The controllers are peripherals that allow you to provide an input to control the game action. It can be used on Console specifications or on PCs and there are various types including Joysticks (command levers), steering wheel & pedals and Gamepads (also called Joypads, certainly the most ’ used).
The latest generation controllers have almost similar shapes and are used with both hands, but have characteristics that differentiate them
In the evaluation of a Pad we consider dimensions, type of socket, number of keys, type of keys, symmetry (analog in corresponding position)
THE PLUS ’ USED
Nowadays they are:
– Dualshock 4: controller developed for Playstation 4, small in size, easy to handle and symmetrical.
– Xbox One controller: developed precisely for Xbox One, asymmetrical, very similar to the predecessor for Xbox 360 but more ’ resistant, with improved grip and design.
– Dualsense 5: designed for Playstation 5, more ’ large than its predecessor and characterized by adaptive triggers (L2 and R2 modify their resistance based on game events, exclusively on some titles and on Console), atypical feedback and integrated microphone.
– Xbox Series S & X controller: same characteristics as the predecessor but more ’ small and equipped with USB-C.
There are other Gamepads on the market (produced by companies such as AimController and Scuf Gaming), used on FPS titles where high responsiveness is required, which have unique and customizable specifications including:
– Body: can be customized by color or design with the addition of logo or abbreviation.
– analog: you can change the shape (concave or convex) and the height (high, medium, low).
– Trigger & Bumpers: with the addition of reduced stroke to the triggers (L2 and R2 or LT and RT) and to the upper keys (L1 and R1 or LB and RB) in order to reduce the time necessary to completely press the button and make the action immediate game. The result and effect will be similar to typing a mouse button, improving responsiveness.
– Rear grip: for a more ’ solder grip than the Controller especially after hours of play.
– Removal of Vibration Engines: to reduce the weight of the Pad and remove a function that is not always useful.
– Back Button: 2 or 4 rear buttons customizable and remapping with any other key on the Pad. These keys are usually located on the rear body and allow you to use the Controller with the classic socket and press keys preventing the player from losing control of the analogue (also in this case with the aim of improving responsiveness). A magnetic stick is integrated which activates the “Remap ” function to modify the function of rear buttons.
Being Pads modified by other companies, they are often fragile and frequently require assistance (which is not always guaranteed and is never quick).
There are also cheaper controllers (basic or with integrated modifications) but they have poor quality materials, they wear out quickly and present compatibility and firmware problems.
Alternatively, components can be purchased separately to modify some controllers.
There are therefore:
– Back Button (Back Button Sony, eXtremeRate, Strike Pack) which can be manually integrated into your Controller
– Additional analogs (KontrolFreek) with personalized shape and height for better comfort and precision
CONNECTIVENESS ’
I Controller piu recenti hanno una duplice connettività:
– Bluetooth: che offre la comodità di poter giocare a grandi distanze e senza intralci
– Via cavo (wired): che invece consente un rapido trasferimento di dati ed informazioni dalla macchina centrale (specialmente per i PC player)
In order to take full advantage of your Pad, you can take some precautions (including wired connection) and take advantage of the Overclocking capability of some Controllers. With special programs, the system's Clock frequencies are managed and increased with the aim of achieving excellent performance and reducing interference (Latency). The best results can be found on Dualshock 4 and Dualsense 5 (and controllers with the same chip but from other manufacturers). To date there is the possibility of reaching up to 8000hz of Rate on some controllers with latencies on 0ms.
MUSHING
As for the Mouse, there are also 3 types of handles for Pad:
– Standard: with index and middle of the right hand on trigger and bumper (for those accustomed to this grip, the use of back button is recommended).
– Half-Claw: with medium on trigger or bumper and index on 2 main keys (square and triangle or Y and X).
– Claw (called claw or crab): where the index performs a wider movement with the aim of pressing all 4 main keys (square, triangle, X and O or X, Y, B and A). It is a more complex grip, which requires muscle memory, training and manual skills but which excludes the need for back buttons.
RECOMMENDED CONTROLLERS
The choice is personal and depends on the type of grip used, the budget, individual habits and preferences. Here we list the most used and recommended avoiding sub-brands or poor quality products.
