Best controller WITHOUT progressive triggers?

[Eiri]

I don't play any racing games. Gradual triggers are entirely useless to me. But I would still like to get a high quality controller.

 

Progressive triggers are even harmful for my use case, because they feel really awkward to use vs a clickier button when you're trying to play an RPG where R2 is just, say, triggering between minimap modes. Also I have pretty intense wrist pain issues, and the additional force that I have to use on progressive triggers can actually hurt a lot after a play session.

 

I've been using my Switch Pro Controller a lot and I really appreciate it for its long battery life and normal triggers, but after several years its buttons have started to feel less good to press, and my L1/R1 buttons (the triggers closest to the face of the controller) have gotten less responsive to the point that they sometimes don't work at all. So I might need to find a new controller soon.

 

So. What's the best, most ergonomic controller I should consider if progressive triggers are the bane of my existence?

[Middcore]

Another Switch Pro Controller.

 

Basically anything else on the market is going to have analog triggers because lacking them would be considered a crippling flaw by most people. 

[RONOTHAN##]

15 minutes ago, Eiri said:

So. What's the best, most ergonomic controller I should consider if progressive triggers are the bane of my existence?

The Xbox Elite controllers can debatably do what you want them to, since they've got user definable trigger stops to make it so its practically just a button (there's only 1-2mm of travel in the entire trigger in the shortest setting, effectively making it on or off), though Elite controllers are also incredibly expensive. I like mine, I'd buy it again, but recommending spending ~$150 on a controller (slightly less if you go for the Core version) is very, very hard to do. 

 

Just stick to your Switch Pro controller if you like that. 

[Eiri]

8 hours ago, RONOTHAN## said:

The Xbox Elite controllers can debatably do what you want them to, since they've got user definable trigger stops to make it so its practically just a button (there's only 1-2mm of travel in the entire trigger in the shortest setting, effectively making it on or off), though Elite controllers are also incredibly expensive. I like mine, I'd buy it again, but recommending spending ~$150 on a controller (slightly less if you go for the Core version) is very, very hard to do. 

 

Just stick to your Switch Pro controller if you like that. 

Thanks. About the elite controller: I'm not trying to make you say that a premium product is the best value, because it's usually not.

 

I'm not entirely sure I want to spend that much, but I'm considering it. What makes the elite controller good? What should make me consider buying one?

[Sarra]

The triggers on my King Kong 2 Pro are pretty light, they're a bit lighter than the triggers on my PS5 controllers.

 

You can also use some software that turns an analog input into a digital input, with definable thresholds, if that would help.

[RONOTHAN##]

6 hours ago, Eiri said:

What makes the elite controller good? What should make me consider buying one?

It's got a lot of customization (at least on the non-core model, the Core does have all the options but doesn't come with all the accessories to change stuff out). It's got swap-able joy stick tops, adjustable joy stick tension, adjustable trigger stops per trigger (I tend to run one trigger with a shorter stop than the other), adjustable rear buttons, swap-able D pads, and keybind profiles (if you wanted the A and X key swapped for some reason, you could do it). It's also a got a really good feel in the hand, better than the standard Xbox One controller its based on, though it's a little on the heavy side (I personally prefer that, but your mileage may vary). 

[Eiri]

13 hours ago, Sarra said:

The triggers on my King Kong 2 Pro are pretty light, they're a bit lighter than the triggers on my PS5 controllers.

 

You can also use some software that turns an analog input into a digital input, with definable thresholds, if that would help.

Oof, only a bit lighter than the PS5's? I own a DualSense and its triggers are the worst I've felt. A bit lighter simply won't do it.  Appreciate the suggestion though!

[Sarra]

12 hours ago, Eiri said:

Oof, only a bit lighter than the PS5's? I own a DualSense and its triggers are the worst I've felt. A bit lighter simply won't do it.  Appreciate the suggestion though!

It's pretty hard to judge without specialized tools. I'd guess they're roughly half the force to pull than the PS5.

 

The Steam Deck triggers are actually lighter, but have shorter throw. If you really would like a super light trigger, the King Kong 2 Pro might be able to take modified return springs; Get an extra set of the springs, and heat them up a bit with a lighter, might remove some of the tension from them. If you're patient and careful, you might be able to custom tune those triggers to require a minuscule amount of force, but still have enough spring to self-return when released.

 

If you were really insane, you could remove the springs and use some DIY loops to get the triggers to be 0 force, but they wouldn't self return if you weren't lightly pulling on them.

 

IFixIt has parts and guides for the KK2P if you're that interested.

[Eiri]

On 11/24/2022 at 11:52 AM, Sarra said:

It's pretty hard to judge without specialized tools. I'd guess they're roughly half the force to pull than the PS5.

 

The Steam Deck triggers are actually lighter, but have shorter throw. If you really would like a super light trigger, the King Kong 2 Pro might be able to take modified return springs; Get an extra set of the springs, and heat them up a bit with a lighter, might remove some of the tension from them. If you're patient and careful, you might be able to custom tune those triggers to require a minuscule amount of force, but still have enough spring to self-return when released.

 

If you were really insane, you could remove the springs and use some DIY loops to get the triggers to be 0 force, but they wouldn't self return if you weren't lightly pulling on them.

 

IFixIt has parts and guides for the KK2P if you're that interested.

Those would be pretty interesting suggestions if I had the energy. Sadly, I just got done building my small form factor PC and I feel like my "DIY gauge" is gonna be empty for quite a while.

 

When budget allows, I might invest into an Xbox Elite controller.

 

Or I might find the willpower to disassemble my Nintendo controller and fix its issues. Or do the King Kong 2 thing you suggested.

 

If at any point you see a new controller pop up that would be a good, easy fit for my use case and you remember me, don't hesitate to come back and tell me about it. I'd be delighted. And maybe it'll help Googlers who have the same wrist issues as mine.

 

It'll probably be a while because push notifications for this forum are still broken, but I'll eventually see it!

[Eiri]

So I just asked OpenAI's ChatGPT for advice, and it spat out some options. I'll have to look them up to know if they're any good, but apparently there's options!

 

1. Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2: A wireless game controller that is designed for use with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. It has a customizable design, with interchangeable thumbsticks and paddles, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its high-quality construction and customizable features.

2. PlayStation DualShock 4 Wireless Controller: A wireless game controller that is designed for use with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. It has a familiar ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The DualShock 4 controller does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its responsive buttons and comfortable grip.

3. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: A wireless game controller that is designed for use with the Nintendo Switch console. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The Pro Controller does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its responsive buttons and comfortable grip.

4. Razer Wolverine Ultimate: A wired game controller that is designed for use with the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. It has a customizable design, with interchangeable thumbsticks and paddles, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The Wolverine Ultimate does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its high-quality construction and customizable features.

5. Logitech F310 Gamepad: A wired game controller that is compatible with a wide range of gaming platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. It has a familiar ergonomic design, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The F310 Gamepad does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its responsive buttons and comfortable grip.

6. Scuf Vantage 2 Wireless Controller: A customizable game controller that is designed for use with the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The Vantage 2 controller does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its high-quality construction and customizable features.

7. 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+: A wireless game controller that is compatible with a wide range of gaming platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and the Nintendo Switch. It has a retro design that is inspired by classic game controllers, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The SN30 Pro+ does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its responsive buttons and comfortable grip.

8. Hori Real Arcade Pro V Kai: A wired game controller that is designed for use with the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, and PC. It has a professional-grade design that is similar to arcade fighting game controllers, and it features responsive digital triggers that provide a satisfying tactile feedback. The Real Arcade Pro V Kai does not have progressive/analog triggers, and it has a good reputation among players for its high-quality construction and responsive buttons.

[Eiri]

For anyone coming by this thread in the future, I used the AI prompt as a basis to do actual research, and here are the results, in decreasing order of "matches what I was looking for", ignoring price.

 

- The SCUF Instinct Pro can switch between analog triggers and clicky triggers at the push of a button. Apparently they feel pretty nice. It starts at $300 CAD, and you can pay extra for fancier colours. Pretty cool that you can switch between the two, if you occasionally play a game that requires analog triggers. But it's not cheap.

- Battle Beaver makes highly customized (but not user-customizable) versions of stock Xbox and PlayStation controllers. One of the many things you can get customized is the triggers. They can permanently put mouse-like switches in them, something they call smart triggers. Seems people have a pretty high opinion of them. It starts at 163 CAD if you want smart triggers.

- The Cinch Xbox Pro can come with what they call mouse button triggers, but actually reminds me more of how it is on the Switch Pro Controller, which is a good thing to me. It starts at $132 CAD for the mouse click option. It only offers a 30-day warranty by default, which is worrisome.

- The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has button triggers that feel more or less like a laptop keyboard key. It's $90 CAD.

- The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is has adjustable triggers from analog to clicky, just like the SCUF Instinct Pro. It's not out yet and there aren't any reviews yet. It's the most expensive item on this list at $340 CAD. Considering Razer tends to be synonymous with overpriced, I'm not too hyped.

- The Xbox Elite Controller V2 offers lots of adjustments, and you can put a limit on your triggers. But it doesn't turn them into an actual button that feels good. It's still just a mushy trigger that stops sooner. Weird. It's normally $230 CAD, and is currently on sale for $189.

- The Evil Controller offers what they call a tactile trigger, but it turns out that it's just a mushy trigger with a limiter.

- The Horipad Wireless for Nintendo Switch doesn't have analog triggers, but they still made them deep-pressing triggers. Why?!

- The Hori Fighting Commander controllers for PS5 and Xbox Series X and S have clicky triggers, but they feature two deal breakers: they are wired only, and they don't have a right analog stick(they trade those for additional face buttons).

 

If anyone's got additional opinions about any of these, feel free. I'm currently leaning towards Battle Beaver. They have a good reputation and, if you don't go overboard with the customization. I guess all that's left to do is actually try an Xbox controller somehow. I haven't used one since the very first Xbox. It looks kinda chunky, and it's hard to tell if it might be too big or what. If it works, I think a customized one from Battle Beaver would likely work great.

[Hukkerz]

Try the 8bitdo ultimate , it's amazing for the price , its wired but they do have a wireless version that works with the switch . And it has paddles customizable software so you can adjust all your trigger and stick sensitivity . I've been using mine for awhile now (the series x version) and it's the best controller I've ever used and the paddles are like mouse clicks so its sweet no play in the buttons there . I would take this over any stock or other 3rd party controller . And wont buy anything else . It's a great controller oh yeah it also has hal affect joysticks so the run on magnets instead of mechanical parts which is supposed to eliminate drift . Which mine has never had drift .

[Esemes16]

With the Xbox Accessories app available on Windows 10/11 and Xbox (One and up), you should be able to change the actuation point of the triggers for even the basic Xbox controllers.

Edited December 12, 2022 by Esemes16
Specifying it only applies that Xbox controllers

[Mark Kaine]

On 12/10/2022 at 6:02 PM, Hukkerz said:

Try the 8bitdo ultimate , it's amazing for the price , its wired but they do have a wireless version that works with the switch . And it has paddles customizable software so you can adjust all your trigger and stick sensitivity . I've been using mine for awhile now (the series x version) and it's the best controller I've ever used and the paddles are like mouse clicks so its sweet no play in the buttons there . I would take this over any stock or other 3rd party controller . And wont buy anything else . It's a great controller oh yeah it also has hal affect joysticks so the run on magnets instead of mechanical parts which is supposed to eliminate drift . Which mine has never had drift .

that looks actually kinda solid (so does the nintendo pro) but arent they making those without asymmetrical analogs? i play a lot of fighting games and the dpad position on those is just uncomfortable to me.

 

Also is the dpad clicky?

 

ps: is it compatible with pc?

 

[Eiri]

@HukkerzWhat do the triggers feel like? I own a PS5 controller, and while it's possible with the Steam options to put an action on only a light press, I found it really unpleasant not to have a tactile bump for L2/R2. I'm afraid that would be the case for the 8bitdo controller too. Any thoughts?