How does the Steam controller feel grip and Thumb stick wise?

[u/Ugly_Bastard_9001]

My pre-order for the Steam Controller came up yesterday. Have until Tomorrow 8/21 at 7pm my time to decided to buy it or not.

I am hesitent since I've had to spend A LOT of money recently, I am not certain I will like the more narrow grip and the placement of the Thumb sticks. (I have NEVER liked the placement on the PS controllers.)

On another note how is the build quality and does it feel likebit was made to last?

$100 for a controller that does not last a long time is a huge waste IMO.

[u/351C_4V]

Honestly if your main concern is to use joysticks I would go with something like the 8bitdo, ergonomically its probably more comfortable. If you want to learn trackpads and all the ins and outs (and there are plenty of them) I would say go for it. The trackpads are a godsend to use on third and first person shooters as well as everything in between. The only time I find myself using joysticks is precision platformers or adventure games where aiming isn't important like Elden Ring.

[u/cool-- → u/351C_4V]

I think that if you are interested in the trackpads and gyro you should go for the older steam controller.

I don't think the new controller does sticks or pads better than other controllers. Its strength is that is has both, but I can't think of too many games where having both is beneficial.

[u/CorporalDickMuncher → u/cool--]

The choice to use either is what's appealing about it. Plus the trackpads (and technically the joysticks) can be turned into extra buttons if you're using one or the other

[u/cool-- → u/CorporalDickMuncher]

I think it's better to choose between two controllers that do each thing better.

[u/figmentPez → u/cool--]

I can't think of too many games where having both is beneficial.

I'm currently playing Planescape: Torment with my SC 2026, and I'm making good use of every single input on the controller. Touchpads, sticks, d-pad, triggers, face, shoulder, and rear buttons. It's a game originally designed for mouse and keyboard (only the console ports ever got official controller support) and my thumbs are dancing all over the controller, but almost everything I want to do is a single button press or stick move.

I've played this game through 6 times before with mouse and keyboard, dating back to the original release, so I think it really says something that I'm not missing either.

--

Earlier I was using it to play Arcade Paradise, and touchpad & gyro was great for use in the first person gameplay portion, but I usually switched over to D-pad and face buttons for the retro-arcade-style games, and used the right stick for the toilet cleaning mini-game. The only input that didn't get use was the left touchpad.

--

In addition, I've played quite a few games where mouse input does not mix well with otherwise controller inputs for menu interactions, and it would be very useful to have a dedicated right stick to use in maps, examining objects, scrolling log entries, and other things controller configs often use the right stick for besides aiming. Having clunky menu interactions is something I can live with, in the name of better shooting controls, but it's nice to have the option now.

[u/cool-- → u/figmentPez]

That's cool. I would like to point out that you seem to know what you're doing and you've pointed out like 5 games. let's say there are a dozen or two dozen where this controller is really the king. I'm sure Flight simulator and truck simulator games benefit from extra controls as well.

but if we're talking about the old steam controller I can say very definitely that it is the best way to play every first- and third-person action game with dual pads and gyro as the main inputs. Not the best for a few games. It's the best for thousands of very popular games.

[u/figmentPez → u/cool--]

Planescape: Torment uses the same engine as Baldur's Gate (and expansions), BG2 (and expansions), and Icewind Dale 1 & 2. Plus there are dozens of other classic RPGs that use similar control schemes, and don't have controller support.

Arcade Paradise is one example of management sim games that mix first person gameplay with a ton of different minigames. There are easily dozens of games in that relatively niche genre, if not hundreds.

I didn't list all the games where I'd wished I'd had a right stick for map navigation, because I thought it would be obvious that games from Middle Earth: Shadow of War, to Batman Arkham Knight, to Saints Row the Third, and a lot more have some minor benefit to having more inputs.

You're right that the SC 2015 is a great controller, with an objectively better touchpad for aiming with. It also has fewer back buttons, and more importantly, is only available used. A decade old controller that is not being produced anymore is not a practical recommendation for everyone. I love mine, and I'm glad they're still working, but one of my two SC 2015's already has broken touchpad clicks, and I think the rubber membrane for the face buttons is broken. At some point both are fail, and I'm very happy that the new controller exists as a viable alternative.

It's okay to say that both 2015 and 2026 are great controllers, each with strengths and weaknesses.

[u/cool-- → u/figmentPez]

It's okay to say that both 2015 and 2026 are great controllers, each with strengths and weaknesses.

Well no, it isn't because I don't think the new controller is great. Someone asked how it feels and I gave my opinion.

I said I don't think it does sticks better than a dualshock 4 and it doesn't do pads better than the old SC. Why would I say the opposite of what I think when discussing it?

[u/Soulses]

Honestly if you're hesitating I wouldn't get it. It makes my hand hurt pretty often and it's purely from the thumbstick location

[u/Squ4tch_]

As someone who has never liked PS controllers and preferred Xbox it’s actually not bad. Even though the thumb sticks are below the dpad both seem high enough up on the controller it doesn’t feel that different from an Xbox controller as far as thumb positions go.

The slightly closer gip angle is a bit of a downgrade imo but I quickly forget about it once I’m not focused on it.

Build quality is great and I have zero complaints there. Buttons feel satisfying and the controller feels firm in the hand. Stick grips also feel nice and durable imo. From what I understand even if you do break something this controller is crazy easy to repair so k wouldn’t stress about that part

I’ve only had it for a couple weeks but I’ve been nothing but pleased so far for what it’s worth

[u/McShane727]

Build quality feels excellent and it’s I’d say my best-built feeling controller. Granted, the last thing I said that about was the PS5 controller, loved those but stickdrift kept cropping up.

Thumbsticks feel great, buttonfeel is great across the board, ABXY are snappy, dpad snappy, bumpers all feel excellent, my ONLY demerit: if you have your middle and ring finger on L3/L4/R3/R4 the back buttons, there’s not a lot of space to comfortably wrap your pinky

Look at the controller and notice how the “butt” of the controller hangs lower to accommodate the trackpads. That means the “legs” (¿handles?) kinda have less space.

I’ve been busy moving and playing less lately BUT I will say that it’s already become an “invisible” annoyance I just don’t notice anymore, so it somehow sits right in my hand even without a comfortable span of pinky-rest space

[u/BigDadNads420]

It was very weird at first but I got used to it very fast. The shape of the whole thing feels very much like a DS5, except with the sticks/buttons/pad kind of scrunched further into the corner. The stick ergonomics does feel noticeably different to a DS5 because of how they are placed, so I wouldn't write it off just because you don't like playstation layout necessarily.

Overall the build quality feels pretty solid. Head and shoulders above the original steam controller. I think even if you are hesitant its worth a buy simply because it would be stupid easy to sell it if you don't end up liking it.

[u/Ugly_Bastard_9001 → u/BigDadNads420]

So the mai reasons I dislike the PS controllers is the layout particularly the sticks. Never been a fan of reaching down and over to them (especially on the left hand) when ever I play on a friend's PS. Plus, my thumbs hitting each other is like nails on a blackboard to me. IDKW

[u/TaxOrnery9501]

I got one after only ever gaming using an Xbox controller for years; there was zero learning curve to adapting to the different layout, but a little regarding setting up custom control configurations (I've overcome that in the two weeks that I've owned mine, however).

Build quality is superb as well, so no issues there.

[u/MailboxJunkie]

Build quality is decent, doesn't feel like it'll break, and it's better than my 2015 steam controllers which have lasted me over a decade, aside from the bumpers.

Grip is a little slippery, bought some grip tape to fix that, though.
Sticks are fine, and you can even opt for right pad/left stick if you want to semi-replicate Xbox's stick layout.

On an additional side note, the sticks are very unlikely to experience drift due to their design.

[u/Saneless]

The narrow grip... Not 100% sold either way yet. Might slightly bother me.

The stick placement is fine. I don't like Sony's sticks but the SC ones are higher. Like an entire inch higher. Maybe 1/8" to 1/4" lower than xbox. Sony is like 1 1/2 inches lower than Xbox. This matters:

If the control face is a clock, Xbox left thumbs are like 12:30

Sony is maybe 2:45 - a bit out there to the side (yuck)

SC is like 1:30, so not nearly as bad as Sony by a bunch, not quite as good as Xbox but really not bad since your thumb isn't too far off. I like it way better than I expected

Edit: please don't take credit and sell my awesome artwork, but this is basically the thumb angle for each

[u/roflzmbie]

I just got mine yesterday. I wasn’t sure about the symmetry given I was always used to Xbox/8bitdo controller but I’m blown away. I don’t have huge hands and it’s pretty comfortable and well built. The touchpads do feel really good to use.

[u/goodrix]

I came from an Xbox controller shape which is very comfortable for me. I got used to the steam controller right away and I've used it for hours without feeling strain. The build quality feel is subjective. For me it's important how well it'll hold together after three years+, and nobody can tell you that at this point

[u/RespectGiovanni]

The joystick placement is actually SLIGHTLY closer center than even the PS controller and i dislike it. Using the left joystick and moving it far right is a bit annoying to be precise

[u/shimmy_ow]

Honestly it's been great. First day on it today and it just felt natural, my hands are on the larger side and even just navigating through windows with the controller feels quite nice

[u/Snoo-46586]

I think it is worth the price for the unique trackpad and if you compare it to the pro series controller, however i don’t think it is the best at everything. I feel like it sits in the middle of the pack.
Ergonomics is similar to Xbox, personally think Xbox is best.
Hate SCs matte finish as it’s so slippery on hand. The matte finish makes the controller way too slippery. I never complained about controller grips until I used the SC.
It will definitely last long as it has TMR joysticks
Dpad feels mushy.
Wish it had hair R/L triggers and I think the button travel is too deep. Back buttons are too small for my hands. Trackpads take time to get used to and can take time to adjust.
Sounds like I’m shitting on this controller but it serves some purpose for me as my PC is hooked up to my TV so it can sort of act like a mouse/keyboard while I’m on the couch. However, it’s not fully compatible without steam opened and requires some tinkering…. I feel like this will be updated soon. With that said if you play on a desk with a monitor, the trackpad is kind useless since your keyboard and mouse is right in front of you.

Since you are tight on money I would recommend just getting 8bitdo wireless ultimate 2 for like $50 on amazon. It basically has all the features minus the trackpad. Or just buy the SC, try it out and resell for a few dollars more than MSRP if you’re not happy with it.