The best controllers for playing PC games
Mouse and keyboard will always be the first choice for gaming on PC, but some games are more suitable for the controller. As more and more game consoles are on PC, it requires players to have a great PC game controller. But what makes a great PC gaming controller? The article will test the comparison of the DualShock 4, Xbox 360 controller, all official versions of the Xbox One controller and a few dedicated gamepad PC to choose the best product. These are the best PC controllers, selected based on criteria such as comfort, control and how they are compatible with PC games.
The best controllers for playing PC games
- PlayStation DualShock 4
- Microsoft Xbox Elite wireless controller
- Razer Wildcat
- Steam Controller
- Xbox 360 controller
- Logitech F310 Gamepad
PlayStation DualShock 4
The best controller for PC.
- Weight: 7.4oz (210g) | Connection: Bluetooth | Battery: 1000 mAh, rechargeable | Price: $ 61.27
- Plus mark:
- Great analog activation feeling
- Sturdy structure
- Minus point:
- Unofficial software required for use on PC
It's not designed to be used on a PC, but DualShock 4 is a favorite controller. The 'predecessors' of DualShock 4 include, two existing Logitech controllers, Mad Catz CTRLR, Razer Sabertooth, Xbox 360 controller, Xbox One, and controllers from NES to date. DualShock 4 is not an excellent controller in every way compared to other competitors, but overall, it is a pretty good choice.
DualShock 4 is not as durable as the Xbox One controller, but it's quite good. When you tighten the handle, click on the buttons, triggers, bumper and analog stick with a strong force, they can return to their original state without any harm.
The most outstanding feature is that DS4 is not designed to be used for Windows PC. While it's easy to get an Xbox 360 or Xbox One controller to work, and most PC games will use the ABYX button prompt, you must buy an expensive Sony USB adapter or use the unofficial DS4Windows software. free (http://ds4windows.com/) when using DualShock 4. This software directs Windows to handle DS4 like an Xbox 360 controller, so any game that supports the Xbox 360 controller (about basically any game with controller support) works with the default configuration. It also allows changing a variety of customizations. If you're willing to do a few setup steps, DS4 is an excellent wireless PC controller with all the custom features you may need.
Microsoft Xbox Elite wireless controller
The most luxurious controller.
- Weight: 0.85 lbs (348g +/- 15g) | Connection: Bluetooth | Battery: 2x AA (included)
- Plus mark:
- Easy to swap components
- Strong companion software
- Minus point:
- 3 times the price of a regular gamepad
Nicknamed 'Elite' usually doesn't mean marketing, but in this case it's different. For those who like their PC to look artistic, clean and beautiful; people with headphones made of volcanic glass; or their PB&J builders from scratch, the Xbox Elite controller is a great choice.
It is a powerful, configurable and stunning controller. The button and shell layout is no different than Vanilla's Xbox One controller, although it is slightly heavier than most regular gamepads. Many people like a controller and a little mouse with a little hand, but in a long game session it may not be appropriate. The buttons are quite large and soft, the bumper and trigger can be clicked and pulled smoothly, exactly the same when using an Xbox One controller.
The addition of a number of software that allows to activate the min / max values, light sensitivity, function of the buttons and specify the profile to make Microsoft Xbox Elite more attractive when tested on a PC. Everything about the Xbox Elite controller gives users a sense of accuracy, so despite the familiar design, the configurable feature of the Xbox Elite makes it a worthy consideration. .
Razer Wildcat
A great Xbox replacement controller.
- Weight: 57 lbs (260g) | Connection: USB wired | Wire length: 10 ft (3m) | Price: $ 9.99
- Plus mark:
- Triggers are adjustable
- More buttons than Xbox controllers
- Minus point
- Pretty expensive
Razer Wildcat is not too special. The Razer Wildcat's pad is very similar to the design of the Xbox One controller, in terms of size and shape. With optional adhesives, this controller is quite comfortable, if used for a long time. Pulling triggers is easy and they can be shortened through two sliders on the back of the controller. Each button is super sensitive, just like when using a mouse.
The D-pad design does not come with multidirectional inputs and is attached to 4 buttons. That means many actions can be missed in battle games, but at least it makes it very difficult for players to cheat. The addition of two internal bumper buttons and two rear trigger buttons allow the player to comfortably place their thumbs on the bars for a long time, but for those with small hands, these buttons can be a bit difficult to handle. .
Although not too remarkable, but Wildcat certainly has the features to deserve a higher price than other competitors in the market. This controller has a few custom options and additional buttons similar to the Xbox Elite controller, but it doesn't look very elegant.
Steam Controller
Controller for games that do not support controllers.
- Weight: 63 lbs (287g) | Connection: 2.4GHz Wireless | Battery: 500mAh, rechargeable or 2x AA | Price: $ 75.99
- Plus mark:
- Can be used to control games with keyboard and mouse
- Highly configurable control map
- Minus point:
- The design is not very comfortable
- It takes a long time to study how it works
Valve's first attempt to turn the living room into a gaming space on the computer has not been completed. Sure, the Steam Controller can control the game, but it still makes it difficult for users to distinguish between a gamepad and mouse keyboard control.
The grip is very large. It's part of a convex design that helps thumb on the touchpads more comfortable. The problem is, they are slightly rounded and exert a great force on the knuckles. Therefore, after a few minutes of playing the game, the fingers may get tired, even cramps. Although it has the ability to control many games on a PC, it is clear that the Steam Controller is not an optimal choice.
So why is it listed here, instead of in the last position on the list? Because the Steam Controller has a unique feature: It is the only gamepad specifically designed to allow you to play games that do not support external controllers. For the game controller support, users will prefer to use DualShock and Xbox pad. But if you want to play PC games from mice and keyboards, and want to take advantage of their maximum functions, Steam Controller is the best choice.
Xbox 360 controller
Good controller with reasonable price.
- Weight: 0.58 lbs (265g) | Connection: 2.4GHz wireless | Battery: 2x AA | Price: € 26.99
- Plus mark:
- Good price
- Officially supported by most games
- Minus point:
- D-Pad is poor
Although DualShock 4 is a favorite for many, the Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers are still the best option. The Xbox One controller is smaller, quite good and has an improved D-pad. Both Xbox 360 and Xbox One have official drivers and do not require troubleshooting. Most PC games that support controllers, all work well with these controllers.
The most special thing about the Xbox 360 controller is that its use is extremely simple. Most PC games have a button prompt based on the Xbox controller and are instantly detected automatically when plugged in. With DS4Windows, DualShock 4 works just as well as the Xbox controller, but it requires a bit more setup. And although the DS4 is a 'winner', many users will probably still use an Xbox 360 controller, simply because they like the analog bar layout, or Xbox One because of the triggers. and its bumper.
- Use the Xbox One controller to play games on your computer
Logitech F310 Gamepad
Lightweight and very affordable.
- Weight: 4 lbs (181g) | Connection: USB wired | Wire length: 6.5 ft (1.98m) | Price: $ 24.99
- Plus mark
- Prices are very affordable
- Easy to plug and play
- Minus point:
- Slightly stiff triggers
This controller is worth considering if you have a tight budget - suppose, you want two controllers, for a price of just one controller. Only half the price of DualShock 4, wireless connectivity is gone, but you still have a solid built-in gamepad, and it works as soon as you plug it in. The controller is quite light, but it's as big as a car, so many people don't like to use it too much.
That means, the Logitech F310's d-pad Gamepad is not comparable to the quality of the DS4. It feels loose and can't be manipulated correctly in the Super Meat Boy game. The trigger and bumper are set up to make the fingers uncomfortable, and the analog stick is also convex, not suitable for those who have sweaty hands.
Above are a few suggested options for PC game controllers. Wish you find the right controller for your needs! If you have any questions, please leave your comments in the comment section below!
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