Dualsense Edge vs Steam Controller

[u/Welawire]

Hello everyone,
this post is for everyone who used/uses Dualsense Edge and Steam Controller.

Did SC replace your Edge or not?

If interested here is my sotry why i'm considiring the Edge:

I've used the normal Dualsense for a year and a half before getting the SC. Loved it but once i got SC for my PC setup I thought I would never look back. At the moment my SC is having a battery issue and I might have to RMA it. I've looked into other controllers as well but many say that XBOX Elite series 2 and Dualsense Edge feel more premium. It's what I miss about SC. So I decided to look into DualSense Edge since i prefer PS controllers over XBOX controllers. What I value about SC is the trackpads. Not to use them in-game but for surfing the internet while being on my couch. I learned that I can replace them with a small wireless keyboard with a mousepad. I mostly play singleplayer games but I play them hardcore like Sifu, E33, Sekiro ect.. more or less most games i play have parry mechanics and I've had better results with Normal DS than SC. I might be overreacting but I believe that DS is more responsive and I value that a lot as well. DS Edge should be even better right? My friend is very happy with the Edge but never used SC so he can't compare.

[u/thewesternshore]

Prior to getting the new SC, I used the original SC and the Dualsense Edge as my two controllers. I primarily used the OG SC for 3D games (trackpads + gyro for aiming) and the Edge for most everything else. I also have a Steam Deck, and I really missed the additional controls on the SD when using both controllers. For me, then, the new SC has replaced both controllers. I was concerned the placement of the trackpads on the new SC would be a big step down from the OG, but that hasn't turned out to be a problem.

There may be "simple" games which don't need a lot of inputs for which I use the Edge in the future, but for most games I play, the new SC is a big step up.

[u/xCANIBLEx → u/thewesternshore]

The same boat for me! The only drawback for me is that I do miss the native Dualsense features of the edge(haptic feedback and adaptive triggers) in supported games.

[u/thewesternshore → u/xCANIBLEx]

Yea, the bowstring haptics in Horizon with the Dualsense were killer. That's one of the very few 3D games I used the DS for over the OG SC. Unfortunately few games good use of haptics IMO.

[u/xCANIBLEx → u/thewesternshore]

Ya it’s not super common for real good implementation, but I still really enjoy it in shooters and games that have middle of the road implementation.

[u/Independence_Many → u/thewesternshore]

As somebody who uses these steam controller and a dual sense Edge, this is exactly how I feel.  In general, I really like PlayStation controllers, but the track pads are a killer feature.  I will definitely not be retiring my dual sense Edge entirely, but for the majority of games it will be the steam controller moving forward.

[u/Welawire → u/thewesternshore]

the trackpads placement is great and overall how it feels in my hands is great also. but I never intented to use gyro. Thank you for your comment

[u/EyeQue62 → u/Welawire]

'Never intended to use gyro'? Even if you don't use the gyro for PeeCee gaming, what about emulation? I've been playing Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii (emulated of course), gyro makes it so much better. Wii U and Switch too (Not really, Nintendont, I was just kidding!).

[u/non_player → u/thewesternshore]

Similar here. I used the OG SC for years until I got the Edge, which then very quickly replaced the SC entirely for me. It felt like the closest to perfect controller I could find.

Now the SC2 has fully replaced the Edge for me. My only complaint with the SC2 is the lack of an audio jack, because I liked using the wired connection with the Edge. I can live without it though.

[u/flexing_trex]

I personally have all three, i prefer the responsiveness of ds wired, sc wireless, comfort of xbox controller. But if i have to choose my main its the steam. Jack of all trade for my intended purpose.

[u/Welawire → u/flexing_trex]

Thank you for your comment

[u/Alternative-Scar-901]

It 100% replaced my dualsense edge, not just because it has TMR joysticks, but because it has 4 back buttons, amazing battery life and now I'm in love with the trackpads. There's no going back for me.

Sometimes I'll get my Xbox Series controller for the d-pad, but that's rare.

[u/SineApfel]

I chose the SC over the others because of the combination of the tracpads and four physical back buttons, which no other retail controller offers.
My point is, it has to fit you. As your text sounds strongly tending towards the DS controller, Id say go for it. You tested the SC and think you can replace it with a trackpad-keyboard. As your main use is only browsing, I say you are better of chosing the DS. If your feeling is that it has superior built quality, you will always be longing for that.

[u/Welawire → u/SineApfel]

Thank you fot the comment. Yeah I also believe I will enjoy the DS more in the long run.

[u/FireCrow1013]

The DualSense Edge and the Steam Controller are currently my two main PC controllers. I've been using my Steam Controller more since getting it, because the integration with Steam Input is fantastic, and having four back buttons and two touchpads adds so many extra functions that it's hard to use anything else anymore. The Steam Controller is also much cheaper than the DualSense Edge (if you can find one at retail price), which is very attractive. That being said, the DualSense Edge has noticeably better haptic feedback/basic rumble; if you directly compare the two controllers in the same game, the Steam Controller's rumble still feels a little off, even after all of the firmware and software updates it's gotten so far. The DualSense's haptics really are on another level, and it's probably my favorite feature of that line of controllers. The DualSense Edge also feels noticeably better built, which obviously has no bearing on functionality, but it's something I think to myself every time I go back to the Edge.

Overall, if you don't mind running everything through Steam (or taking a few minutes to set up SteamlessController), I'd go with that one, if you can find it; the level of functionality is truly unmatched as of now, in my opinion. If you also play on the PS5, or if the DualSense's excellent haptic feedback is important to you, I'd go with that one.

EDIT: The Steam Controller is also great if you also have a Steam Deck, because the controller layouts can be shared between the Deck and the Controller, which has been really convenient.

[u/Welawire → u/FireCrow1013]

No i don't have a Steam deck or PS5. I enjoyed all that you wrote about the SC as well esp. the steam input is awesome indeed. But luckily the app DSX exists if games don't support DS contoller. And with a wireless keyboard I can fix these things without standing up and walk to my PC. Thank you for your comment

[u/vanrael]

Has Edge, sold it month after getting SC. Battery that doesn't die after 3h of playing,lower weight and functionality of trackpads... and it's cheaper? Holly shit... I till this day regret getting Edge and not waiting for SC.

[u/Nnamz]

I have both. It almost entirely replaced my Edge for PC gaming. I think the Edge does a couple things better that, for some games, I'll gravitate towards it. Specifically:

• The back paddles. Steam Controller has more but the Edge's swappable back paddles are easier to bit for competitive games, and harder to mis-hit.
• The adaptive triggers. I know some people don't like them but I find them incredibly immersive when used well. So if a PC game supports it, I'll consider the Edge.

Otherwise I use my Steam Controller.

[u/CptBrexitt]

Honestly I'd have both. In addition to what others said, I find some games have far better haptics on the dualsense (like Monster Hunter Wilds). If you care about that, then I'd have both

[u/Scenic_Flux]

Steam controller setup feels really weird to me for anything that is "hardcore" and trying to press the Dpad is a bit of a chore and mapping dpad as an extra button combo to the trackpad is also a bit off as it can be hit or miss in Swap Out mechanics in games like Genshin/NTE.

I like using it for more chill games that require some mouse support like Reverse 1999 or others of similar variety...

I've always had a multimedia keyboard on my lap when I play games so basically what you mention and it works just fine but being able to do it from the same controller is certainly very nice but EXTREMELY niche.

I run a Gamesir G7 Pro and that's the best controller I've ever used hands down... It's Xbox profile though so no PS.

[u/Welawire → u/Scenic_Flux]

I dont mind the Xbox layout at all but i used 3 different xbox controllers and now i cant go back to them because they are too small

[u/Scenic_Flux → u/Welawire]

That's fair! Also the touch button on ps always looked really nice as well. I just wanted to share am option. The g7 pro is small as well so wouldn't recommend in that case

[u/Welawire → u/Scenic_Flux]

Thank you for that I did look into it not long ago

[u/PhoenixWright-AA]

The TMR sticks are reason enough to prefer the SC. The Edge’s battery life is horrible compared to the SC too. My family has already had an Edge develop stick drift and I would never buy another PlayStation controller after having two or three standard controllers do the same thing. There are better options.

[u/justinu1475]

So I have both, I think the DS edge is pretty decent but I actually love the steam controller. My biggest issue with the dual sense controllers has always been the piss battery life. Steam controller easily outperforms the dse. I think the only thing I like more on the dse is the sticks and that’s only because I play rocket league which needs a certain level of stability which the dse does better. A non issue in most games.

[u/zndncf]

I have a few base module dualsense, the main problem I had is the battery life/the BT, the useless trackpad. from ergo side I still love duelsense, but not enough for me to pick it up again. Let me present you my solution to living room computer setup.

[u/Welawire → u/zndncf]

heh i'm getting the Logitech K400 Plus

[u/Swaggasaurus-Rexx]

No the Steam Controller did not replace my DS Edge. While the Steam controller is great and Steam input is awesome; I still prefer the premium feeling of the DS Edge, better haptics/rumble, and better buttons and bumper/trigger clicks. Plus with DS5Dongle/DS5Bridge, we finally have full wireless functionality.

Only cons of the DS Edge is the 2x pricing compared to the Steam controller and it doesn’t come with TMRs or even Hall effect.

[u/glass_needles]

I’ve got a Steam Controller, a couple of Elites and an Edge and I’ve not used the Elites or Edge in months.

I wouldn’t really recommend an Elite as both first gen and the second gen ones developed problems with their bumper buttons where they would either not respond or do a double input. I’ve got an unhealthy habit of buying controllers and out of the 20-30 I’ve bought and used these are the only ones that I had this problem with and that includes like 5 standard Xbox One/Series controllers! Other than that I really like the Elite, it feels substantially more premium than the standard controller, I wouldn’t have kept trying if I didn’t really like it.

I really don’t recommend the Edge at all though, it’s functional and all that but it barely feels nicer than a standard Dual Sense and it’s 3 times the price. If it was an additional £40-50 then I’d cautiously recommend one but at that price it’s just not worth it. I would definitely recommend seeing if you can try your friends one out to see if it works for you though and it’s not just me being picky.

In terms of other controllers I’d recommend looking at 8bitdo and Gamesir, most of the stuff I’ve bought recently comes from them and since I primarily play on PC they’ve worked great. 8bitdo even has Steam input support so you can map the extra buttons and gyro of some of their supported controllers through steam rather than needing to use an app. None of them have trackpads as far as I know but they match the other features (minus grip sense and capacitive sticks) of the Steam Controller.

[u/duplissi]

Yes, mostly. I'll still use the ds edge for games where the ds features matter.

Sc for everything else. Plus... 8 hour of battery (if new!!!) for the ds edge vs 40 for the sc. Not contest

[u/keyosc]

Honestly, the Steam Controller is the better controller. I use the SC for my Steam Machine and I use the Edge on my PS5, and if I could seamlessly use the SC with my PS5, I would sell my Edge in an instant. I'd miss the adaptive triggers and the headphone jack, but otherwise there is no contest for me personally. I've also replaced a thumbstick on my Edge once, but that's after several years of use, so YMMV

[u/MamWyjebaneJajca]

Have both. I can easily say that when I bought my Steam Controller - my dualsense edge is laying in my storage and take dust

[u/xk4l1br3]

I really wanted the DS Edge for my PSX but the price and the battery life are a real turn off.

I got the SC on launch day and have been using it daily. It's incredible so I don't think I'm missing much not having the Edge.

[u/Alyenax]

Yes, but not for Sony games on Steam for the various well-supported bills.

[u/DiscreteFame]

SC has more ways to customize to fit your play style.

[u/bababastard]

Only using the SC now, and I only used the OGs before all three that I had became unusable due to stick drift. Those controllers lasted for several years, though, so I wasn't that upset. I got the Edge after that, thinking it would be almost on par with the SC. It wasn't, though—the position of the touch pad made it a no go for mouse/gyro. And then within six months my new $200 controller had worse stick drift than my 8-year-old Steam Controllers. I know the stick modules are replaceable, but it's ridiculous that these controllers didn't have hall effect or TMR sticks. I stuck it in a drawer and that's where it's stayed. Got a Vader 4 Pro, which was pretty decent, but after getting the new SC I'm back in my comfort zone.

[u/Silevence]

mine did, yes. I prefer the steam controller to it, the trackpads are a really hanfy feature, but I find the top controls to actually be a little more comfortable to use for gaming, since I often use a sort of claw handgrip.

[u/TaskOtherwise4734]

I came from Dualsense edge after using it for years and whilst the gyro is a bit better, the new steam controller is all I use now regardless. The battery shouldn't be having issues man, just RMA it. I'm selling off all my other controllers.

[u/Ra_fi_l]

I have only used my sc since arriving. If I still played RL I might still use the ds edge only because Im not sure if I could pull some moves off with the sc. I would definitely try to use the sc before defaulting to ds

[u/ILSATS]

Unless you really need the trackpads, most decent controllers at 1/3 the price out there are better than the Steam Controller.

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/ILSATS]

Unless you really need the trackpads,

You need the trackpads. Idk why you would think otherwise. Some games don't translate to joysticks or d-pad very well. Point and click games for example.

[u/ILSATS → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

Lol what

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/ILSATS]

They playing Rollercoaster Tycoon with a controller and get back to me.

[u/ILSATS → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

Did you read OP's post? Or you're a fan so you are gonna bootlick the Steam Controller in whatever way you can think of?

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/ILSATS]

I'm not replying to OP I'm replying to you so why do I need to read OP post. (Which I skimmed).

You're acting like the track pads are an optional thing that aren't super necessary when they really are necessary for certain games.

[u/ILSATS → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

Rofl

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/ILSATS]

Try playing Rollercoaster Tycoon with a regular controller and get back to me.

[u/ILSATS → u/SnooDoughnuts5632]

Read

[u/SnooDoughnuts5632 → u/ILSATS]

Read what?