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Gawd
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The stick is superior for a lot of things but the skill curve is much more brutal.
There are "all button" sticks, it's called a hitbox. https://www.hitboxarcade.com/
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Best PC gaming controller in 2020?
- Thread starter biggles
- Start date
The stick is superior for a lot of things but the skill curve is much more brutal.
There are "all button" sticks, it's called a hitbox. https://www.hitboxarcade.com/
I can use a pad or arcade stick. Maybe it's because I first played this type of game on the stick, but that's what feels most natural to me. There was a short time in the DOS game era when the first SF2 and MK ports came over to the PC where I used keys for a bit, but while I got to be decent with them, I never liked it. I actually do prefer some fighting games on a game pad, like DOA for example. Something about its particular control scheme seems to suit the pad more. For Capcom and SNK type fighting though I definitely want a stick.
People actually do make all-button arcade controllers for things like Smash Brothers. I've never tried one, but I could see why that would appeal in some instances. It would be quite trivial to build one if you wanted to try it. A good USB interface board costs around $20, the buttons around $3-5 (depending on the style) a hole-saw and some MDF or decent ply. (though I've just laid out my first stick setup for milled, anodized aluminum) I'd recommend some convex .94" buttons (Suzo/Happ sells them) for doing the direction buttons as they're smaller than the 1.1" buttons. You can get them tighter together this way, which would be more comfortable IMO.
I've seen some cool custom stuff and I've thought about it but my soldering skills haven't been used since high school and the costs of tools, materials, and screwups would probably make it not worth it to me. I did see a base that was all buttons once but they have the movement buttons placed in a strange way. I think they were all in a row instead of being like the arrow keys on a keyboard
Your post popped up as I was typing out this reply. Looks like that's the one I saw before with the weird button placement. That thing is so close to what I want but not quite there. Also it's not left handed. I'd want the button placement reversed and arrow key like placement for the movement buttons
D
Deleted member 83233
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Their "Crossup" stick looks pretty cool.
SOAREVERSOR
Gawd
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2017
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- 815
There are several custom groups that make hitboxes, some are left handed (there are left handed arcade sticks as well) and others will make your stick if you send them a CAD file for the top.
RanceJustice
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I could write a huge comparative review on this, but for the sake of (relative) brevity I'll say it depends on your uses.
For a general "gamepad" type controller the easiest thing for most will be an XboxOne Wireless Controller (3rd generation or later; the ones with Bluetooth), likely plus a Wireless Adapter For Windows 10 dongle (the smaller thumbdrive like 2nd gen dongle). These are sold as a package on Amazon and the like and are nice to avoid having to mess around with Bluetooth or connect wired all the time. Alternately, if you definition of "best" is not afraid of any threat to your wallet, then without a doubt the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the way to go . Tons of extras, features, build quality and other bonuses if you can stomach the price - its likely the best Xbox style controller around. XBOne controllers are supported natively in Windows 10 and, provided the proper driver package is installed, have a parity level of features and compatibility on Linux too!
If you don't care for an "Xbox" style controller there are other options as well. Many look towards Playstation controllers if they like the "symmetrical joystick" layout favored thereof, with the DualShock 4 being the latest iteration. However, some prefer the old Logitech F710 which is essentially a 3rd party controller detected as an X360, but with a layout in Playstation style. Dual Shock 4 are a bit more trouble since unlike XBOne there's no easy driver support on most OSes. Users will either need to deal with patchwork application support (ie Steam can handle DS4 controllers natively), or install an (preferably open source) driver package like DS4Windows (the Ryochan7 branch which is still updated) . Playing wired or wireless via Bluetooth is possible. Depending on your application or driver package, some may either natively support DS4 or cause it to appear as if a Xbox controller was connected Its worth noting that most cross-platform titles use Xbox style in-game prompts by default, though some games may give the option to offer Playstation style ones instead. Motion and touchpad features of the DS4 can work, but may require custom bindings or other fiddling around. There is no equivalent to the first party official "Elite" series from Xbox, but Sony has given their blessing to 3rd parties to offer alternate high end controllers. Most notably these are the Astro C40 TR (which is notable for being able to move button clusters and sticks around) and the SCUF Vantage 2 (which is the closest analog to the Elite S2, adding paddles, buttons and adjustments. However, its worth noting that the Vantage 2 has the Xbox-style asymmetrical thumbstick layout!). These options again offer additional benefits at a considerable cost, but may be worthwhile depending on your use cases.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is often suggested as an alternative for both Xbox and Playstation style controllers for use on PC. Though its a little more expensive than both XBOne and PS4 controllers, if you have one all ready or just prefer how it works it can be a fine gamepad on PC. . With an asymmetric layout much like the XBOne, the Switch Pro can be used wired or via blueooth and has a few other features such as motion controls, IR, and NFC reading, but also lacks a few others such as the quality of the dpad or the strange lack of analog sensing in the triggers. Unfortunately, much like the Dual Shock 4 it is not natively supported on PC with XInput so you'll either need to launch your games through Steam (which can configure and handle most of what you need) or to use an open source driver package like WiinUPro to handle it. Much like the DS4, most games don't support in-game icons for anything aside from an Xbox-style, so you'll need to adapt, mod, or in the rare (but growing) case of games that give an option, toggle. For Switch and Playstation controllers alike, Steam really is making it a lot easier to use them on PC which is nice to see, on Windows and Linux alike. The Switch Pro costs a little more than the other options and may have a few tradeoffs, but depending on personal preference it may be a great alternative for general PC gaming.
I should also take a moment here to speak of 3rd party controllers that may be of interest. There's a whole host of absolute crap to the point that I'd say most generic 3rd party stuff isn't worthwhile, but the handful of exceptions make impossible to completely discount. On the high end there are custom controllers like the aforementioned SCUF Vantage 2 , but even in the mid grade there are a couple of decent options out there. The aforementioned Logitech F710 is a bit long in the tooth but still viable, but the company known as 8BitDo makes a whole assortment of gamepads and peripherals. Some are based on/targeted toward retro gaming, but others only keep a retro aesthetic while offering modern features, such as the SN30 Pro+. Most of their products however are modestly priced offerings for PC gaming, but tend to be more specific in their gametype suitability vs the big name gamepads.
Lastly, I should take the time to specifically mention the Steam Controller. It is unique in construction, design, and functionality compared to all of the others listed here ; a feature that can be a benefit or issue depending on user preference. Lacking a right thumbstick, it instead replaces the standard Dpad and right stick with haptic high sensitivity touchpads, laid out symmetrically on the upper part of the controller. The left stick and button clusters are more conventional, yet placed lower and inward. Bumpers and triggers are joined by 2, well designed rear paddles offering the kind of feature that normally requires Elite tier custom gamepads. Powered by AA batteries, it can be used wired and wirelessly via Bluetooth, plus well as an included BT wireless receiver dongle which can either be plugged directly into a USB port on into a little extending "dock" for better positioning; a nice touch. It also has a number of additional features such as gyroscopic motion controls. The Steam Controller requires a bit of adjustment time due to its difference from standard gamepads, but the sensitivity and features of the HD haptic pads make it typically easy to replicate most games "right stick" functionality ; what I and reportedly others found more troublesome was the positioning of the button cluster proved a larger issue vs existing muscle memory. Matching the Steam Controller is the amazingly in-depth customization and configuration features Valve has built into Steam itself , catering both to those who want to simply use it as an XInput-layout replacement and to those who want to do more in depth things like binding keyboard+mouse functions to it, enabling couch play of titles that otherwise wouldn't be suited to controller use; originally a target feature for SteamOS and the Steam Controller. Between the hardware and software (supported and built into the Steam client itself, as well as independent packages that are open source and similarly cross platform! As mentioned above, this software is also compatible with other controllers at least to a point.), the Steam Controller has an amazingly wide use case potential, made easier by the ability to browse per-game configurations that Steam, the game's devs, or other players have created/shared, in addition to defaults and personal user-created builds; its hard to overstate the extensive feature set of the software.
Ultimately, like all things it will come down to personal preference, but I feel that the Steam Controller is a worthwhile peripheral for every PC user, especially when available on sale at deep discount. However, if all you wish it to do is act like a conventional Xbox-style gamepad to be used with games designed with said conventional pad in mind, the difference in button location (if you're used to Xbox/Playstation/Nintendo controller layouts) and potentially lack of a right stick may not be to your preference. Then again, for some its even better! Due to its layout I think it stands in a different enough category that PC users should likely own it as well as another more conventional controller, that they might compare, contrast, and select the best controller for each use case. Last year the Steam Controller went on deep discount and it is rumored its successor will appear this year. With luck this will mean an iteration on the design, upgrading and changing a few things - I personally would like to see the haptic touchpads moved to the lower, inside locations (where Playstation style sticks would be, in reference) allowing the left stick and button cluster to be more in line with conventional controllers while still maintaining the use of both touchpads. Other upgrades such as additional paddle buttons on the back, USB-C, and a host of other features would be nice to see as well. I personally would purchase a Steam Controller Elite type model, with considerable enhancements for that matter.
That about covers it for standard gamepads, but as other posts in the thread have discussed, controller types for specified genres are also noteworthy. From flight/space sims using joysticks or HOTAS/HOSAS to retro/arcade or fighting games using arcade sticks, there's a whole world of specific peripherals out there for your game type of choice! Without going into it deeply, if money isn't an object, I suggest looking into Virpil (preferable) or VKB for space / flight sim style joysticks, and to look up Jasens Customs for top tier arcade/fighting stick chassis/barebone kits + either Arcade Shock or Focus Attack for buying components for your build like levers and buttons.
For a general "gamepad" type controller the easiest thing for most will be an XboxOne Wireless Controller (3rd generation or later; the ones with Bluetooth), likely plus a Wireless Adapter For Windows 10 dongle (the smaller thumbdrive like 2nd gen dongle). These are sold as a package on Amazon and the like and are nice to avoid having to mess around with Bluetooth or connect wired all the time. Alternately, if you definition of "best" is not afraid of any threat to your wallet, then without a doubt the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the way to go . Tons of extras, features, build quality and other bonuses if you can stomach the price - its likely the best Xbox style controller around. XBOne controllers are supported natively in Windows 10 and, provided the proper driver package is installed, have a parity level of features and compatibility on Linux too!
If you don't care for an "Xbox" style controller there are other options as well. Many look towards Playstation controllers if they like the "symmetrical joystick" layout favored thereof, with the DualShock 4 being the latest iteration. However, some prefer the old Logitech F710 which is essentially a 3rd party controller detected as an X360, but with a layout in Playstation style. Dual Shock 4 are a bit more trouble since unlike XBOne there's no easy driver support on most OSes. Users will either need to deal with patchwork application support (ie Steam can handle DS4 controllers natively), or install an (preferably open source) driver package like DS4Windows (the Ryochan7 branch which is still updated) . Playing wired or wireless via Bluetooth is possible. Depending on your application or driver package, some may either natively support DS4 or cause it to appear as if a Xbox controller was connected Its worth noting that most cross-platform titles use Xbox style in-game prompts by default, though some games may give the option to offer Playstation style ones instead. Motion and touchpad features of the DS4 can work, but may require custom bindings or other fiddling around. There is no equivalent to the first party official "Elite" series from Xbox, but Sony has given their blessing to 3rd parties to offer alternate high end controllers. Most notably these are the Astro C40 TR (which is notable for being able to move button clusters and sticks around) and the SCUF Vantage 2 (which is the closest analog to the Elite S2, adding paddles, buttons and adjustments. However, its worth noting that the Vantage 2 has the Xbox-style asymmetrical thumbstick layout!). These options again offer additional benefits at a considerable cost, but may be worthwhile depending on your use cases.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is often suggested as an alternative for both Xbox and Playstation style controllers for use on PC. Though its a little more expensive than both XBOne and PS4 controllers, if you have one all ready or just prefer how it works it can be a fine gamepad on PC. . With an asymmetric layout much like the XBOne, the Switch Pro can be used wired or via blueooth and has a few other features such as motion controls, IR, and NFC reading, but also lacks a few others such as the quality of the dpad or the strange lack of analog sensing in the triggers. Unfortunately, much like the Dual Shock 4 it is not natively supported on PC with XInput so you'll either need to launch your games through Steam (which can configure and handle most of what you need) or to use an open source driver package like WiinUPro to handle it. Much like the DS4, most games don't support in-game icons for anything aside from an Xbox-style, so you'll need to adapt, mod, or in the rare (but growing) case of games that give an option, toggle. For Switch and Playstation controllers alike, Steam really is making it a lot easier to use them on PC which is nice to see, on Windows and Linux alike. The Switch Pro costs a little more than the other options and may have a few tradeoffs, but depending on personal preference it may be a great alternative for general PC gaming.
I should also take a moment here to speak of 3rd party controllers that may be of interest. There's a whole host of absolute crap to the point that I'd say most generic 3rd party stuff isn't worthwhile, but the handful of exceptions make impossible to completely discount. On the high end there are custom controllers like the aforementioned SCUF Vantage 2 , but even in the mid grade there are a couple of decent options out there. The aforementioned Logitech F710 is a bit long in the tooth but still viable, but the company known as 8BitDo makes a whole assortment of gamepads and peripherals. Some are based on/targeted toward retro gaming, but others only keep a retro aesthetic while offering modern features, such as the SN30 Pro+. Most of their products however are modestly priced offerings for PC gaming, but tend to be more specific in their gametype suitability vs the big name gamepads.
Lastly, I should take the time to specifically mention the Steam Controller. It is unique in construction, design, and functionality compared to all of the others listed here ; a feature that can be a benefit or issue depending on user preference. Lacking a right thumbstick, it instead replaces the standard Dpad and right stick with haptic high sensitivity touchpads, laid out symmetrically on the upper part of the controller. The left stick and button clusters are more conventional, yet placed lower and inward. Bumpers and triggers are joined by 2, well designed rear paddles offering the kind of feature that normally requires Elite tier custom gamepads. Powered by AA batteries, it can be used wired and wirelessly via Bluetooth, plus well as an included BT wireless receiver dongle which can either be plugged directly into a USB port on into a little extending "dock" for better positioning; a nice touch. It also has a number of additional features such as gyroscopic motion controls. The Steam Controller requires a bit of adjustment time due to its difference from standard gamepads, but the sensitivity and features of the HD haptic pads make it typically easy to replicate most games "right stick" functionality ; what I and reportedly others found more troublesome was the positioning of the button cluster proved a larger issue vs existing muscle memory. Matching the Steam Controller is the amazingly in-depth customization and configuration features Valve has built into Steam itself , catering both to those who want to simply use it as an XInput-layout replacement and to those who want to do more in depth things like binding keyboard+mouse functions to it, enabling couch play of titles that otherwise wouldn't be suited to controller use; originally a target feature for SteamOS and the Steam Controller. Between the hardware and software (supported and built into the Steam client itself, as well as independent packages that are open source and similarly cross platform! As mentioned above, this software is also compatible with other controllers at least to a point.), the Steam Controller has an amazingly wide use case potential, made easier by the ability to browse per-game configurations that Steam, the game's devs, or other players have created/shared, in addition to defaults and personal user-created builds; its hard to overstate the extensive feature set of the software.
Ultimately, like all things it will come down to personal preference, but I feel that the Steam Controller is a worthwhile peripheral for every PC user, especially when available on sale at deep discount. However, if all you wish it to do is act like a conventional Xbox-style gamepad to be used with games designed with said conventional pad in mind, the difference in button location (if you're used to Xbox/Playstation/Nintendo controller layouts) and potentially lack of a right stick may not be to your preference. Then again, for some its even better! Due to its layout I think it stands in a different enough category that PC users should likely own it as well as another more conventional controller, that they might compare, contrast, and select the best controller for each use case. Last year the Steam Controller went on deep discount and it is rumored its successor will appear this year. With luck this will mean an iteration on the design, upgrading and changing a few things - I personally would like to see the haptic touchpads moved to the lower, inside locations (where Playstation style sticks would be, in reference) allowing the left stick and button cluster to be more in line with conventional controllers while still maintaining the use of both touchpads. Other upgrades such as additional paddle buttons on the back, USB-C, and a host of other features would be nice to see as well. I personally would purchase a Steam Controller Elite type model, with considerable enhancements for that matter.
That about covers it for standard gamepads, but as other posts in the thread have discussed, controller types for specified genres are also noteworthy. From flight/space sims using joysticks or HOTAS/HOSAS to retro/arcade or fighting games using arcade sticks, there's a whole world of specific peripherals out there for your game type of choice! Without going into it deeply, if money isn't an object, I suggest looking into Virpil (preferable) or VKB for space / flight sim style joysticks, and to look up Jasens Customs for top tier arcade/fighting stick chassis/barebone kits + either Arcade Shock or Focus Attack for buying components for your build like levers and buttons.
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I had never heard of the F710 before. Sounded like the perfect gamepad because I prefer the playstation layout and the F710 uses replaceable batteries instead of a battery pack and has longer battery life. After some googling it sounds like it sucks really bad if you use it as a wireless gamepad though. What a disappointment.
I'm not sure what you mean by using it as a wireless gamepad, that's the only option for it. If you mean how good the wireless connection is I've never had any issues with it but if the 2.4 Ghz spectrum is crowded where you live then any using that are likely to have some issues, at my house 5 Ghz is much more crowded but YMMV.
I have found for any wireless input device it's best to use an extension cable to get the wireless receiver positioned away from the pc if possible.
Didn't know that. I just assumed it could be wired as well. I saw a lot of people on reddit complaining about flaky wireless with it and the same people saying they didn't have that issue with other gamepads. I agree that it's best to keep your bluetooth receiver away from your PC. I just an extension cord and wrap it around one of the pillars at the top of my desk.
Edit: I also saw some people saying the deadzones are pretty bad compared to the 360 and ds4. Can anyone confirm? I might get this gamepad if my ds4 ever breaks
Edit: I also saw some people saying the deadzones are pretty bad compared to the 360 and ds4. Can anyone confirm? I might get this gamepad if my ds4 ever breaks
The deadzone is set by the driver which in xinput mode is the 360 controller driver, games will override this sometimes and it can be adjusted using software(using the same software will show that the tiniest movement will register if set to). Maybe the stick shape is slightly different but there's no inherent hardware limitation, I will say pressing on the analog sticks to click is better with the 360 controller but thankfully most games don't use that much.
I can't compare it to the PS4 controller because personally I've avoided anything that didn't fully support xinput just since that's what games are designed for theses days even if it is the inferior format to dinput and possibly whatever sony is using too. The hacks to use PS controllers on PC seem better than the old hacks to use dinput pads for xinput games but I'm curious whether it's a seamless experience, any thought on that?
The Ryochan7 build of DS4Windows works perfect for me. I've never had a single issue with it. It has plenty of nice options too. I like to turn off the touchpad and light to save battery and use the left/right click functions on it as extra buttons for share and options since I don't like the size or placement of those buttons. After years of using it though I eventually got used to that and usually use the actual buttons instead. Even in games that have native d-input/DS4 support I still use DS4Windows to keep the light off. It's also nice to be able to mouse over the program to see the battery percentage