The Best Controllers of 2023 - VK Awards

[@GeraltOfTheRivia]

Because of you, i finally got vader 3 pro after contemplating between that and 8bitdo ultimate. Been using it for almost 2 months now and really really loving it. Thank you for your suggestion.

[@Daniiarchy]

How you liking the Vader now? I was debating between those as well

[@RonaldAyala15]

I´m going for that one to

[@f.f.2260]

​@RonaldAyala15 get the Apex 4

[@ryozaki96]

Vader 4 is out

[@penguinsushi8442]

Love the overview and tier-list. Countless hours of work distilled into 15 minutes.

[@TheOrangeDart]

Do you mind clarifying what you mean when you say mechanical buttons are easier to replace than rubber membrane? I've never replaced a mechanical button before, but looking at the images they look like you'd need to solder them on. Is this untrue? Rubber membranes just come right off and you can place the new ones in. No soldering required.

[@VKsChannel]

Yes you need to solder mechanical switches but those are easy to find another and replace If the membranes break where you will find a replacement membrane? The manufacturers usually don't sell replacement parts

[@ryozaki96]

The Apex 2 sliding buttons was a genius idea. I wish they bring the feature back in upcoming controllers.

[@elkokun3973]

My friend, idk if my question is stupid, but what do you recommend me, the machenike g5 pro or the power a fusion pro 3

[@VKsChannel]

I haven't tested the power a But the machenike g5 is very nice!

[@Stuart0000]

how would you compare the machenike G5 pro analog sticks to the kk2 pro?

[@VKsChannel]

Kk2pro has slightly increased resistance on the sticks Other than that they feel the same

[@Stuart0000]

@@VKsChannelthanks, do you happen to know if the machenike g5 pro is compatible with WingmanPS2 adapter for PS2?

[@TheTrueFriend.]

thank you so much , what do you think about the vader 3 pro long term usage ? I have read alot of compliance about stick drifting or random defects , Can you please help me to pick the best controller , I am kinda not sure which one is better : vader 3 pro or the Machnike G5 pro thanks in advance

[@VKsChannel]

My vader 3 pro is just fine this and the machenike G5 are great controllers but the vader 3 pro is more polished overall the machenike has some issues with the software

[@abo_omar5880]

Thank you for the great video, looks like you put a huge effort on it, but I am really confused between the Mobapad Chitu and the Mobapad Huben M9 HD, my priorities are the HD rumble, the ergonomics, and the build quality, so which is better?

[@VKsChannel]

Both has very shallow buttons But the M9 buttons are a bit better Overall the M9 is better than the chitu On the ergonomics the M9 feels like an xbox controller and the chitu feels like a pro controller

[@abo_omar5880]

@@VKsChannel thank you ,what about the HD vibration ? Are they the same ? And any other differences between the tow controllers ?

[@caim5681]

hi, I'm currently using an xbox 360 controller to play games on my PC that I have had for 8 years and want to try new things, I was going to buy an xbox core controller but I found this kind of videos, I don't want a controller to play competitive games or shooters, I only play action games and RPGs (god of war, spiderman, elden ring, dark souls, final fantasy, ghost of tsushima, devil may cry 5, nier automata) my requirements are quite simple I'd say, I want something comfortable, wireless and that is of good quality (I only play on PC just in case) what controller would you recommend?

[@Defender_928]

Which one is best for anbernic handhelds?

[@MysticNessly]

Had never heard of some of these. Really like that Flydigi Apex 2. pretty neat with the swaying buttons!

[@TataFirmansyah]

Which one do you recommend ? Gulikit KK3 Max or Flydigi Vader 3 Pro ?

[@VKsChannel]

Vader 3

[@cavestudios8944]

​@@VKsChannelI'm interested in this too, kk3 vs apex 4. Can you elaborate on your decision?

[@lornelorne5727]

Do you have a list of controllers that let you set extra buttons to custom bindings like keyboard keys? I'm a PC gamer only, and the number one thing I look for with a controller is extra buttons that I can assign to extra inputs in games. Unfortunately, so many of these controllers have extra buttons that only duplicate other buttons on the controller, like having a back paddle set to be another X button, which is just completely pointless to me. For example I thought the 8bitDo Ultimate looked great, until I found out it just does this stupid duplicate button thing, which immediately killed it for me. So many reviewers don't mention this and it's difficult to find out which controllers support keyboard bindings. I know the Flydigi Vader 3 Pro does, so that's what I'm focusing on now, but it'd be great to have a full list of viable controllers. Maybe you could do a "best for PC gaming" award category focusing on this? Thanks.

[@VKsChannel]

I think only flydigi controllers allows it

[@lornelorne5727]

All right. Thanks for letting me know! I appreciate the reply.

[@stevensv4864]

nice vid bro.. can i ask you something again plis, is there any hall effect joystick that feel the same as dualshock 4 or dualsense anything regular , in terms of tension resistance feels.. i mean thumbsticks..? gamesir g7 se is great but has low resistance

[@VKsChannel]

I didn't feel much difference on the G7 SE honestly so I'm not the better person to give you this feedback, most controllers these days uses the same stick module of the G7 so the resistance should be similar

[@VKsChannel]

perhaps big big won blitz or bigbig won rainbow 2 pro but those doesn't have hall effect sticks

[@stevensv4864]

maybe the springs arent the same and is that what bothers me, thanks for reply@@VKsChannel

[@ironXhide28]

Which do you think should I get? 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth or gulikit kingkong 3 max?

[@VKsChannel]

Between those 2? Kk 3 max

[@ironXhide28]

@@VKsChannel thanks for your reply. I am also looking at the vader but the price difference is too high between kk3 and vader. The kk3 only cost me 2/3 of the vader price

[@luke5385]

Hi there! Thank you for the amazing video, I love how concise it was. If you don't mind, I was wondering which controller you would recommend for someone who wants an overall A+ quality (flawless sticks, face buttons, d-pads) controller, but on a budget (preferably 40-75 dollars). I mainly play in PC/Switch/Mobile and I don't have much of a need for programmable macros or extra features (of course, they wouldn't hurt). Your recommendation would be greatly appreciated :D

[@luke5385]

40-75 CAD* so around the 50 dollar range in USD

[@chsaireddy22]

Did you use EasySmx 9124 pro controller? 🙄

[@Fanafranky]

In terms of durability, I've had the Gulikit KingKong2 for around 2 years, and the weak point for normal use in my case is the shoulder buttons, I managed to break both of them. Once the little 2mm or so plastic tab that pushes the internal button bends, it's pretty much done... And I haven't been able to really repair them

[@GothikaGeist]

Gotta say, based on your review and vCuda's I bought the Big Big Won Rainbow Pro 2 and I absolutely fucking love it. [First up, I wanna address your concern @ 10:58, I use my Rainbow Pro 2 on Series X with the dongle attached to the console and my official Series X controller attached to the dongle. It did not work with my Razer Wolverine Ultimate attached to the dongle.] I went from an Elite Series 2 to a Razer Wolverine Ultimate. I didn't mind the positioning of the 4 back buttons on the Razer and I LOVED those two top buttons. But the software/app, profile switching and especially the D-Pad were absolutely TERRIBLE. The Rainbow Pro 2's back and top buttons are perfectly positioned and the D-Pad is a COLOSSAL step up from the Razer. Also, the circular D-Pad included in the "bundle" version of the Rainbow Pro 2 is generally what I prefer (used a similar circular D-Pad that was included with the Elite Series 2). But man, the app and profile switching are also incredible. You can hold up to 4 on-board profiles on the controller that will go across platforms (PC and Xbox in my case) and it even has the same 4 LEDs that the Elite Series 2 uses to let you know what profile you're using. My two primary complaints for the Rainbow Pro 2 are as follows: 1) Headphone jack works with Xbox but IT DOESN'T PICK UP YOUR MICROPHONE. Meaning that to talk in an XBL Party you need (or I did anyways) to join on the Xbox App on your phone. The really weird thing about it is that if you plug in your headset to the official Series controller plugged into the dongle, unplug the headset and plug it back into the Rainbow Pro 2 it will work for about a minute before it disables again. It might just be my unit, I'm not sure. 2) One of the biggest bonuses for me was the fact that it was Wireless. But because even using it on console requires the dongle you need to drag it with you every time you change platform. I went from having an Xbox Wireless Adapter at my desk and simply syncing the controller to my Xbox when I was playing there; to: Unplug my dongle from PC -> take dongle and Rainbow Pro 2 to Xbox -> plug official Series controller into dongle -> plug dongle into Xbox -> turn on Rainbow Pro 2. It hurts the experience a little bit. Edit: Just wanted to add in what games I've been playing on the Rainbow Pro 2 for anyone interested. On PC I've generally been playing Conan Exiles and on Xbox I've played The FInals, Halo Infinite and Overwatch 2. Back 2 buttons are usually reserved for Sprint and Jump, top 2 buttons are usually D-Pad functions like Pinging or Character Abilities.

[@LazerB.]

Where do you place the Gullikit KK3 Max in this list?

[@VKsChannel]

A+ Even with the membrane buttons it is a good controller Definetly an improvement over KK2 pro that was an A

[@abelbatman1957]

​@@VKsChannelacha o machenike melhor que ele?

[@VKsChannel]

dificil de responder, o machenike tem dpad mecanico, o kk3 max tem dpad de membrana, mas o kk 3 max tem trigger stop e 4 paddles que o machenike n tem, e os motores de vibração são melhores também, pelo preço atual do machenike eu recomendaria ele@@abelbatman1957

[@Hikkiru]

where would you rank dualsense in the tier list

[@portugalsud2924]

Can you please name all the gamepads with app for smartphones ? I am not english and I have a bad time to understand theirs names. What is the difference between the app of each one ? An in-app review would be nice. Thank you

[@VKsChannel]

Best smartphone app is from the flydigi controllers Second place goes to gamesir All the others have apps that are lacking in one thing or another

[@june3149]

Hi, can I ask why the flydigi direwolf is ranked higher compared to the gamesir g7 se? Also regarding the g7 se, is there an outer deadzone where the stick on gamepad tester maxes out before the physical stick hits the edge/thumbstick gate? (i.e physical stick can move further but is already maxed out on tests)

[@VKsChannel]

g7 SE is a wired controller that knocked it down a bit on the ranking

[@kahunaseal]

Hi on the a+ tier what controler is the best having pc in mind with the features of dualsense that i really love, the reason im looking for a alternative is due to the stick drift, thank you

[@shfd3832]

Me too, did u found any?

[@ABD0GM]

i felt in love when i saw rainbow 2 pro i might buy one to play with emulators on my android phone what do you think about the latency tho with bluetooth, is it good ?

[@VKsChannel]

The rainbow 2 pro doesn't have a good dpad I recommend it more for shooting games than retro games

[@morpheusgates8664]

Best buying guide on the internet. Your research is super thorough and detailed!

[@shanglee643]

Hi, VK. Do you know why my Left Trigger is not working correctly. What is the problem, I just bought it a few hours ago. It keep hovering between 0-225 value rapidly when I was HOLDING the Left Trigger. I did update the firmware to the latest version, but it didn't fix the issue. Should I just return the unit ? It's the new Flydigy DireWoft 2 with hall-effect sensor in both triggers Edit: I did upload every thing in my KZbin profile if you guys want to watch it. Keep in mind the controller is brand new, I just got it a few hours ago.

[@VKsChannel]

Perhaps you need to calibrate the sensors

[@shanglee643]

@@VKsChannel It also happens with the B button for some reason. How do I even calibrate that one, it just keep flashing when I was holding it. All firmware already being update the the latest version. I also followed the calibration instruction for that specific controller, the Left Trigger still not working correctly. I got the same exact controller which I bought for a friend at the same time, but that one work flawlessly. We don't need to touch anything. It's really weird !!!!

[@shanglee643]

@@VKsChannel May you get this controller in the future and make a video review about it. Thank you

[@cyzcyt]

I can't make out what are the controllers in the tier list. Other than the ones you highlighted, they are just a bunch of pictures without names to me

[@VKsChannel]

I couldnt name all of them or else it wouldnt fit in the picture What tier you want the names from?

[@cyzcyt]

@VKsChannel maybe put them in the description or you have to voice them out in the video? I would like to know tier a+, to b Especially the ones in a+, a. What's the white-grey button ones in a+, on the right? Is that vader 3 non pro?

[@VKsChannel]

​@@cyzcyt sorry for the delay S Apex 2 A+ Vader 3 Pro, Machenike G5, Apex 3, Mobapad M9, Direwolf 2, Vader 2 Pro A 8Bitdo Pro 2, 8Bitdo Ultimate, PB Tails Crush, Gulikit King Kong 2 Pro, Gamesir x2 Pro, Gamesir G7 SE

[@Nikita-vq2mo]

Really disappointed with the Vader 3 Pro controller. While it had the potential to be one of the best, it's plagued with serious issues, especially with its dongle. I've experienced double press problems akin to a mouse double-click and switching to Bluetooth leads to unacceptable input lag, making gameplay unbearable. I primarily play Rocket League, and this controller simply isn't cutting it. It's a shame because I was hoping to replace my DS4 with something better. Looks like it's time to start searching for a more reliable option. Considering the machenike g5 for its price or the Asus ROG Raikiri Pro for its performance and low input lag. Any other suggestions for a solid gaming controller?

[@VKsChannel]

About the double click issue You can solve it by disassembling the controller and putting a few drops of Isopropyl alcohol on the affected switches then keep pressing it repeatedly

[@Nikita-vq2mo]

@@VKsChannel thanks for your advise but the controller is new, and the problem most likely caused by a poor connection to the dongle, as I said with Bluetooth it works fine without missing or doubling the commands of buttons and sticks, but Bluetooth makes the input lag like 10 times higher compered to the dongle. It's a well known problem with the Vader 3 pro, some people on Reddit say that using an extension cable for the dongle can help. I have tried that but the results are still not good enough to have a smooth experience in demanding games like rocket league. So that's why I am looking for a replacement, I would be happy if you recommend a Game pad with great sticks and low input lag using a dongle or Bluetooth. I don't care if it's a hall effect or whatever, i have played almost 10 years with the DS4's and they have done the job, no double click or connection problems they just don't last more than a year because of other known problems.

[@yeahBradley]

12:45 Where can I buy the Retro Flag Super Pack?

[@VKsChannel]

See the links on the description pf my superpack review video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZzcimN5nJash7Msi=LeRNj2RBK-YmFFdC

[@juansotelo3996]

I was looking for a gamepad and your channel trapped me in this crazy rabbit whole, pretty cool stuff tbh, thanks for the advice, I will buy the Bigbigwon Rainbow 2 pro SE not featured in the video but is very close, is for PC FPS games mostly. I wonder if there is any gamepad that allows to map actual keyboard keys into the gamepad, that feature alone is very good. I will comment in more of your videos to ask dummy questions, again, great content and thank you for the work, abrazos desde Colombia

[@VKsChannel]

For mapping keyboard to the controller buttons go with the machenike G5 or vader 3 pro/apex 4

[@chsaireddy22]

In future if you're Unboxing or reviewing of a controller pls mention does it have Gyroscope or not please 🙏

[@EfectoHall]

Vader 3 pro or rainbow pro 2?

[@PJNyte]

Are you sure that's a Nyxy athena? It doesn't have any branding at all, unless it's a very early model from when they just started selling. Also, 2 other models (hyperion & hyperion pro) have come out since the athena released. Do you have any thoughts on those?Good video, btw.

[@VKsChannel]

Yes it is one of the very first nyxi athena controllers I'm not sure if they fixed the problems with it but you can see them in my first review

[@ChristianGoin]

I'd like a basic controller, no back buttons or gimmicks, with mechanical buttons and hall effect sticks and triggers. The Vader 3 Pro still has membrane buttons like they were an after thought, C and z buttons. But seriously, this would be nice, a controller I don't need to worry about QA issues too.

[@VKsChannel]

Then you should try the crush controller It only has turbo

[@ryanmalik3378]

Gamesir T4 Cyclone Pro?

[@literallyhomeless1043]

@@ryanmalik3378 I was looking at that one but I am reluctant for a simple reason, experience with random controllers from China over QA issues. I have kind of given up on controllers and just live with my stick drift Dual Sense, use keyboard and mouse

[@VKsChannel]

gamesir didn't want to send me a sample =/@@ryanmalik3378

[@ParticleRay]

​@@literallyhomeless1043gamesir controllers are usually quite good, and the pc/xbox ones are actually licensed by Microsoft

[@raul1642]

Thank you for the comprehensive review VK!

[@guilhermelopesfotografo]

For me, the Flydigi Vader 3 Pro wins in every category. I've already tested 8BitDo, Gamesir, IINE and Machenike; but Flydigi, in addition to excellent quality, is innovative: always creates something new and doesn't desperately launch controls like other companies.

[@simpletools6805]

i have seen another video that compared pxn p50l to 8bitdo ultimate and the reviewer liked both why do you think the pxn belongs in tier C

[@VKsChannel]

pxn has issues with the back buttons where it doesn't register at the moment you press, only after release

[@simpletools6805]

@@VKsChannel aha nice observation build quality wise do you think it compares to 8bitdo ultimate

[@simpletools6805]

thank you vk for this sum up it would have been really helpful to say the controller model in each row at the the end

[@VKsChannel]

its on the description

[@simpletools6805]

@@VKsChannel Got it Thank you for your in-depth reviews

[@izpcshop7326]

so basically, the Vader 3 Pro is the best overall controller?

[@Psychotoxic86]

In this price category totally - YES! Their d-pad is revolution for fighting games.

[@VKsChannel]

Yes

[@rengg1441]

​@@VKsChannelwill you have gulikit kk3 max for review?

[@sadfrog5634]

Gamer Heaven also called this as his Controller of the Year.

[@VKsChannel]

I sent an email to gulikit yesterday No reply from them yet...

[@preguicadetu]

i can't wait for vk awards from this year thank you for this video

[@vitaliy9626]

Hi guys. What best controller do you recommend for xbox x/s?

[@ChevyRedneckGFX]

G7se

[@sousaptak]

Happy Holidays Vk bro, I was wondering if you are aware about any hall effect joystick for Original xbox 360 controller. I am unable to find any for my controller

[@VKsChannel]

For the 360 its gonna be very hard man but just go with a regular potentiometer stick Those are more easy to find replacements

[@sousaptak]

Thanks , will do@@VKsChannel

[@vinegardoppio4135]

Did you tried easysmx x10 controller yet? Heard that its good than other controllers.

[@CarrotsNotCake]

That controller looks good, but the two controllers I tried from them are garbage.

[@VKsChannel]

They will probably sent it out for a review soon

[@voidnoire7256]

Have you tried the Victrix Pro BFG?

[@voidnoire7256]

And also the Thrustmaster ESWAP X?

[@乾淨核能]

could you plz shoar a txt version of the tier list? thank you

[@VKsChannel]

Check the description of the video

[@乾淨核能]

@@VKsChannel thank you!

[@X1erra]

This has gone a long way since I first bought the KK2 Pro huh. I like how the Chinese went “hold my beer” and just makes the best (and worst) controllers ^^

[@rinosurber7919]

I'll say it again. It's okay if you put the Flydigi on the 1st place. But then you should also say with which system. With the Nintendo Switch, the controller is absolutely unplayable because of the automatic motion control calibration during the game.

[@RoninRedemption]

Love your content and breakdowns of controllers. Apex 2 still the S tier controller in 2023. Was disappointed when I saw Apex 4 with no BXY wheel. Will buy more Apex 2's for future.

[@huyphucnguyen5623]

how about dare u h105 and game sir t4 cyclone pro?

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Cool site may you have millions of subs this year, you deserve it for the thorough review making the world's buying decision faster. God bless.

[@dondizon4061]

You did not include the Mobapad M9 HD.

[@VKsChannel]

I did its the purple one

[@dondizon4061]

@@VKsChannel i think the M9 HD/Pro is the white one with better buttons than Chitu which would have put it higher in the rankings. The only thing it really lacks is the RGB customizable. The M9S has a clip type while the white one is magnetic face plate. Anyway, good video!

[@jamzqool]

t4 cyclone pro?

[@Decki777]

I have gamesir G7 se,Big Big won rainbow 2 pro, Nacon revolution unlimited v3,Dual sense edge and Xbox one controller right now I'm maining rainbow 2 pro . I ordered Gulikit kk3 max controller I'll probably get it with in 3 days let's see how good it is.

[@thanhhai8280]

Maybe flydigi apex 4 will come to board soon. I have a vader 3 and order apex 4

[@garlanramadhan4291]

No best dpad and buttons category?

[@VKsChannel]

In the end where I explain my tierlist

[@renanmalone742]

Eu comprei dois da gamesir para o meu Switch. O T4 mini e o Cyclone Branco. Os dois sairam por 265... Fiquei bem satisfeito com eles👍

[@VKsChannel]

O T4 mini tem deadzones nos analógicos por isso rankeei baixo

[@renanmalone742]

@@VKsChannel sem problemas, amigo o ranking é seu e o vídeo foi ótimo! O engraçado é que senti o T4 perfeito nos analógicos, já o cyclone que veio com um leve deadzone , mas bem leve mesmo.

[@vitaliy9626]

​@@VKsChannelHello. What joystick do you recommend for xbox x?

[@preguicadetu]

@@vitaliy9626 g7se

[@cooper1095]

microsoft banning unauthorized controllers? that sucks...

[@jairortiz4315]

Yup

[@vitaliy9626]

G7 se for xbox

[@cooper1095]

@@vitaliy9626?

[@vitaliy9626]

@@cooper1095 this controller work with xbox.

[@cooper1095]

@@vitaliy9626 oh. I see now

[@darkavera]

For me the best controlers today is big big won blitz ... Mecanic and cheap.. and Betop Zeus 2 high price but super complet and Premium material

[@Axryuu]

Thank for the video

[@whereami2884]

Man how would i know what are gamepads in final list? By pictures? Would be nice if you named them. And about design, you have poor taste there for sure. But great video anyway. Thank you!

[@VKsChannel]

See the description

[@whereami2884]

@@VKsChannel Oh cool. But really naming and putting winners on tier list is better when in video and acted by author. Every tech/phone utuber does that, and it works.

[@ryanmalik3378]

Ah, so my friends right. He said Rainbow 2 Pro can connect to any console (including PS4 and Xbox Series, even XBOX 360). But i see no one review it, also it got lose hype with hall effect gulkit introduce. I plan buy thst because the complete set (you got dongle, docker, spare, etc), but my friends said the docker not really good its like dongle xbox elite 2 controller with weak magnet, make it very often drop if you not place correctly. But i kinda curious with hall effect so i cancel to buy it. And i heard now this controller rare and hard to buy. Ah btw grip handle in apex 3 really good, i really comfortable when use it the bad things LED only Chinese language, it will good if they have language choice.

[@YulHolic24]

Should have included best controller for the Switch imo

[@VKsChannel]

Thats the vader 3 pro too

[@naufalelghazy563]

Just prepare for Gulikit KK3 Max, Will be released on January 5😂

[@SevenDeMagnus]

New subscriber here.

[@yuminub2876]

I owned an iine starfield and it kinda suck, bad ergonomic, horrible triggers, 24ms latency. Dont waste your money on it.

[@williamtael8379]

Very fair

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Iv owned almost every controller ever with membrane and they have never broken or war. Out gc n64 switch pro pad my switch pro is 7 yrs old has never failed or drifted ever… the m9 looks great and no one reviews the fact it supports faked gyro only yourself iv got the binbok elite pro coming also with faked gyro mode

[@syn80]

why do you keep deleting my comments?

[@VKsChannel]

I don't, youtube automatically filter some comments for no reason Probably because of something that you said or some link you put on it

[@yumenowinds]

I have apex4 and G5pro