Top 3 BEST PC Gaming Controllers of 2024

When playing on a desktop, the finest PC controllers are becoming more and more popular as keyboard and mouse substitutes. There’s nothing better than relaxing with a top-notch gamepad, especially if you prefer to sit back in your chair rather than stoop over your desk for those late-night gaming sessions.

Numerous criteria were taken into consideration when selecting the top PC controllers for the list that follows. We took into account controllers from a wider range of price points, as well as controllers that are generally available and well-suited to particular game genres like racing, fighting, and first-person shooters (FPS).

1.Xbox Elite Wireless controller series 2

Although it was initially created for the Xbox One family, Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is currently making a splash on the most recent Xbox console generation.

The greatest Xbox controller available is the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which is the successor to the original Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and offers a number of enhancements over it. This is now compatible with the Xbox One family, which includes the Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

The most expensive Xbox controller available is the greatest one available; a brand-new one is almost three times more expensive than a typical Xbox controller. It is similar to the latest high-end Sony DualSense Edge controller.

It should be noted that the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 from Microsoft is not inexpensive.this is the most expensive official Xbox controller available. In late 2022, it will also be introduced to Xbox Design Lab, so expect customization possibilities to drive up the price even further.

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 has a streamlined, cozy, and substantial design. The Series 2 arrives in a bulky carry case with a USB-C cable, a wireless charger pack (which may also be corded), and several buttons.

In contrast to its sequel, which has rubberized grips on both controller legs, the controller itself is matte black.which only had this on the backs of the legs. On the front, there are the standard X, A, Y and B buttons, alongside the standard Xbox, share and menu buttons – and a profile button that we will come back to. The beauty of the Series 2, however, is that there are also changeable analog sticks and D-pad buttons that you can simply pop off and replace magnetically with any of the buttons included with the controller.

You get a set of six thumbsticks including two standard, two classic, one tall and one white dome. In addition, there’s a set of four paddles, including two medium and two mini, and a set of two D-pads: standard and faceted. The tension of the analog sticks can also be adjusted, using a little screwdriver. There are three settings available, with each increasing the tightness of the sticks.

These buttons and sticks are basically interchangeable, so you may customize them to make gaming the most comfortable for you. Four silver paddles, two on each side, and two switches that let you change the controller’s hair trigger locks are located at the back of the controller. The degree of give when pulling the trigger buttons is further limited by each of the three settings on the trigger switches.

In addition to the LB and RB buttons, a Bluetooth connection button, and a USB-C port, the trigger buttons are silver and, as one might think, located on top of the controller. Both a PC and an Xbox One can be connected to the Series 2. Lastly, the controller’s bottom features a port for the audio jack and Xbox One Stereo Headset Adapter.

2.Xbox Core Controller

We are pleased to see Microsoft finally include a dedicated share button to make taking photos and videos in-game much simpler. The Xbox Wireless Controller has several enhancements, including haptic textures and improved geometry, to improve the gaming experience.

Furthermore, it appears that Microsoft’s latest gamepad is based on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, which offers some of the high-end controller’s best design elements in a more reasonably priced package. The end product is a stylish, reasonably priced, cozy, and easily accessible controller.

The Xbox Wireless Controller doesn’t appear to be a significant change from its predecessor at first glance. It retains the conventional button and trigger arrangement and has a similar form. However, with closer examination, you start to see the minor adjustments Microsoft has made.

To begin with, the exterior of the gamepad now has a matte finish that closely resembles the designs of the new consoles. Although this has a sleek appearance, it has a disadvantage: the Xbox Series X’s black controller is prone to apparent scuffs and scratches.

You might find it difficult to maintain your controller in peak shape for many years to come, given the amount of physical abuse they endure. There are additional color options for the controller.That’s a little complaint, though, as generally we thought the Xbox Wireless Controller felt and looked more expensive than a more high-end controller. We discovered that the controller felt more secure in our hands thanks to the updated pad’s haptic texture on the triggers, grips, and bumpers.

Furthermore, the bumpers and triggers have been softened and shrunk by a few millimeters, even though the controller is the same size as its predecessor. The gamepad feels less heavy as a result. Previous Xbox controllers have frequently felt very squishy for people with little hands, but this small adjustment makes a substantial yet slight improvement in comfort.

The addition of the ‘Share’ is arguably the most significant modification to the controller.button and the hybrid D-pad. The Share button essentially acts as a capture button, allowing you to easily snap screenshots of your game – a single click takes a snapshot, while holding the button down for longer records a 15-second video by default (you can adjust the video duration in the Capture settings).

We found it a little difficult to rapidly snap a screenshot, but it’s far simpler than on the Xbox One, where you had to click the home button and then X or Y. Your experience may differ based on how big your hands are.

In contrast, the hybrid D-pad seeks to offer a compromise between the traditional D-pad found on the Xbox One controller and the detachable disc-shaped, faceted D-pad seen on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. The end effect is a disc covered with a sort of conventional D-pad. Once more, this is a little but nice modification that should make the D-pad feel more comfortable overall while also giving you more control and leverage.

Additionally, the D-pad makes a loud click that we haven’t heard.from a controller before. You’ll either find it satisfying or a bit annoying – we often found it the latter – though those used to mechanical keyboards may not be all that bothered.Still, there’s a lot about the controller’s design that hasn’t changed. It keeps the 3.5mm audio jack and expansion port at the bottom, its USB charge port and pairing button at the top, and its View, Menu and Xbox buttons on the face.

3.Scuf Instinct Pro

Since Scuf is the industry leader in performance controllers, it is not surprising that many players have been catching up to it for the past ten years. This is because Scuf has been refining and improving its controller designs to provide the greatest possible experience for players who aim to be the best. The Scuf Instinct Pro, the team’s most recent controller, is the culmination of almost a decade of research and development to produce a gamepad that not only pushes the boundaries of what a controller should be, but is also incredibly comfortable due to its excellent ergonomics.

The Scuf Instinct Pro and Microsoft’s own Xbox Wireless Controller may appear to be practically identical at first look due to their similar shapes and size. Modeled after the updated Xbox Series X|S controller, the Instinct Pro features a slightly smaller body, as well as the new Share button. What sets the two apart, however, is the attention to detail given to just about every aspect of the controller – from paddle placement to materials used.

It is the best controllers when you don’t have to think about it too much. Although they are useful for adding more inputs, the extra buttons, paddles, and switches that many “pro” level controllers place throughout the controller never feel natural when in use. On the other hand, the four programmable paddles on the Scuf Instinct Pro are simple to use; you can press each one easily while holding the controller in the same manner.

On the back of the controller, just along the base, are the four paddles. You can quickly locate the two primary paddles with your middle fingers while holding the controller because they are built into the grips and are slightly elevated. The other two paddles are wedge-shaped, and adjacent to the primary paddles. Together these act as a natural resting point for your middle finger – the pad on one paddle and the side of the tip on the other – letting you activate either with ease.

The primary paddles are designed with a bit of resistance, which avoids any accidental button presses during gameplay. The secondary paddles have a bit more give, compensating for how you press them diagonally with the outer portion of your middle finger. The difference in tension makes all four paddles feel equally good to press without adding any additional fatigue during gameplay.

The rear triggers have also been overhauled in addition to the paddle change. The days of fine-tuning using a key to restrict the amount of travel in each trigger or adding stops to the back of your controller are long gone. Rather, the instant triggers are activated by flipping a simple toggle located just above each set of paddles. These feature a fast click that feels almost exactly like a PC mouse, and when activated, they require practically no actuation, unlike the typical travel you’d anticipate from analog triggers. As a result, weapons can be fired with amazing speed and minimal effort by quickly pressing a trigger.

Best PC controllers – FAQs

What controller do pro PC players use?

If a player isn’t currently using a keyboard and mouse, they might use a controller for more sophisticated capabilities if they want to step up their game, especially in online multiplayer settings. In this sense, gamepads like as the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra and the Victrix Pro BFG provide helpful capabilities, but they also come with larger price tags. For more specialized genre needs, professional players could also choose more specialized equipment like a racing wheel or a battle stick like the Nacon Daija.