PC controllers have come a long way over the years, and gamers now have several reliable options to choose from.
PC gaming is generally associated with keyboard and mouse, but many games available on Steam and other PC platforms are better played with controllers.
This includes games such as souls-like games, the Monster Hunter titles from Capcom, and a variety of sports and racing games – where the keyboard layout feels less natural than a controller.
If you also have a console, the easiest solution is to simply use that controller for your computer, too.
However, if you don’t already have a suitable controller, there are a wide range of PC controller options with varying levels of quality.
What to avoid
When buying a controller, the primary concern should be build quality
A poorly made controller will fail very quickly and force you to buy a new one – or stick with a sub-par, unenjoyable gaming experience using a broken controller.
One of the biggest problems that controllers encounter is stick drift.
This is when the controller registers movement on the screen even when you’re not using the thumbsticks.
This is usually due to most standard controllers using the traditional potentiometer joysticks, which use small metal components to track and measure movement.
However, these components wear down over time due to friction, and microscopic debris or dust can also accumulate – interfering with operation and leading to inaccurate sensor readings.
A controller’s bumpers and face buttons can also cause problems if they are not well-made.
Shoulder bumpers are frequently the first to go, with them either not working or registering false inputs.
Most low-quality controllers use cheap, tactile micro-switches to register inputs, which are soldered directly to the switch board.
Since most players press shoulder bumpers at a slight angle rather than straight down, these micro-switches deform, crack, or lose their springiness over time.
Face buttons have a similar problem, with most controllers using a silicone rubber conductive pad, which can tear or crack from heavy use over time.
This all means that it is better to pay a little more for your PC controller if it means you will get a reliable piece of hardware.
Beyond this, you can choose from factors such as comfort and design – picking the controller that best suits your fancy.
We have outlined five popular PC controller brands below – all of which are available on Takealot.
Microsoft (Xbox)
An Xbox controller is an obvious choice – and for good reason.
Thanks to Windows and Xbox being built by the same company, these controllers feature almost seamless native integration.
This means that virtually every PC game that supports controller input can use an Xbox controller instantly, without requiring third-party software mapping.
Additionally, because Xbox is a console brand, its controllers have a standardised build quality, so you won’t need to worry about them breaking.
If you aren’t particularly picky, and just want something that works instantly, it is difficult to go wrong with an Xbox controller.
8BitDo
8BitDo is positioned as an affordable alternative to many popular controller brands. at reasonable prices.
For example, the 8BitDo Ultimate C Wired Controller is available on Takealot for only R789 – making it meaningfully cheaper than many traditional choices.
A key reason for the brand’s popularity is its Hall Effect thumbsticks, which use magnets instead of physical contact components to eliminate stick drift.
Additionally, many 8BitDo controllers feature customizable back buttons that greatly enhance the gaming experience.
Sony (PlayStation)
Buying a PlayStation controller for your PC gaming has historically been a poor decision, with limited support for Sony’s hardware.
These days, however, many recent titles support using the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller on PC.
In fact, Steam offers native support for PlayStation DualSense controllers, and some games even support its haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
GameSir
GameSir offers high-quality controllers that prioritise performance and often feature Hall Effect technology to eliminate stick drift.
The brand specialises in officially licensed layouts with highly clickable, mechanical-feeling face buttons.
Depending on your preferences for the feel of a controller, this design could make a GameSir controller a top pick.
Razer
Razer is a well-known brand in the PC gaming space, and its Wolverine line of controllers offers excellent features.
This includes mech-tactile action buttons, interchangeable thumbsticks, and additional remappable triggers.
These controllers are also great picks for gamers who enjoy esports, as they come with a hair-trigger mode for shooters.
Razer is a fashionable brand – so if you want a controller that looks cool, this is a brand worthy of consideration.
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