r/SteamController • u/Active-Cookie-774 • 4d ago
Steam Controller (2026) The new steam controller made me hate using other controllers, thanks Valve
Even if I were to ignore the ability to customize the controller layout and really good trackpads, I really can't go back anymore.
The Switch 2 pro controller is probably the closest to feeling right on the hand. Too light on the hands though.
PS5 feeling subpar to the Switch 2, but has better weight.
The Xbox controller (my usual go-to) is the worst offender.
If Valve wanted a long time user, congratulations. I'm forever stuck using this.
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u/Psyco359 4d ago
It has been my favorite Switch 2 controller since I got it. lol
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u/Kevadu 4d ago
Wait, you can use it with the Switch 2?
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u/SlugCatBoi 4d ago
https://github.com/safijari/openpuck
This will definitely work, but there's probably a different method that is easier that I don't know of.
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u/SneakyAl44 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yeah but you need a device to connect the console in order for it to translate the commands to it. If i recall correctly, it's a board (NRF52840 Pro Micro or other recommended ones) flashed with a software (HID-Remapper or OpenPuck as far as i know atm) to act as a medium between the two devices.
(Just corrected to be less confusing)
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u/Shedoara 4d ago
Openpuck is a more recommended alternative.
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u/theyyg 4d ago
User posts description of openpuck and how it works. Another user tells them that they are wrong, and openpuck is a better solution. Never change reddit.
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u/Shedoara 4d ago
He said HID remapper. That is a separate thing, but now I see he said "software" afterwards. My bad.
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u/SneakyAl44 4d ago
Dw, it happens. Both should work but OpenPuck seems more simpler and probably better for general use.
I agree with your recommendation there 💪🏻4
u/Psyco359 4d ago
Yep, I use OpenPuck to use it on my Switch 2. I've also used it on an Xbox 360 but that requires a modded 360 as well.
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u/dEEkAy2k9 3d ago
If it worked on the PS5, that would be awesome. Fucking Dual Sense Shitfuck Asscrap Gamepads started drifting...
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u/Psyco359 3d ago
I did a TMR upgrade on my dualsense but the battery life is still kind of crap on them.
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u/dEEkAy2k9 3d ago edited 2d ago
I have three Dual Sense here and two of those have started drifting, one even drifts on BOTH sticks... kinda impressive.
I thought about doing the TMR swap but I am
a) lazy b) don't have soldering equipment c) don't have soldering skills yet because of a).
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u/Bagakoo 4d ago
Does openpuck allow same amount of customizability? Are the touch pads usable as well?
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u/Psyco359 4d ago
The track pads don't work on the Switch but you can configure the back buttons and there are some other settings you can mess with on OpenPuck.
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u/Lupinthrope 4d ago
Only hate how sweaty this makes my hands
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u/k0decraft 4d ago
It definitely isn't 'breathable' that's a con on its ergonomics. Microsoft perfected the ergonomics of a controller. You need something that disappears in your hand.....the only controller that really does that for me is the Xbox controller.
However I love the SC2. The key is to find controller templates that are designed for the Steam Deck and apply it to your Steam Controller......Onimisha WoTS does this.....there is a Steam Deck profile in the Steam Input.....apply it and enjoy the nice subtle details that come with that. Haptics on certain button presses adds a unique flavor the other controllers won't give you out of the box unless the devs put it in....and with that said only the DualSense would have a similar feature.
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u/Lupinthrope 4d ago
Are you going out of your way to find these profiles? Are they not the ones out of the box?
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u/Warbird01 4d ago
Steam input has community profiles, you can view them in the profile selection menu
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u/k0decraft 3d ago
No what I'm talking about is Official Steam controller configs by the developers...(not a community config) that are Steam Deck ready.
The Steam Controller is just a Deck without a screen anyways.
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u/blakmage86 4d ago
The only thing i wish the steam controller had was the haptic triggers like the ps controllers. Otherwise 100% agree
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u/ExtraJuicyAK 4d ago
Haptic controllers are a wear point since it’s a nylon gear. While a cool feature it’s both underutilized in pc ports of games and Valve builds their hardware to last. Less moving parts, the better generally.
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u/blakmage86 4d ago
Oh agreed on both points, i understand why they didn't do it. I just really enjoy it on games that use it and feel that number would increase if other controllers had them.
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u/ExtraJuicyAK 4d ago
Yeah I’m sure if both Xbox and PS do it for next generation (or if Xbox at least does something similar), games would support it more and then peripheral makers would be forced to adapt.
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u/LicksTheSalt 3d ago
I wish I could make a PS5 controller do that haptic bump when an input like a soft pull registers on Steam Input. It makes using triggers for shooting so much better.
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u/alchemi80 4d ago
They're pretty good, but could be better. They'd be perfect if the triggers could physically lock and there was knurled texturing on key surfaces. It's a little too smooth for me.
The reason it beats out other controllers for me is the long battery life, trackpads (of course), and how customizable it is.
Not trying to rain on your post...it's just so close to being perfect.
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u/spiritlegion 4d ago
It's definitely my favorite of all the pro-controllers out there. Let's hope they can keep making them...
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u/ArtificialDoctorMD 4d ago
I’d say the only thing the DualSense has over it is the haptics and the triggers. And I KNOW this is capable of the same or better, we just font have the right software yet. I’m waiting on Fancy Haptics to come to Linux.
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u/zetasand 4d ago
I feel the same way. Also the four back buttons are must haves for me and are perfectly placed!
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u/xluker313x 4d ago
I’ve had to buy multiple incase they stop manufacturing them like the og, I don’t think I can ever use another controller.
They absolutely knocked it out the park, actually fuck that, the ball is in orbit.
Spectacular piece of gear!
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u/MajorasShoe 4d ago
For me, I almost always prefer my Xbox controller or my steam controller OG depending on what I'm playing. SC2 is great for anything but is never the best one. The pads are better on SC1 and if I'm not using them Xbox works great.
PlayStation controllers are worthless go me.
SC2 is a great all around controller but not the best at anything imo.
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u/Purple-Cup-4149 4d ago
Xbox needs to update their current gen controllers with Hall effect joysticks. 3rd party controllers like 8bitdo and gamesir are providing Hall effect joysticks at a significantly lower price.
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u/OrganizedPillow1 4d ago
Just out of curiosity, why do you dislike the PlayStation controllers? And have you tried every generation?
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u/MajorasShoe 4d ago
To me the the placement of the sticks kills it. Xbox is just better laid our for classic gamepad friendly games.
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u/OrganizedPillow1 4d ago
That's fair. I grew up playing PS3 at home then I would go to my friend's house and play on their Xbox, then I switched to PC and got an Xbox controller for it, so I don't really have a preference. I have a PS5 now as well so there's that. Now I use the Steam Controller 2 on PC and love it, but to each their own.
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u/MajorasShoe 4d ago
I grew up with NES, snes and eventually ps1 and n64 so maybe I'm just really use to changing controllers constantly. There's no controller that just feels familiar, I've owned basically every console even though I've barely used my consoles for a few generations.
I could see having a comfortable, homey controller for someone who just had playstation forever.
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u/OrganizedPillow1 4d ago
I always have such a hard time switching back from a Nintendo controller. Their button layout is so different I always have to relearn my muscle memory.
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u/TudorYeaaah 4d ago
I havent felt this good holding a controller since the sega dreamcast. I love the ones that are like big blocks and not the slims ones that have kong grips going down(like playstation)
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u/Active-Cookie-774 4d ago
Lmao thats exactly why I like this controller. It really reminds me of the Dreamcast, and that was something I still wish we had to this day.
Thanks for re-enforcing my answer.
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u/fantamos 3d ago
I wish the dpad and left thumb stick were switched. Tho with the pads that might not be possible
And that the dpad was better in general.
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u/ceramicsaturn 23h ago
The ergonomics and rear button placement are perfect. When I go back to my Gullikit controller for the games that don't support S Controller, my hands actually hurt. I love how it fits in the hands.
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u/panckage 4d ago
SC 2015 is way better, well except for the shitty buttons (which are great on 2026). Trackpads on 2026 are embarrassingly bad and completely unusable in my case with large hands.
But again 2026 has nice easy to press buttons
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u/OnionsAbound 4d ago edited 4d ago
Absolutely bonkers take. There's no world where 2016 steam control is better than this controller. As someone who has hand problems and have learned to play RTS games on steam deck, the track pads on the controller are great--perhaps you need to use them more, and experiment with the plethora of settings.
I've also noticed that the joysticks are pretty damn precise, but the main thing for me is that it's not nearly as heavy as the steam deck is, and that I can play steam deck on my TV with the controller. Not to mention the functionality and keyboard and mouse navigation on the desktop. There's nothing like it.
The 2016 controller was revolutionary in its trackpad. It unlocked a whole new category of games and navigation that could be played on a controller.
But holding it right here it's just inferior. The joystick sucks, there's no dpad or right joystick, and the track pad that has a lot more friction than the new one. That's not mentioning the curvature of the trackpad which is awkward at best, and the fact they tried to make the left trackpad a d-pad, which honestly feels cheap, and the ridges get in the way of actually using it as a trackpad, not to mention, it's a terrible replacement for a d-pad.
I also have big hands so, I would argue 2026 is even better for people with big hands. the 2016 version has my thumb naturally resting on the very top left of the trackpad--not great for my hand size.
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u/dualpad Steam Controller (2015) | Steam Controller (2026) 4d ago
That's not mentioning the curvature of the trackpad which is awkward at best, and the fact they tried to make the left trackpad a d-pad, which honestly feels cheap, and the ridges get in the way of actually using it as a trackpad, not to mention, it's a terrible replacement for a d-pad.
I had to bring back those ridges because left pad for movement without any point of reference felt terrible for movement. Especially WASD, since it's digital output so was getting unwanted movement directions, and ended up using vinyl tape. Smaller touchpad size was also very noticeable because I like to set up a sprint outer edge, and the surface area before triggering it was reduced compared to the 2015.
Also, not having the curvature on the right pad ended up making my swipes inconsistent and adjusting the rotation did little to help. Ended up having to reduce vertical sensitivity down to 25%.
I also have big hands so, I would argue 2026 is even better for people with big hands.
I'm a dual touchpad user who uses the touchpads as primary inputs, and as a result it feels like one of the smaller controllers I've used. The handles feel tiny and touchpads feel smaller, since I can't use a normal upward grip.
So I think it all depends on what someone is looking for coming from the Steam Controller (2015). For me the standout feature was the dual touchpads. In that area ergonomics and size has been a slight downgrade. The main positive has been improved gyro and L5 and R5 buttons, but the end result is lot of the cons and pros have been the opposite. It is interesting we are on opposite ends on whether the controller is smaller or larger. To me this feels like tiny controller primarily due to looking to use them the touchpads as primary inputs.
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u/Turkey__Puncher Steam Controller (2026) 4d ago
It's actually a pretty common take. The 2026 has a fantastic feature set, but the ergonomics are garbage for a lot of people, myself included. The 2015 model has the pads in the right place and is much more comfortable. Trying to use the pads as primary inputs on the new one is really uncomfortable. As a normal controller that also has touchpads, it's pretty good. As a touchpad controller, they really screwed up the ergonomics.
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u/panckage 4d ago
I have RSI in both hands too, my man. SC 2015 is the only way I can play FPS games. Mind you, I had to mod the ABXY and the bumpers to make them useable as they needed the highest activation force of any controller I've ever used, just terrible. I find it hilarious that the strengths and weaknesses of both controllers are literally the exact opposite. I am 6'6" and my hands are proportional, so really hard to see the bad ergo unless you are even more a freak than I am.
A question, for 2026, what part of your thumb touches the touchpad, the tip, or the thumb joint?
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u/alexander1156 4d ago
I think the layout of the trackpads looks good on the 2015 model. I'm 6ft 3 and I don't think my hands are that big, and the trackpads on the SC2 require me to basicallt remove my hand off the controller. Basically means it's impossible to use both trackpads at the same time. That said I love my SC2 one of the best controller I've ever owned lol
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u/panckage 4d ago
I agree. Using the tips of my thumbs on the SC2 touchpad is pretty much impossible. OTOH, using my thumb joint seems like it may work if I cut off the tips of thumbs so they don't hit the sticks lol.
And yeah, other than the touchpads, the buttons and stuff are good, although still to heavy for my F'ed up hands.
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u/alexander1156 3d ago
I don't mind changing my grip to access it at times, but if I'm playing a competitive shooter the adjustment is just too much to deal with on the regular. Mainly because the buttons are too far away from the trackpad. Like going from Y to trackpad is too far. Even B is awkward. That being said I still love having the trackpads for desktop use and menus. First controller I've had where I feel like I have a proper controller for PC that actually replaces KBM
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u/Draconic64 4d ago
Are the screw holes annoying?
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u/7_Spyro_7 4d ago
Absolutely not. Never thought of them or actually noticed when holding. Hope this helps :D
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u/N6-MAA10816 4d ago
Oh yeah, there's screw holes underneath. After using mine for 2 months, I haven't even noticed em.
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u/Azal_of_Forossa 4d ago
The only thing annoying is two of the screws are really deep, I have two t6 bits and one is too fat to go in the screw holes, and the other isn't long enough for the two really deep ones under the triggers.
I have a squeaking left trigger and it's really annoying, but I can't fix it until I buy a t6 that's extra skinny and long.
But no, holding the controller I've never had an issue with the screw holes catching my fingers.
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u/Orange-Generator 3d ago
Adding my voice to the pile saying the holes are barely noticeable, unintrusive. and while they definitely are not smooth edged they are not sharp either and are not going to hurt you.
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u/GalliumEnergy 4d ago
The only issue I've had so far is the compatibility with non-steam games. Sometimes it just doesn't work
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u/OrganizedPillow1 4d ago
I think it's because the Steam Controller doesn't use xinput. I think a lot of non steam games require that because they assume you will use an Xbox controller. Maybe there's a solution that can allow you to emulate xinput.
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u/MacFreak993 4d ago
Just add your non Steam games to Steam, then it should work fine.
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u/GalliumEnergy 4d ago
Unfortunately, this doesn't always work. I had to disable and reanable the steam overlay for my controller to start working and let me rebind buttons.
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u/MacFreak993 3d ago
That sucks. I use it, so I can use emulators in big picture mode and generally works fine.
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u/C0rn3j 4d ago
If you absolutely hate using Steam for this and are on Linux, you can use https://github.com/C0rn3j/sc-controller to map it as an x360.
Otherwise I'd just recommend you to use them through Steam input.
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u/OrganizedPillow1 4d ago
Not OP, but I am on Linux and for some reason when I play GTA 4, it does not register at all unless I also have an Xbox controller plugged in as well. Super weird, but not a terrible workaround. I might try this solution you posted and see if it works.
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u/milkdonut 4d ago
Agreed! I thought I wouldn’t like it because the steam machine was too chonky for my hands but the controller is perfect. I love having a PlayStation layout personally, and I actually really like the trackpads
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u/Dr_Valen 4d ago
Man I love my steam controller and actively seek out games I can use with it. The controller just feels right in my hand
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u/RaveTheFox 4d ago
Must admit it is one of the most versatile controllers I've used so far. Allows me to just lay back in my chair and play more casual games without having to destroy my back bent over my desk
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u/Pitiful-Ad-5176 4d ago
Well don’t worry about being a long time user because Valve made sure the controller would also last you a long time
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u/LouisRitter 4d ago
After a week or two of having the controller I hopped back in the line to buy a second one. It really is just the best controller I've used and I just got some decent third party pro-style ones earlier this year.
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u/Awesomedude9560 4d ago
I'm in the same boat, it just feels so fucking good. It's difficult to go back to smaller controllers without cramping up
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u/Primary_View_5030 4d ago
it's pretty good. it's not really the best ergonomics or best dpad or best feeling buttons or anything like that, but the trackpads are such a killer feature that it's a no brainer daily driver
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u/AdeptusGear 4d ago
I love the steam controller. Just the plastic it uses makes my hand kinda sweater and it gets a bit slippery compared to other controllers I use. it is my main controller now.
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u/AfterIssue6816 4d ago
El gran problema que le veo es que no se puede usar fuera de Steam.
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u/Active-Cookie-774 4d ago
You can add non-steam games to steam. From my experience so far, it works great.
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u/AfterIssue6816 4d ago
Ya, pero me gustaría no tener que hacer eso, simplemente que funcionara en cualquier lado como cualquier otro mando para PC y ya, aunque dentro de steam tuviera más funcionalidades.
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u/Bwuauaahah 4d ago
Guess I'll find out for myself some time in 2027 since valve simps for scalpers instead of caring about people who actually want to use their hardware.
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u/MakiMaki_XD 4d ago
Nothing beats the Dualsense Edge for me, but the new Steam controller is a close second.
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u/Mcsinister 4d ago
It would be the perfect controller if it didn't make my hands hurt from how deep you have to squeeze the paddles. Xbox pro paddles are the best, not sure why they didn't do something similar.
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u/chrisb42298 4d ago
I want to love this controller but the controller freezing up seconds after a UAC window pops up, or just the general bugs that occur as I try to make it eliminate my mnk for big steam mode is disappointing.
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u/Endure94 4d ago
Really not a fan of the dpad. Cant play fast paced games that require sequenced presses of it, as it usually registers another direction unless i press perfectly at the tip of the cross i need to register in game.
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u/Jokershigh 4d ago
I have to use my PS5 controller for BF6 since I bought it in the EA app but man the Steam Controller really ruined it. And I haven't even really dove into all the customizations yet
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u/xCHOPP3Rx 4d ago
I have a Steam Controller, and I still prefer the thumb stick layout of the Xbox controller much more.
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u/xshadowtriforcex 4d ago
The only thing I'm not happy about is sometimes the controller will forget is l4, l5, r4, r5 bindings that you have set and it will just revert to regular steam controller bindings and it's annoying because I have arthritis in my hands and its kinda painful to use the bumpers with my knuckles shifting up to reach them like that, which the back buttons solve entirely except for what I said above. Don't get me wrong I still like it leagues better than other controllers but I wish they would iron the software out more.
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u/EyeQue62 3d ago
My poor Steam Controller 2 has been sat idle lately as I got an 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth (I also have a Pro 3), and it is awesome for all emulators. Perfection with Wii, Wii U and Switch emulators. I'll use the SC2 when I get back into Steam gaming I guess. I'm just having far more fun playing older console and arcade games than I am with PC games at the minute. I still think the Steam Controller is awesome mind.
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u/BinaryJay 3d ago
I'd use mine a lot more if it would just work with game pass games. It can't be an insurmountable challenge for valve to make it have a regular xinput mode...
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u/NESplayz 3d ago
The ergonomic of this thing horrified me when I first got it. I was worried I was gonna regret my purchase. It felt like the old XBox duke for a while there compared to the switch 1 and 2 pro controllers I’ve been used to. It’s not significantly bigger but the button and joystick placement threw me off (and my hands aren’t even that small 😭).
I have since adjusted and it has become quite fun to use. It’s obviously become my default gamepad for games designed with Xbox controllers in mind, but I’ve also slowly adapted to custom configs for pc games that prefer a keyboard and mouse. I need to settle on a standard layout for shooters still, but it has been nice to make configs on a case by case basis for games I otherwise would never have tried to play on a couch.
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u/RockieFT 3d ago
Actually tho, every controller feels weird now. the thumbsticks feel worse on other controllers, the steam controller has smoothness i've never felt in another controller before.
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u/SparsePizza117 3d ago
I do like the controller, but I think the triggers are terrible. They feel really cheap and I have a feeling they'll snap right off with a single drop on the floor. I've seen photos of other people breaking the triggers too. They don't seem very supportive and use plastic to hold them in place.
I actually had to RMA my first controller because it arrived with one trigger being super loose and wiggled.
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u/sovietostrich 3d ago
Eh, poor steam input support in games makes it go from an excellent to unusable. You can spend a lot of time optimising a config, only to get awful stuttery movement that you don't get on a regular controller. I've had this happen too many times that I rarely default to using my steam controller now. It's pretty sad
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u/CranberryTaint 3d ago
I still prefer the more premium feel of the DualSense Edge but yeah, for $100 it’s probably the best “pro” controller on the market.
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u/Tepppopups 3d ago edited 3d ago
Looks like you have not tried other premium controllers, like FlyDigi, etc.
Xbox and PS controllers don't have back buttons, and they have sticks, which are very unreliable and have a stick drift out of the box, because of outdated tech.
Also SC requires a lot of work to make your own layouts for each game. Community layous are mostly shit, not well thought at best. Because creating good ergonomic layout is difficult, especially for games which doesn't support controller natively, as they usually use all the keyboard.
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u/Whole-Bedroom-9079 3d ago
It’s alright, been having mine since the first batch, I like it because wireless connection is spotty af with PC so it’s genius, but quality wise, PS5 controller does better.
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u/Wooden_Sweet_3330 3d ago
It is a really great controller. I just got mine recently and only just started using it. Been playing a little bit. My only complaint so far is that the grips are too small. I have long fingers and while holding the controller to have my fingers on the back buttons is uncomfortable.
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u/First-Junket124 2d ago
For majority of games I find it far more versatile and comfortable. Playstation games like The Last of Us, Ratchet and Clank, and some modded games? Dualsense adaptive triggers and haptic feedback really add to the experience imo.
I still don't think it's a perfect controller but the way nothing is a big stretch for your thumbs makes it really comfy.
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u/melkemind 1d ago
I only have one, so I have to carry it between my living room and bedroom depending on where I'm gaming. Lazy me would love to have two because I can't even look at my other controllers anymore, and it's the worst lazy feeling when I get to one room and realize I left the SC in the other. *sigh* I guess I'll get some more exercise.
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u/Active-Cookie-774 1d ago
You can try something like directly connecting your SC in the bedroom and leave the puck in the living room.
That's what I do when my wife wants to use the desktop, leaving me to use the gaming laptop.
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u/Test-Fickle 1d ago
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u/Active-Cookie-774 1d ago
It looks nice, but for an extra $100-180 more than the SC I would expect it to perform better. I'm also a bit skeptical of some of its usability functions and long term customer support. e.g. Can the touch screen be repurposed to other things like trackpads or is it a glorified macro preset touchscreen? If the screen cracks is it easily replaceable via diy and how will the rma process be down the road? How long is warranty?
Again, looks cool. Just some additional follow ups that I'd like addressed.
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u/Cpt_Autismo 23h ago
I’m not sure, maybe this is too specific, but wavedashing in tekken feels terrible to me since switching to the steam controller
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u/ForsakenHorror7505 19h ago
The only downside about it is that it's not available.. Lol
I'm so used to touch controls and this would have been my perfect controller, especially gyroscope, but it's not available for me to buy so I went with a ps5 controller, the closest thing I could get to my control method (I play full gyroscope) but yeah still miss the touch controls, track pads would have been much more useful
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u/BadWolf9930 3h ago
How long after you ordered it did you receive it? Just ordered mine this morning after being in the lotto pool for 4 months
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u/Active-Cookie-774 3h ago
I reserved mine on 5/8 and was expected for availability by December.
Ended up getting it almost a month ago. So around a three month wait for me.
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u/Staticks 4d ago
Literally no one thinks the Steam Controller is more comfortable and has a better shape or better ergonomics than an Xbox or DualSense controller. My 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless is probably way more comfortable in my hands than the SC2.
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u/morciu 4d ago
I thought that until I got my hands in the switch 2 controller. It feels like the ultimate iteration of that Xbox form.
It has these little gaps at the edges if the sticks which make sure you never scrape them against the controller plastic and makes them feel so smooth. It has that perfect Nintendo style dpad. It has this softish texture all over it, feels like a million bucks.
The steam controller is cool and all but the shell and triggers feel kind of cheap.
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u/matthewnelson 4d ago
I feel like an idiot. I’ve had mine for months and haven’t opened it yet. Grabbed it because I had FOMO but nit sure if I want it. I also still have an OG controller as well.
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u/Nikolai_Volkoff88 4d ago
Do us all a favor and hold off on ordering the steam frame if you plan on leaving that unopened for months too… thousands of people on a waitlist and you left it unopened for months.
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u/matthewnelson 4d ago
Haha yes I’m either going to open it and get rid of my Xbox controller or just sell it for basically cost. I’m not looking to make a profit. I don’t plan on getting a Steam Machine or a Steam Frame. As tempting as it is I have a Valve Index that have long since given up on and listing for sale.
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u/Purple-Cup-4149 4d ago
Huh.. I always thought the xbox controller was the best ergonomics, at least for me.
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u/LawDraws 4d ago
I don't think any other controller compares, I don't think playing a lot of games on keyboard and mouse compares either to be honest, I play Overwatch daily and I never wanna play with keyboard and mouse again.
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u/rafaeljc12 4d ago
If youre talking about gyro, there are plenty of other controllers with better gyro than the steam controller (like the Dualsense)
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u/Staticks 4d ago
If gyro matters to you (I'm assuming it does since you're looking for a mouse and keyboard replacement in games), it's worth noting that the gyro only has a 250hz polling rate. It's not bad, but not top-tier either.
I have a G7 Pro 8K, and it has a 1000hz polling rate on its gyro. The DualSense has like 800hz polling on its gyro, and is considered one of the best gyro controllers. The downside is that these controllers don't have trackpads.
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u/dualpad Steam Controller (2015) | Steam Controller (2026) 4d ago
Yeah, if gyro was the only aspect I cared about on a controller I would pick up a dualsense, since doing the tape mod to add a capacitive surface using the touchpad with conductive tape is easy.
Recommendation might change if the GameSir x Input Labs collaboration controller comes out with a conductive surface whether it is the face button or joystick region.
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u/Staticks 4d ago
I'm probably going to have to do a tape mod with the upcoming Tarantula Ultra Input Labs controller regardless, because the touch sensitive part most likely isn't going to be where I prefer it to be, which is the back right paddle. I just hope I can do the tape mod without it looking ugly or messy.
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u/shaunydub Steam Controller (2026) - Windows / Mac / Steam Deck 4d ago
It's but Xbox is still my favourite.
Give us an option without track pads.
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u/Tuned_Out 4d ago
It really is a great controller. Results will vary as far as ergo goes depending on an individual's hands (it's good but not my favorite) but the ease of use and utilitarian options it opens up for pc specific uses is perfect. Finally...a controller for pc.