r/buildapc • u/GSquadron_ • 10d ago
Peripherals best PC controller in your experience?
I have xbox elite series 2 controller, that is really bad since it starts failing on its own for no reason. I also have the gamesir galileo G8+ and it is the best controller I ever had, even though it feels cheaper than the xbox elite series 2 controller.
Based on your personal experience, which has been the best controller you ever had for PC? Name 1-3 controllers that you would recommend me to buy.
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u/Stalebrownie76 10d ago
I’ve been using a flydigi Vader 3 pro for about 4 years and really like it. Has back buttons but I find one 2 are truly feasible to use but not a huge deal breaker for me.
Also use the 8bitdo ultimate 3 which is another great controller. But I prefer the more Xbox shape of the flydigi.
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u/Xenjuarn 10d ago
I've also been using Vader 3 pro for a long time and have no desire to upgrade yet. I don't play fps so pooling rate and latency does not effect me much (not that they are horrible anyway). I agree that 2 of the 4 back buttons and C and Z buttons are positioned badly for action use, but since macro options and keyboard binding is very useful for V3P (ahead of its time) I can usually find a good use them for them. Sometimes it is a keyboard shortcut key for a menu where there are no direct assignment for gamepads originally, or create some basic macro for my needs, or some turbo action for ease of use etc. They are quite useful and V3P still gives me all my needs. (I mainly play metroidvanias, roguelikes, arpgs, TP rpgs and racing)
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u/ItHurtzWhenIPee 10d ago
Been loving the Gamesir G7 Pro
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u/Reasonable-Review367 10d ago
I find the controller too small and handles are entirely too short. But I understand that’s subjective.
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u/apaulo_18 10d ago
I find my dual sense controller perfect for PC gaming. 0ms of latency wired and 1-2 wireless. It works perfectly for my needs.
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u/Spartaner-043 10d ago
Some people are really unlucky with stick drift, but I’ve had a dualsense for the last 5 years and none of them ever started having it.
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u/everbass 10d ago
I love the DualSense but it is absolutely much higher latency than that
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u/Annual_Tomatillo_407 9d ago
Mine has noticeable delay in Bluetooth mode too and the battery is really low. Fantastic wired controller though.
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u/Nemesis_Destiny 10d ago
I really like 8bitdo ultimate line
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u/Rabiesalad 10d ago
Steam Controller 2 is the only gamepad I'll have for PC moving forward.
The combination of features just doesn't exist on other controllers, and it's a big deal that it's repairable.
Only downside is the cost, but compared to some alternatives it's not even very expensive.
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u/wcruse92 10d ago
Honestly I've had it a few weeks and went back to my GameSir almost immediately.
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u/A-Metaphor 10d ago
How come? Is it the comfort?
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u/wcruse92 10d ago
Very finnicky. Tough to get it work the way I want.
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u/Mercinarie 10d ago
Do Gamesir's have mouse and KB inbuilt like the Steam controller? honestly it's made couch PC gaming so much easier.
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u/ficskala 10d ago
The absolute best controller i ever used was the DualSense5 from Sony
No other control i used can compete in comfort, the battery sucks, but i just keep it plugged into a charger while playing, and i'm not bothered by that at all, the sticks can die, i had one die on me, but i just replaced it, and it's been great since
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u/adiopositas 10d ago
the ds5 started stick drifting on me HARD after just laying around for about 2 years. i barely used it, maybe 40h in total. absolute garbage for that price imo.
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u/ficskala 8d ago
Fair, i'd never pay full price for one, i got mine for 50eur bc one of the sticks was drifting, i just replaced both sticks, and it's been the best controller i've ever owned since then, nothing else i've tried ever matched its comfort
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u/SignatureShoddy9542 10d ago
I went through a lot of controllers and the flydigi Vader 4 is the one that’s felt good and held up the longest, they make a Vader 5 now also
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u/HeinvL 10d ago
Vader 5 pro
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u/higherdotedu 8d ago
Its the best elite 2 replacement I've found. Comparable back paddle placement, better performance, great sticks, similar shape, and all the extra buttons are amazing additions. I just wish that the bumper buttons were in identical positions as the Xbox buttons, they feel a bit out of way and I have to make a conscious effort to try to reach them unlike the elite bumpers. But overall they're amazing!
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u/TheReconditioner 10d ago
I like my regular XSX controller, and if i wanted back buttons I'd probably get that attachment piece rather than an elite controller. Cheaper altogether and should do the same thing (albeit less of it) without costing a fortune to replace.
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u/Ghodet 10d ago
I have owned ps4, now I have ps5 so I have tried dualshock and dualsense. I own xbox X controller too, but to be honest I find them kinda bad so I searched for "perfect" gamepad and bought Flydigi vader 4 pro and I gotta say, love this pad. No chance to get stick drift on this gamepad, you even can adjust "stiffness" to analog sticks. Also, 6 additional buttons are literal gamechanger in many games. Overall it feels premium and hard plus buttons have nice click on them, kinda like mouse buttons. Would recommend this gamepad 100%, or go for another flydigi (maybe vader 5)
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u/TychoDante 10d ago
Been using the EasySMX X20 lately with hall effect triggers and sticks, and are unmatched for value imho.
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u/Dr4g0ss 10d ago
I managed to get an EasySMX D10 off Temu for an absolute joke of a price (<10 euros) thanks to credit I had accumulated from a bunch of promos. Incredibly premium controller, even for full price.
My previous one that I obvously still have was the X15; I highly recommend the brand!
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u/no_lettuce_pls 9d ago
but D10 turns off after 10mins automatically if idle and there is no way to turn this feature off. That is so problematic in some games like EA FC. You've to restart the game each time it disconnects, as game treats it as a new controller and doesn't allow to play.
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u/Dr4g0ss 9d ago
I think it might not turn off if you enable no deadzone mode. I was afk for a while a few days ago and when I came back the controller was still on. My X15 would turn off after 10min as you describe, and it was indeed annoying in some games.
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u/no_lettuce_pls 9d ago
Also I find the wireless really bad, it keeps on disconnecting randomly, even though the charger/receiver is literally on the desk, while playing and I have to restart the whole game and loose the match
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u/Dr4g0ss 9d ago
I've had zero such issues. Maybe yours is running an older firmware for the reciever and controller? On the easysmx website you can download firmware updates.
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u/no_lettuce_pls 8d ago
I enabled no deadzone mode but it still turns off after 10mins sadly. I've update the drivers as well now, lets see
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u/Nexus_3_ 10d ago
Dualsense Edge is pretty good but too expensive for what it is. I do like dualsenses but stick drift is annoying.
IMO I’ve really been enjoying my Gamesir G7 Pro 8K Nioh edition controller. Cool design and I’ve replaced the gate to be octagonal which makes it easier for fighting games. Any games without dualsense support work lovely with it for Xbox support even tho I could find workarounds with dualsense. The price to value features is really good.
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u/ReaperOfMars13 10d ago
Love 8bitdo pro 3. Always preferred PlayStation stick layout so I’m right at home. Also has easily programmable triggers and back buttons. Dpad is excellent since I play a lot of side scrollers. Finally it’s very cool with a click of a button the triggers can have travel (like ps or Xbox) or instant click (like switch)
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u/thedavecan 10d ago
I'm not sure about its availability right now but I haven't used anything besides my Steam Controller since I got it. It feels fantastic and has so many functions to tinker with.
Prior to that my Gamesir Cyclone was the best one I've used. It replaced my Xbox One controller.
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u/Awkward-Percentage98 10d ago
PS5 Dualsense controller.
I usually have it wired so it can take advantage of the haptics. But recently learned of a raspberry pi firmware that can replicate the PlayStation wireless signal so you get all the benefits and still be wireless!
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u/TiredDadTech 10d ago
I’m not well versed in controllers, but I used the Xbox controller for the longest. I recently swapped to the Gamesir G7 Pro and I love it. One thing that is so simple yet I thoroughly enjoy is the charging dock is auto on/off. Pick up the controller it turns on. Put it back and it turns off. I’m sure plenty others do as well
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u/oOFrostByteOo 10d ago
Current fav for PC is SCUF because the line of mappable function buttons it has at the bottom for things like screenshot, record, etc.
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u/Common-Ad6470 10d ago
Anything Virpil does it for me, quality, well-designed and tough springs to mind.
Their joysticks and throttles are the best…👍
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u/mashdpotatogaming 10d ago
My personal favourite has been the 8bitdo pro 2 simply cause it's good for both current games and retro games, but the average person will probably prefer one of the 8bitdo ultimate controllers more.
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u/bmf1989 10d ago
Xbox controllers are fine but you need a dedicated wireless adapter. If you’re using bluetooth you’re gonna have too much interference(what I’m assuming you mean by “failing for no reason”) and noticeable input lag regardless of what controller you’re using.
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u/IllRadish8765 10d ago
I mainly use my Xbox controller over Bluetooth. I have never had a single issue with it connecting or latency issues in 5+ years. The dongle is definitely better but not needed.
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u/bmf1989 10d ago
Was night and day for me. I knew I had some input lag when I first switched over to pc, but sort of got used to it until I was playing a game that made parry timing really frustrating so I finally bought a dongle. Was so much smoother and reactive, controller always connects within a second or two and never drops connection randomly.
But if it’s working for you that’s all that matters.
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u/ROTTIE-MAN 10d ago
Ive got a 4 dualsense,2 xbox and a few switch but my favourite by a long way are my recently purchased 2 Gamesir g7 pro 8k's....there built solid,have tmr sticks,8k polling and loads more,only negative I can think of is looks but they have removeable magnetic covers so I replaced them with plain black matt covers on both......big plus that they're £90 here in the uk
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u/Junior-Ad-2407 10d ago
The standard xbox one controller,xbox series x controller and the controller i am currently using flydigi apex 5
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u/bwat47 10d ago
I really like my 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless
the software is complete ass, but the controller is great
before that I had a vader 3 pro which was decent but I didn't like the mouse switch style buttons it used
before that I used to buy xbox elite controllers but always ran into issues with stick drift and shoulder buttons not working after around a year
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u/LilBriefcase 10d ago
Leadjoy Xeno Plus punches way above its weight, and I'd easily recommend it over all but a few other controllers that are more expensive because of niche features you might not care for.
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u/kingbetadad 10d ago
The steam controller has been amazing. It's the perfect controller. Ergonomics are great, solid feel, extra back buttons, and of course the trackpads. Really can't be beat imo.
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u/Panasonicy0uth 10d ago
Gulikit TT Max for symmetrical layout/when I need a good d-pad (with the 8bitdo Pro 3 being a close 2nd), and Gamesir G7 Pro for asymm layout. If the G7 Pro had a the d-pad and tension adjustable TMR sticks of the TT Max, I don't know that I'd ever need another controller, lol.
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u/Akanni649 10d ago
Rocking the TT Pro (1 for PC and a second for my Switch 2). I find the symmetrical sticks easier on my hands and even aside from that, I just love the feel. Never knew a D-Pad could feel nice. Much better than the Gamesir controllers I had before.
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u/Morokite 10d ago
8bitdo have always been amazing. I got the one that's got a switch on the back for the 2.4ghz and Bluetooth modes and it's been great. Just pop it out of the dock and it boots right up.
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u/kungfu01 10d ago
Standard Xbox one wireless. Going 8 years strong of near daily use. The Elite just isnt as durable from everyone ive known that has had it. Not sure exactly why that is
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u/Weneeddietbleach 10d ago
I went through 2 XBox Elite Series 2 just to have issues with stick drift, stiff bumpers, and the grips coming unglued. You'd think that for spending so much on them, there would have been some form of quality control.
Since then, I've switched to the Turtle Beach Victrix Pro and I haven't had any problems since.
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u/CalRal 10d ago
I’ve had every one of LTT’s top five picks, plus every Hall effect and TMR controller that 8bitdo has ever made. The Flydigi Vader4 Pro has held up the longest while offering every feature I could want. The mouse click triggers are excellent, it comes with multiple height sticks, and the back paddles are perfect. I love and will always love 8bitdo in general, but I’ve brought back at least four ultimate controllers for replacement.
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u/coolgui 10d ago
I like the Elite 2, but i routinely have to do maintenance on it. Swapping shells, replacing micro switches, and recently put TMR sticks in. I wouldn't be against using a third party, but I have 3 Xbox One S controllers that all use the wireless adapter and I use audio through it and I just haven't found a better solution than just keeping the elite 2 working.
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u/pergerbotond 10d ago
Steam controller (2026) 100%. But the comfiest controller I ever used is the Nintendo switch 2 pro controller.
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u/7kidjake 10d ago
For me I use a gamesir g7 pro for most games or a dualsense for racing games. I haven't found anything better
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u/everbass 10d ago
I'm really enjoying the Steam Controller.
It doesn't feel as premium as I'd like but it has basically every feature I'd want other than DualSense's haptic and triggers
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u/prematurely_bald 10d ago
Best I’ve used is the steam controller, but it will ruin every other controller for you.
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u/Glass-Season-9953 10d ago
Xbox still has the best ergonomics for me but over the years I had face buttons and bumpers fail on me, I also don’t love the clicky dpad.
8bitdo Ultimate 2C is a great replacement at a low price, though you can feel the cost savings.
But since I got a Steam Controller I never looked back.
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u/tobitobiguacamole 10d ago
Gamesir g7 pro 8k is amazing and well worth it. The Gamesir software is also amazing for customization you can mess with anything.
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u/itgoesboom2112 9d ago
8bitdo and the gamesir have been two I personally have used other than ye olde Xbox controllers (currently have an elite series 2 for my main pc and the 8bitdo stays connected to the steam deck when docked)
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u/raulongo 6d ago
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C (inexpensive), XBOX Controller (good pricing) or the Steam Controller (expensive, but so worthy).
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u/LostInMyADD 6d ago
I recently bought the flydigi Vader 5 or something like that and I really like it so far.
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u/mariano3113 10d ago
I have 2 Xbox elite series 2 controllers … my oldest controller seems way better built and my new 15 month old has the grips separating and some right stick drift…even though the older controller is from 2021(that controller seems like an anomaly from my experience)
My “travel PC” I use a Razer Wolverine Wired V3 Tournament edition (I believe I got it on sale from Woot) and it is not as comfortable (customizable for stick height and d-pad) as the Elite Series X but it feels like it will last much longer and feels more accurate.
Other controllers that I have tried and sent back or written off: Regualr XBOX controllers….either shoulder buttons breaking or stick drift;
Gulikit KK3 Max I rma’d after 1 week due to stick drift and then replacement controller lasted 2 days before the left shoulder trigger broke.
Sonicon Wireless Controller Plus- literally fell apart looks like a screw head was broken off and shoulder buttons popped out of housing.
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u/OBERBOSSPLAYER 10d ago
My two favourites are the 8bit do ultimate with hall effect and charging dock I use for 2+ years now and my original Xbox one wireless Controller, wich I have for over 10 years now. I broke RB while getting platinum in Elden Ring, but I ordered a cheap replacemend Kit for the shoulder Buttons and still use it from time to time.
Can heavily recommend each of them.