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Recommended controller for PC?
- Thread starter SS4Rob
- Start date
["this guy" being the Steam controller]
- Better camera/aiming controls using trackball emulation on the right touchpad. (Well, "better" for me and many others, it's hard to make a general statement about this) It's somewhere between a thumbstick and a mouse for me.
- Two additional grip buttons which are easy to reach while holding the controller normally.
- Extreme configurability using Steam (but much of that now also applies to other controllers -- still there are tons of things you can do with the touchpads)
Happy to see your name here! I tried to play Dark Souls with the Steam controller and I just hated it. I'm just too used to analog sticks in games like that. Also, DS1 had really terrible keyboard camera controls by default - for cases like this should you map the joystick controls or keyboard controls to the touchpad? What do you use the extra 2 buttons in Dark Souls for?
My preference is the Xbox One Elite controller. I hear good things about the Steam controller but I have no personal experience with it.
For cases like DS1, I map the touchpad to joystick inputs but have it act like a trackball.
I use one of the buttons for spell switching -- I always play magic users and for a decent level of play switching magic while moving is essential. (I used to use a claw grip on traditional controllers which sucks).
Xbox One controller. The 360 controller is also good, if you don't play a lot of games that use its shitty dpad.
I used Dualshock 4 and really liked it. Steam has built-in driver for it, some games natively support itfrom get-go without any additional config. And if that doesn't work, there's plenty of 3rd party apps like inputmapper or DS4Windows. Should be very easy to configure, too.
I also owned a Logitech F710 and a X360 pad, but rarely used them except for some couch coop whenever my siblings or friends visit me :^)
I also owned a Logitech F710 and a X360 pad, but rarely used them except for some couch coop whenever my siblings or friends visit me :^)
Personally, I used the grip buttons for changing equipment while still being able to move. Other people likely use them for something else, but that's just me.
I thought I should add some more information on my Steam controller recommendation:
Some of the weaknesses of traditional controllers that the Steam controller addresses are:
- The (right) analog stick is terrible for any form of aiming. A lot of modern games feature aiming, first-person camera control, and/or cursor control. An analog stick is simply too imprecise and slow. The (right) pad on the Steam controller works similar to a mouse. I personally really enjoy trackball mode where you can easily control acceleration as if you were flicking a rotating ball under your thumb. The gyro support can also be really useful for aiming in conjunction with the pad.
- Lifting your (right) thumb off the stick/pad is far from ideal. Lifting your thumb off the stick/pad in order to press face buttons has always been a problem. You shouldn't have to stop all camera and aiming functions in order to use an action. This is especially cumbersome when those actions include jumping, melee, and throwing a projectile. All of which should ideally be executed while having full control of your character. The Steam controller has grip buttons on the back. Additionally, through the flexibility of its pads, dual-stage triggers, and an insane level of customization through software, you can limit or outright remove the need to use the face buttons.
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I was thinking about getting a Steam Controller since my 360 pad is driving me crazy with the lack of dead zone on the right analogue stick. I find the camera rotating to the left by itself in many games with the stick in neutral position, it's unnerving.
What interests me in the Steam Controller is the customizability, since my pc is hooked to a tv and I play it from my sofa it would be a huge help (I also have a trackball instead of a normal mouse so that helps too but using a single device would be nicer). I don't mind about the d-pad a lot since I rarely use it (not a fan of 2d beat em ups) and the game+controller bundles on steam are usually very tempting, especially during sales (I would get one of those mostly with cards money, on top of that).
The only thing that's putting me off from taking one is that I think an hardware revision might be coming soon, do you guys think that's likely despite the not-really-huge success of the controller?
What interests me in the Steam Controller is the customizability, since my pc is hooked to a tv and I play it from my sofa it would be a huge help (I also have a trackball instead of a normal mouse so that helps too but using a single device would be nicer). I don't mind about the d-pad a lot since I rarely use it (not a fan of 2d beat em ups) and the game+controller bundles on steam are usually very tempting, especially during sales (I would get one of those mostly with cards money, on top of that).
The only thing that's putting me off from taking one is that I think an hardware revision might be coming soon, do you guys think that's likely despite the not-really-huge success of the controller?
Interesting. I do find myself clutching the controller in bizarre ways to do stuff like that.
Thanks for the summary. It sounds interesting, I'd have to try it myself I guess to understand what the trackball emulation feels like. Maybe I'll pick one up the next time it's on sale.
I've been using the Xbox one s controller (the pinky faded special edition, it's beautiful!) wired. Been flawless. Really nice controller and most everything is just ready to go. Haven't encountered a game that doesn't work flawlessly.
I keep batteries in it despite using a cable to have that nice weighty feel.
I keep batteries in it despite using a cable to have that nice weighty feel.
Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers typically have the least fuss. Steam Controller is the most versatile but may require you to relearn some things.
Have to echo either a 360 controller or DS4. Both are comfortable pieces and IME very easy to configure, pretty sure the 360 is just plug and play anymore.
Also finding this little thing to be great for emulation and indie stuff.
Also finding this little thing to be great for emulation and indie stuff.
Xbone controller all the way. It is pretty much the best controller ever made, hands down. And it's amazing how seamlessly it just works if you have Windows 10; just hold down a button for three seconds and it wirelessly connects, and many Stream games even auto-recognize it and change their button prompts. Requiring AA batteries in 2017 is its only flaw.
It's complicated.
The Xbox One controller is great for out of the box implementation. However, if you're doing everything through Steam, you'll get so much more functionality with a DS4 or a Steam Controller.
Plus, the Steam controller works great as a mouse replacement for desktop use.
The Xbox One controller is great for out of the box implementation. However, if you're doing everything through Steam, you'll get so much more functionality with a DS4 or a Steam Controller.
Plus, the Steam controller works great as a mouse replacement for desktop use.
I'd also like to know some suggestions. I had bought a x1 controller but it didn't work with a few games I have like Mirror's Edge I was just thinking of getting a 360 controller but I hate the dpad. If someone could explain how DS4Windows works that would be appreciated thanks
I use my Xbox One Elite, it's been great for PC gaming. Used to use the Xbox 360 controllers and the logitech generics before that.
I am in love with the Steam Controller but I wouldn't recommend it to someone who just wants to play PC games with a controller as simply as possible. If you like to tinker then it is a fantastic piece of kit.
I bought an Elite and it's great. It's expensive, but it's comfortable to use and feels sturdy. The latest revision of the Xbone pad is a good option too.
I've tried a lot of controllers in my time, but I gotta say the PS4 controller I currently use is the best available right now.
I found the Xbox One controller to have too flimsy a D-Pad, which eventually started having issues recognizing inputs. The PS3 controller suffers from a lack of support and had constant connection issues with me.
Before controllers became USB connected, I used to have a battery powered Logitech brand controller, but these days it's probably for the best to stick to the official ones. The quality of the controller matters a lot, a cheap one will wear out quickly in some place, like maybe a bad button or delayed inputs which makes the whole thing useless.
I found the Xbox One controller to have too flimsy a D-Pad, which eventually started having issues recognizing inputs. The PS3 controller suffers from a lack of support and had constant connection issues with me.
Before controllers became USB connected, I used to have a battery powered Logitech brand controller, but these days it's probably for the best to stick to the official ones. The quality of the controller matters a lot, a cheap one will wear out quickly in some place, like maybe a bad button or delayed inputs which makes the whole thing useless.
Steam Controller for PC games/comfy couch desktop browsing (I have mine setup so I can have any needed function at the touch of a Steam chord).
WiiUPro/DS4/XOne pads (depending on your stick placement and D-Pad preference) for console ports/emulation, with the exception of MegaDrive/Saturn emulators, for which I have Hori Fighting Commander.
WiiUPro/DS4/XOne pads (depending on your stick placement and D-Pad preference) for console ports/emulation, with the exception of MegaDrive/Saturn emulators, for which I have Hori Fighting Commander.
This and/or a PS4/DualShock 4 Controller, usable via Bluetooth. Wired, can also be configured via DS4Windows and Steam.
For me too. I've had connection issues with the One and DS4 controllers, but the 360 one has always been super reliable.
I would get an Xbox One Elite controller if you can swing it. The paddles are brilliant and can be remapped to keyboard inputs or macros with reWASD, allowing you access to four new buttons instead of just four secondary buttons.
Brook's X One adapter, which releases and ships early next month, will make it so you can use gyro with your Elite controller on PC, and use your Elite controller on any platform you want.
Brook's X One adapter, which releases and ships early next month, will make it so you can use gyro with your Elite controller on PC, and use your Elite controller on any platform you want.
I really enjoy my DS4. Especially with the Steam Controller API, where I can bind whatever I want to the touchpad. Usually two buttons in split mode. ( for example in Prey: on the left side Quicksave - short press, quickload - long press, and on the right side the Map) The full Steam Controller has, I assume, even more customizability, but this suits me just fine so far. Maybe once the supposed refresh for the Steam Controller drops, I'll get one.
This, trackpad as a mouse ftw. Of course the steam controller would be optimal for that use, but DS4 works fine for me.