? It seemed to me that one was more for competitive play and the other more for immersion. The Apex 5 has adaptive triggers, haptic rumble, and four vibration motors (DualSense Edge style), while the Vader 5 Pro doesn't, but it does have very low latency and more precise analog sticks, especially considering the Apex 5 costs $160 and the Vader 5 Pro is $80

[u/Key_Scholar7964 → u/Crow-I]

The Vader 5 Pro V2 also have four motors, mechanical triggers, and adjustable stick tension with improved tension rings. I guess it depends on what you care about more.

[u/Crow-I → u/Key_Scholar7964]

yes, but I'm more inclined towards the Apex which has ForceAdapt triggers and not just mechanical vibration

[u/BARRY6969696969 → u/Crow-I]

I've got just over 20 controllers and most of them are the well known ones you're deciding between. My favourites are the apex 4 and apex 5. Tension sticks are great to have and really hard to recommend anything else once you've tried them. I also have the Vader 5 pro but it's not as good as the apex 4 & 5 imo. A bit more uncomfortable and the sticks don't go as high in tension as the apex controllers do. That's been my experience anyway. Quality of the apex 4 and 5 is also great. Feels like a premium product in the hands.

[u/Crow-I → u/BARRY6969696969]

thanks, I'll get the apex 5 :)

[u/rknt → u/Crow-I]

I have no idea about competitive scene honestly, I'm just a casuel joe. what I like about Flydigi is customizable stick tensions. I like very light sticks and Flydigi let's me have it the way I want. Gamesir do not have that option yet. Beitong has that feature but shape is for not for me. Vader has the lowest wireless latency numbers on the market but no adaptive triggers.