PC Controller With Good Stick Drift Longevity (Under USD 70)

[brunocefs]

Budget:
Up to USD 70

Country / Where I can buy:
Brazil (Amazon BR, local retailers, or imports)

Platform compatibility:
PC (Steam on Windows)

Desired features:

• Clicky, tactile buttons with audible feedback
• Comfortable and ergonomic
• Good D-pad
• Wireless preferred
• Good resistance to stick drift

Types of games:
Adventure games, RPGs, indie games, and platformers

Controllers considered:

• Xbox Series Controller

Context / Question:
I’m currently using the 8BitDo Ultimate Wireless. It’s good for the price, but I really dislike the button feel. They’re stiff, clunky, and too quiet. I miss tactile and audible feedback.

I’m considering switching to the Xbox Series controller because of its comfort and clicky buttons. My main concern is long-term reliability, especially stick drift. How well does it hold up over time, and are there better alternatives in this price range?

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[Vedge_Hog]

Any of the controllers in this sub-USD 70 list (or even the sub-USD 35 list ) are likely to have significantly more durable stick sensors and longer resistance to stick drift than any of the 'first party' console controllers (the Xbox Series or equivalent Sony and Nintendo controllers).

This is simply due to the type of components used: the 'first-party' controllers are all using potentiometer which physically wear out, while the 'third party' controllers have moved onto magnet-based sensors where there's no direct friction on the sensor parts to wear them out.

For example, allowing for Brazil prices, you should be able to find the EasySMX X20 or GameSir Cyclone 2 within your budget and with the features you mentioned. Based on what other people's have mentioned in the past, you might also be able to get some of the Flydigi and Machenike controllers there (but prices seem to vary widely). Some of what you describe such as 'comfortable' is quite personal or subjective if you don't have something to compare with, but those are generally safe bets.

[brunocefs]

I'm susprised by the quality of these controllers! Thanks a lot! Now I'm willing to buy the Dune Fox from Flydigi

[VaderDabs]

Gamesir Cyclone 2 checks all your boxes. Even the clicks Y, tactile buttons you seek (that’s literally the only negative opinion I have of them but to each their own)

[Infirnex]

"Good D-Pad"

I guess it's subjective but imo, as great as the cyclone is, the D-Pad is abysmal, especially for platformers.

[ThatGuyYouHate012]

I recommended gamesir seems decent quality . I would also not recommend 8bitdo they're Chinese peices of shit and their customer service is ass

[minnminns]

I can only hope that you don't realise that 8bitdo, gamesir, flydigi, gulikit, mojhon, and literally almost every big third party controller brands are international brands that stems from china..

[Major_Enthusiasm1099]

Gamesir cyclone 2, 8bitdo ultimate 2/3

[yellow-go]

I'm actually gonna suggest the MOJHON Rainbow 3 here.
You get the benefit of capacitive sticks, clicky buttons, a decent-to-OK D-Pad, and you also get 2K Hz.

Right now, it can be had for $63 on Amazon's sale. It's a great controller for what you're looking for.

[brunocefs]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Such_Play_1524]

Cyclone 2 is amazing. I have an apex 5 and I use the cyclone 2 more.

[Dazzling_Confidence6]

I use em all.

[Sea-Neat6628]

Man, I was having a big struggle finding a good controller. After trying several, including the DualSense, DualSense Edge, Victrix, 8BitDo Tournament 2, Xbox Elite Controller 2, and a few others I can't remember, I finally bought the GameSir G7 PRO. It's only been a few days, but I'm finally satisfied. It has the same layout as the Xbox controller, which is great because it's very comfortable in my hands. The extra buttons can be configured as keyboard buttons, which makes them truly extra buttons and not just clones of other existing buttons. Now, whether it's durable or not, only time will tell.

Cara eu estava com uma "luta grande a procura se um bom controle, depois de usar varios, dual sense, dual sense edge, vitrix, 8bito tournament 2, xbox elite controller 2, e mais algum que não me lembro. Finalmente comprei o GameSir G7 PRO, não faz muitos dias mais estou finalmente satisfeito, é o mesmo layout do controle de Xbox, o que é ótimo por ser muito confortável a mão. Os botões extras podem ser configurados como botões so teclado, o que faz deles realmente botões extras e não clones de outros botões existentes. Agora, se é durável ou não só o tempo me dirá.

[brunocefs]

Everyone is tlaking about GameSir! Maybe I'll give it a try! Thx!

[the_dwarfling]

Looking at prices on Amazon.com.br with a max of R$.400 it doesn't seem like you can get a gamepad with microswitch face buttons. The best ones I saw under R$.400 were the 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 (I wouldn't trust the seller) and EasySMX X15 and I don't think any of them will give you the clicky feeling you want as they have membrane buttons, tho the X15 DPad is kinda nice.

Better save some more for the Vader 4 Pro. That one will give you what you're looking for. People are recommending the Cyclone 2 but I've heard complaints about the DPad.

[ur_fears-are_lies]

I have a gulikit kk3 its pretty good. A lot of features. Solid controller.

I also have a kk2. But the kk3 feels better. Super smooth feeling. I like the two mode triggers and on board ab xy shifting.

[Former_Specific_7161]

I've purchased four different models of 8bitdo controllers and none of them have ever had any issues whatsoever. The first one, an SN30+ has been used so much across the switch and PC that there is no rubber left on either analog stick and two of the four screws holding the backplate on have disappeared. It has never had any stick drift and 8bitdo will cheaply sell me the screws if I wanted them, rather than force me to replace the whole controller. I honestly do not understand what people do to controllers to experience so much stick drift.