The go-to for most games nowadays is still the mouse and keyboard. This set-up is ideal for precision gaming, but more interactive simulation games require a more complicated device to run it well. Games such as racing, sports, combat, arcade and other best RPGs need more flexibility in the input. Such games can benefit from the added support offered by PC controllers. Modern versions of PC controllers are a long way from their analog predecessors not only in terms of functionality but also in terms of usage. Modified versions of it are being used to control drones for military operations and teach medical students about the human body through virtual surgeries. Some 3D MRIs and CAT Scans even use the controller technology to navigate the displays. Clearly, these controllers have far-reaching and practical uses in other industries, and we have yet to see the full extent of its practical utility.
Best PC Controllers Available Today
There’s an old saying: Never go to battle unarmed. Any serious gamer would tell you that your best weapon is actually your controller, and need to get the right weapon of choice. Up the ante of your gaming with these specially-designed controllers.
Different types of PC Controllers
Everybody knows that gaming starts with a keyboard and a mouse or a gamepad attached to a console, but these are not the only options out there. Traditional gamepads work well with most video games. The handy keyboard and mouse controller work well with shooting and strategy games. But what about the other genres? If playing sports, combat or flying games is your thing, then using a simple mouse and keyboard might not be practical or realistic. Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/Vista, Mac OS (Wireless). Compatibility: Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista (with USB wireless Adapter), TV or Display (720p or 1080p resolution) Compatibility: Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista, Android, Oculus Go, and Samsung Gear VR. Compatibility: All XBox One Consoles, Windows XP/7/Vista (with USB Adaptor). Compatibility: Playstation 4, Windows 7/8/10/Vista, Mac OS (Wireless). Compatibility: iPad, iPhone, Mac OS, and Apple TV, and PC (with USB Wireless Adaptor or Bluetooth). Compatibility: Windows /8/10/Vista, Mac OS, Nintendo Switch, and Android. Compatibility: All Xbox One consoles, Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista. Compatibility: Nintendo Switch Consoles, Mac OS, Android, Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista. Compatibility: Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista, XBox One, XBox 4, XP SP4, Android. Compatibility: XP SP3 and SP4, Android TV, Windows 7/8/10/Vista. Compatibility: Windows 7 / 8, MacOS Compatibility: Windows 7/8/10/Vista, XP SP3, XP Professional, Mac OS Compatibility: Windows 7/8/9/10, Switch, XP SP3, Android TV. Compatibility: Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Windows 7/8/9/10/Vista With the thousands of games available on the market, there ought to be new controllers that cater to specific genres. There are gamepads with mini keyboards, wireless keyboards, and joysticks. You also have throttle stimulators for flight simulation games, arcade-inspired fighting sticks for hand-to-hand combat games, steering wheels and paddles for simulated racing, trackballs for field sports games, touchscreens for smartphone puzzles, and light-guns for first-person shooting games, among other types. With the increasing popularity of online games, it won’t be a surprise if more types of controllers will show up in the market within the next few years.
Pros of Using PC Controllers
There is an on-going debate among gamers on whether PC controllers work better than your keyboard and mouse combo. Still, you have to admit that PC gaming controllers are definitely a comfortable, convenient alternative to a keyboard and PC. PC controllers are a great gaming investment for gaming enthusiasts for the following reasons: Ergonomic Comfort: New PC Controller designs have soft, rounded analog sticks for a comfortable hand-grip. It also has sensitive multi-directional pads for higher precision. The buttons are also designed for robust clicking. The rubber coating of the device is frictionless so that your fingers glide through the surface. Convenience: The device allows you to customize buttons and keys to your liking. You can also switch from different player modes so that you can feel fully in control of your gameplay. Durability: PC controllers do not have a shelf life, but a good-quality controller can serve you well for years when taken proper care of. PC controllers are also much cheaper than your PC and are much easier to replace.
Cons of Using PC Controllers
Some gamers are better at the keyboard and mouse than a controller, and that is not a problem. Limited Functionality: Players have noted that controllers lack certain functions. Examples include: using mini maps to change vantage point, inability to select specific units as fast as with a mouse, etc.). A mouse offers better speed and precision that a controller doesn’t offer, and that the keypad makes for better hotkeys and unit groupings. Premium Cost: There are a lot of premium controllers in the market, and if you are a serious gamer it is very tempting to shell out as much as $250.00 for one. Depending on the duration of use and your budget, you will need to decide whether more expensive brands are worth it. Other than the high cost and clear limitations in functionality, there doesn’t seem to be few reasons to dislike controllers. They serve their purpose of making gaming a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Features To Look For When Choosing A PC Controller
There are different levels of consideration when choosing a controller. These include price category, brand, basic functionality, physical color and design, usage of new technology, ergonomic design, durability, connectivity, etc.
Durability
Of course, the most important consideration in buying a controller is quality. Buttons and analog sticks must be able to respond well to your inputs and withstand long hours of game time without changes inefficiency. Choose a controller with sturdy buttons that have a smooth “click”. Some controllers have buttons that are purposefully designed to be longer and deeper than usual for dual functions (i.e. Razer Tartarus Pro). Analog sticks should be responsive yet sturdy, and multi-directional gamepads should be sensitive but not too sensitive so as not to go off in directions you didn’t swipe.
Compatibility
In order for the PC controller to work on any PC, it must be HID compliant and be able to observe the XInput or DirectInput protocol used by most online games. Console controllers such as Xbox and PS4 controllers are also PC-compatible.
Ergonomics
Most PC controllers are coated in a rubberized plastic material to protect the metal hardware. But we are more interested in the sections of the controllers that come into contact with your hands, and that is a large section. As a general rule, the toggles and buttons should be deep enough for a good click, but not too deep. The pads should also be responsive to the slightest touch. You might also want to choose the noise level of the buttons of your controller. Some controllers have “clicky” buttons that make lots of mechanical noises while others have a smoother keypad. As for handlebars, they should be long enough to fit all your fingers and give you a good grip. Extra rubber padding on the handlebars is a plus. For gamepads with no handlebars, the underside is usually rubberized. You should be able to fit your palm on the underside of the gamepad and have a good grip. For controllers with mini keypads like the Razer Tartarus Pro, make sure that you are able to reach the keys from the left or right. These mini keypads don’t usually come in different sizes to fit larger or smaller hands. In this case, decide whether the small difference in size will be comfortable enough.
Battery Life
Most PC controllers are able to last disconnected from a power source anywhere from 4 to 10 hours of game time. Some premium brands are even able to last 40 hours without the need to recharge. Battery life is dependent on several factors including the discharge rate of the device and temperature. It also has a cycle life or the number of times you can charge a battery before it falls to 80% of its capacity. Opt for a device with a higher cycle life, if such information is available.
Wireless Capacity
Traditional controllers are wired. But the increasing trend these days for the controllers to have a Bluetooth or wireless option. You can do this with the help of a small adaptor or dongle attached to the PC or through Bluetooth which won’t need anything extra. Once connected, your PC can respond to any headsets attached and sends information to and from your computer like a walkie-talkie. You can opt for a wireless controller if you think the USB connection is a bother. You just need a Bluetooth-adapted computer, in which case you won’t need any additional plugs, or a wireless adaptor to plug into the computer. but you will still need to charge it with a USB cable once in a while.
Special Features
You might also want advanced features like wireless connectivity through Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless connection, haptic technology that causes rumble, magnetic sensors for precision targeting, adjustable keypad lighting software, or cloud-enabled storage for your profiles. Also available in the market are personalized, modified controllers that you can look into. Although not part of this guide, design companies like Evil Controller take your standard Xbox controllers and allow you to design the exterior yourself. There are also pseudo-controllers like the Tap Strap. It’s a bracelet that you wear around your knuckles and it resembles the functions. This wearable keyboard can be used to play games, but its design is still in its infancy and needs to be adapted further for gameplay. In the future, PC controllers could expect to get an upgrade from new technologies such as facial recognition and voice technology, gesture control, high-definition graphics, mobile gaming, and cloud gaming. But until these technologies are developed and refined, we are satisfied to rely on the current features offered by the well-established brands.
Reasonable Cost
Branded PC controllers can cost anywhere from $ 20.00 to $ 250.00, with premium controllers costing anywhere between $ 1300.00 to $200.00. Set a budget for your purchase first and consider what a reasonable purchase might mean for you. When we say reasonable, we mean a cost that warrants quality and sustainability. There are great budget controllers that offer the basic features and comfort that you need, while there are also premium, more expensive controllers made of durable materials and feature the new technology.
Maintenance and Care of PC Controllers
If you want your PC controller to last for years, you need to observe proper care and regular maintenance of the device. The PC controller has the same components as your average computer. It has an operating system that manages the internal processes of the PC and a user-application software. Consider your device as an investment, and treat it with care to ensure that it lasts for years to come.
Disconnect the controller after use and unplug the connection. Store your PC controller in a clean, dry place. Like any electronic device, the PC controller is sensitive to liquids. That is why you should keep them clean and dry at all times. Beware of any physical damage to the hardware that could prevent you from using it ever again. Your controllers can collect dust over time, particularly when stored away for long periods. As such, we recommend wiping your device with a cloth lightly dampened with a soap solution. This is to prevent dirt from accumulating and causing any technical glitches. Wireless adapters usually come in the form of small nano receivers attached to your PC. Due to their small size, adapters are easy to forget and easy to lose. Make sure to keep them in place in their socket or store them in a safe place after each gaming session. Beginners may also struggle to understand the usage of the PC controller keys. In this case, almost all controllers come with a user manual that you can refer to. Most console controllers are also not HDI compliant in which case you will need a hardware adapter or USB support. Bluetooth connection may also be a hit or miss. Don’t overcharge your device to save its cycle life and charge the device before it is completely drained. Battery capacity is sensitive to fluctuations in power. Experts say the best time to charge a device is between 20% to 80% battery power to preserve cycle life. Make sure to check the device soon after buying it and keep the warranty certificate in case it has a design or manufacturing defect. Study the specifications of the device and follow the maintenance procedures as indicated.
Final Thought
The gaming industry has come a long way from the simple analog dial buttons. Notwithstanding the large variety of options, making an informed decision should be easy with the right resources. With the right information and an awareness of what you really want in a controller, you are sure to be able to find one that will fit your budget and personality.
