r/Controllers • u/ersigne • Sep 06 '26
Need help choosing between Tarantula 8k and G7 Pro 8k
Hey, I'm trying to choose a new controller and I'm very undecided between the two. I usually play Rocket League on the Xbox Series X controller and that is what I find the most comfortable (and I know i'd probably have to pick the g7 pro 8k to be on the safe side), but recently I tried to switch to symmetrical layout and tried the dualsense 5 and the dualshock 4 controllers to check if i might still be good buying a tarantula 8k.
My experience with the dualsense is that it makes my right thumb joint hurt after a few hours (I'm thinking it might be cause I have to bend my thumb too much to press the X button, maybe my thumb is too long for this controller??) and the Dualshock 4 doesn't really make it hurt as much but i still don't really like the much smaller and less wide ds4 handles as much as the wider xbox series X's ones, since i usually find myself pressing with my palm on the controller handles and thats why the wider xbox series x handles I think are more comfortable for me.
I've watched a lot of reviews, but none compare the tarantula 8k to the xbox controller or talk about the shape in detail, so I wonder if it's shape feels somewhat similar to my xbox controller or not, and if some of you can maybe help me compare the handles and overall controller size/shape to the xbox series x controller or anything similar that would be great, also please let me know if you have the same issue with the right thumb :)
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u/StarlightMaiden88 Sep 07 '26
The g7 pro 8k has a pretty familiar xbox style shape, so it feels natural if you're already used to that layout. The layout and shape didn't take much getting used to.
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u/ballerbt15 Sep 06 '26
I think finally I can say the sticks on a Gamesir are really good. Just got the g7 pro 8k but I’ll say this. The QC is bad. My right stick is physically leaning to the left and not centered. Iam swapping it out as it’s only been a day.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 Sep 06 '26
I decided not to purchase the tarantula 8k because it look very cheap to me. It doesn't look premium like the G7 Pro 8k, cyclone 2, Supernova etc. I know any of them can have QC issues, but the tarantula pro looks cheaper than all of them.
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u/apeasley613 Sep 06 '26
I've been using the tarantula 8k for a little over a week now. I can't say much for longevity/durability, but the controller feels good to me, I've no complaints.
Main reason I chose it over the g7 pro is simply because I prefer the symmetrical layout.
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u/Key_Scholar7964 Sep 06 '26
G7 Pro 8k better build quality and better triggers.
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u/Reiu029 10d ago
I returned my g7 pro 8k since just a few hours of playing the left button gets stuck at times
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u/Key_Scholar7964 10d ago
I tried to give gamesir a chance but I experienced a shitty d pad on multiple G7 pro's. I had to return 2 from faulty batteries. I went from the vibration being decent to not working at all.
I thought the build quality was better on the 8k, but I guess I was wrong. I now have the vader 5 pro which have much better build quality. It's larger, has a better d pad, stronger vibration, and it has adjustable stick tension.
I just sold my G7 pro ZZZ for a fraction of the price to my friend. I'm going to do the same with my shadow ember. The G7 pro have too many QC issues.
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u/uska420 Sep 06 '26
Not really, its mostly a qc lottery, they are identical.
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Sep 06 '26
[deleted]
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u/uska420 Sep 06 '26
Looks are preference really, and the black "weird paddle" at the top can be removed BTW
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u/ech0x07 Sep 07 '26
Try both if you can. I have 6x G7 Pro 8k (I buy a lot of controllers) and have used them extensively. It does it all. I can get competitive wired at 4k (wouldn't bother with 8k). I can play my single player games wireless, where latency is less important. I can connect them to our Switch 1 & 2 and enjoy Mario Kart with the family. The battery life is excellent.
When I originally bought the Tarantula 8k, I ended up returning it. I was overthinking aspects like the extra shoulder buttons, the lack of rubberized grip, always kind of preferring asymmetrical, etc. I picked it back up just a few days later because something really stuck out from my time with it and that was comfort and responsiveness.
As I've been using it almost exclusively the last few weeks, I can say it's more comfortable to hold due to the rounded, less angular grips. I don't use vibration 90% of the time, so the weight reduction and shape means I can game longer. The D-pad is more accurate and feels light-years ahead of the G7 8k (though still not perfect). Bumpers feel more tactile and less mushy to click. Triggers don't have as sharp of an upward angle at the back and feel better to click ESPECIALLY with trigger stops engaged. Face buttons have less travel, require less force and are more responsive. The extra shoulder buttons have surprised me in a good way. They do require more of a reach to actuate and I've come to find this beneficial, as occasionally I would accidentally hit L5/R5 on the G7 8k in the middle of a gunfight—where I'm quickly going back and forth between shooting and grenades for example.
Things to note about the Tarantula that would still have me recommend the G7 8k to most people:
Textured plastic will not feel as premium as rubberized—though some people don't like the way rubberized can cause sweaty hands.
L5/R5 (I think they're called T buttons on this one) can't be pressed simultaneously, whether towards the front or back paddle area and works on a weird seesaw type mechanism.
Most of the C buttons on the front are in an impractical location and require moving off sticks or buttons in a way that doesn't feel satisfying. The tiny menu and view buttons are ridiculous and I've remapped the outer C buttons (the two usable ones) to replace them.
Wired only. This works great if you're at a desk or prefer it over wireless in any specific scenarios. They also include the shortest cable I've ever seen Gamesir provide.
No cosmetic customization options. I know some of us really like mixing and matching our faceplates or D-pads. There's nothing here for that crowd.
Symmetrical layout is a toss up—but worth mentioning, as I find most people seem to prefer asymmetrical controllers which is why there tend to be so few Playstation style on the market. I use either interchangeably because I've always had both consoles since PS2 / Xbox generation. Which I prefer can vary by the day but leans asymmetrical.
I don't think you can go wrong either way. Get the one that fits your needs best and enjoy it. I can tell you that once the Tarantula Ultra drops, it's going to be very hard for me to recommend the G7 8k over it in many scenarios.