Contents
- Top 10 rating according to KP
- 1. Defender Omega (average price 390 rubles)
- 2. SVEN Scout (average price 340 rubles)
- 3. Logitech G Gamepad F310 (average price 1790 rubles)
- 4. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (average price 11,5 thousand rubles)
- 5. Sony DualShock 4 v2 (average price 3300 rubles)
- 6. 3Cott GP-05 (average price 480 rubles)
- 7. Microsoft Xbox One Controller (average price 3300 rubles)
- 8. CBR CBG 959 (average price 1590 rubles)
- 9. Redragon Saturn (average price 880 rubles)
- 10. Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller Sport (average price 4000 rubles)
- How to choose a gamepad for PC
Many PC gamers, while using a computer rather than a console, prefer to use a gamepad rather than a keyboard and mouse for some games. Using this device, you can achieve a deeper immersion effect, and just drive to your favorite AAA project, displaying it on the TV screen, plopping down on the sofa. Now almost all games (well, except for strategies and competitive shooters, perhaps) are fully compatible with the controller and provide convenient control.
But, if you decide to purchase this device, the question arises – how to choose a gamepad for PC? There are hundreds of models on the market now, and it is quite difficult to understand the intricacies of choosing them. KP has selected the best PC gamepads of 2022 to ease the pain for gamers.
Top 10 rating according to KP
1. Defender Omega (average price 390 rubles)
A minimalistic classic joystick, somewhat reminiscent of the output devices of the very first PlayStation. Strict design – nothing more. This model is the same as the previous one – wired. In the budget segment, there are no wireless as such. The build quality, as you might guess, is not very good. However, it has vibration feedback, and the cable is quite long and comfortable. There are compatibility issues with some games. The disadvantages can be forgiven given its price, the gamepad is suitable as a non-permanent device for games, “departure” or for not very neat children and adults.
Features
Wired, vibration feedback, 2 mini-joysticks, D-pad, 12 buttons, API supported – DirectInput.
Advantages and disadvantages
2. SVEN Scout (average price 340 rubles)
Surprisingly, this model does not have sticks. Perhaps this is the reason for the high rating. The manufacturer, having saved on sticks, was able to release a worthy, albeit not very modern, product. This model has become a favorite among fans of old projects such as NES and SNES that use PC emulators. Sticks are not needed in them, so this drawback becomes uncritical. The build quality is at an acceptable level, which you would not expect to see in such a cheap device, there is nothing to complain about.
Features
Wired, no sticks, d-pad, 12 buttons, API supported – DirectInput.
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Logitech G Gamepad F310 (average price 1790 rubles)
The best solution from the middle price segment was the joystick from the well-known brand Logitech. At an affordable price, it has all the necessary characteristics. Perhaps this is one of the best wired devices on the market. At an affordable price, it has excellent build quality, compatibility and ease of use. There are no serious shortcomings, given its price. Although, some users note the inconvenient arrangement of the keys and are dissatisfied with the quality of the plastic.
Features
Wired, 2 sticks, D-pad, 10 buttons, API supported – DirectInput / XInput.
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (average price 11,5 thousand rubles)
Flawless joystick in flawless execution from Microsoft. Its only drawback, in fact, is the price, but it is so high that it covers all the advantages. Two controllers will cost almost the price of an entry-level console or PC. The design is stylish, the device is ergonomic. Everything is in order with compatibility, usability and autonomy. The gamepad has all the necessary characteristics and even a little more. Despite this, some users notice minor flaws that are unacceptable at this cost.
Features
Wireless, vibration feedback, 2 mini-joysticks, D-pad, own battery – 40 hours of operation, supported by API – XInput, motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope; the ability to connect a headset.
Advantages and disadvantages
5. Sony DualShock 4 v2 (average price 3300 rubles)
And here is the model from the main competitor of the “small-soft” ones – Sony. The design is more aggressive and futuristic, the stick placement is classic rather than asymmetrical. The Japanese giant decided not to invent a bicycle, but to improve the existing layout. The main difference from a competitor is the presence of a touch-sensitive touchpad, with which you can perform various manipulations. This is a very cool feature for a console, but when used with a PC, the value is lost, since there is a mouse. The touchpad also has a built-in battery. The joystick is equipped with a built-in speaker. At first glance, this may seem like overkill, but when you use it, you quickly realize that this is an extremely interesting solution – during the game session, immersion and atmosphere feel much brighter (provided that the technology is supported by the game). The most common problems are an “unsuccessful” batch, marriage and difficulties in pairing with a personal computer.
Features
Wireless, vibration feedback, 2 sticks, D-pad, 18 buttons, 1 trackpad, own battery; supported API – DirectInput / XInput, motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, headset connectivity.
Advantages and disadvantages
6. 3Cott GP-05 (average price 480 rubles)
The gamepad from the little-known company 3Cott opens the review. This wired device has a fairly bright and catchy design, at an extremely low price. The layout of the buttons is quite standard, there are sticks, it is connected using a USB cable. It is compatible with different devices, there should be no problems when connecting. However, it also has disadvantages – an unpleasant smell of cheap plastic, and the coating is not made of rubber, as it might seem at first glance, but of the same material, but a little softer.
Features
Wired, 2 sticks, D-pad, 12 buttons, supported API – DirectInput.
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Microsoft Xbox One Controller (average price 3300 rubles)
Standard solution from Microsoft. Minimalistic design – everything you need, nothing more. This device is the choice of most users. The asymmetrically placed sticks take a little getting used to and are extremely comfortable. Since Microsoft not only deals with consoles, but also develops the most popular software for computers, you can not even be afraid of compatibility problems. There is a headset jack. There is not much to say about the device, it is just as it should be. The only objective disadvantage is that the joystick is powered by 2 AA batteries. The problem can be solved simply by purchasing batteries with the station.
Features
Wireless, vibration feedback, 2 mini-joysticks, D-pad, 11 buttons, 2xAA, API supported – XInput, motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, headset connectivity.
Advantages and disadvantages
8. CBR CBG 959 (average price 1590 rubles)
This gamepad could have entered the ranking of the best gamepads for PC of 2021 just because of its appearance. It looks extremely stylish and futuristic, matte plastic captivates. This model is already wireless, has an unusual arrangement of sticks. Users note that it is very convenient, although at first glance they take doubts. I also like the build quality – no backlash and no unpleasant smell.
But, it also has disadvantages – a long charge, as well as a discrepancy between the declared battery capacity. Nevertheless, this is a good option, especially if you are looking for a device with a low price, good functionality and stylish appearance.
Features
Wireless, type of API supported – DirectInput / XInput, vibration feedback, range 10 m, own battery – up to 20 hours of operation.
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Redragon Saturn (average price 880 rubles)
This joystick is included in the middle price segment and yes, it is wired. If you’re looking for a quality classic gamepad, this is the one for you. Its sticks have a smooth and pleasant action, the design is aggressive and modern. Some users write in reviews that L1 and R1 hang out and are not very convenient to use. It is worth noting the behavior of the company. Its representatives follow the reviews, and when they notice negative ones, they give feedback, suggest how the problem can be solved. This suggests that their products are important to the creators and they are working on their quality.
Features
Wired, vibration feedback, 2 mini-joysticks, D-pad, supported API – DirectInput / XInput.
Advantages and disadvantages
10. Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Controller Sport (average price 4000 rubles)
Ultimate solution from Microsoft. This gamepad combines modern design, functionality, ease of use and adequate cost. This is a limited series that quickly gained popularity among users. The device can be customized for yourself, rubberized handles provide an incomparable grip with the palm of your hand. It is equipped with all possible modern chips and is great for use with a personal computer. The joystick is available in two versions – white and blue. Considering its cost, it has no objective disadvantages (other than running on 2 AA batteries), this is a great choice for absolutely any PC gamer.
Features
Wireless, vibration feedback; 2 sticks, d-pad, 11 buttons, 2xAA, supported API – XInput; motion sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, headset connectivity.
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a gamepad for PC
About how to choose the best gamepad for PC, we asked Ruslana Sharipova. He works as a design engineer at Smartec and is an avid gamer. Owned different consoles and used different joysticks. For the PC, he eventually chose a gamepad from Microsoft. A few practical tips for choosing a joystick.
Which brand of PC gamepad to prefer
From personal experience, I can say that preference should be given to well-known brands. In the budget and mid-range segment, this is Logitech, in the high segment, Microsoft and Sony. In fact, the choice should be stopped on the last two. The only plus of other companies is the cheaper cost, the quality remains with the giants of the industry.
Is there one best joystick
No, there is no better one. Basically, when choosing, the individual preferences of the user decide. Ideally, you should use a few of the models you like the most and then choose “your own”. Do not blindly follow the advice of experts and understand the Internet battles on the forums. In top models, the disadvantages and advantages are quite subjective, and the functionality is very close. Try it yourself and choose what you like best.
Which of the “giants” is cooler?
Dualshock is an excellent gamepad, but its features and chips are not tailored to the computer, and compatibility is sometimes lame and requires “dancing with a tambourine”. In addition, I’m just more used to the Microsoft gamepad, it suits me perfectly. Everything is individual and at the moment I made my choice. Probably, when the next generation of consoles and gamepads comes out, I’ll try the solution from Sony.
Summarizing, we can say that if you have finances, you should give preference to devices from Sony or Microsoft, but you need to understand which one is better in your hand and trust your feelings.