The Best Controller For PC 2022
We find the best controller for PC
While most people who game on PC will no doubt be using a keyboard and mouse, there’s always a couple of games that just play better with a controller. If you haven’t yet picked up a controller for your PC and are wondering which is the best option, you’re in luck.
Today, we’ll be looking at five of the best controllers for PC you can pick up today. Each of these will have different designs, button layouts, and even some extra features along the way. It can be difficult wading through all the marketing speak while looking for a new controller which is why we’ve chosen to create this handy guide.
This guide will act as the perfect place to get started if you are looking for a new controller to use on your gaming PC. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the best controller options currently available right now.
We’ve grabbed a couple of the well-known options out there today as well as some which are geared towards different types of gamer. One of the big choices that will determine which controller suits you best is if you are more used to a standard Xbox or PlayStation thumbstick layout – we’ve made sure to add options for both.
Our Top Picks
The Best Controller For PC
In-depth Review
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
First on our list is possibly our favorite gaming controller for PC. Offering almost an endless level of customizability, the Xbox Elite Wireless controller allows you to change bindings, the D-pads, and even paddles on the fly. You’ll also be able to set the tension on your thumbstick as well as change them out if you don’t like the style.
This is a very well built controller too and you’d hope so considering its price! Retailing at around $180, you’ll want this controller to last you for many years to come. We don’t think there’s any danger of that not happening though. To help keep it safe you’ll receive a carrying case which is perfect if you’ll be bringing this controller with you on your travels. This also houses the set of four paddles, two D-pads, and six thumbsticks, as well as a tool to adjust them. The case also acts as a charging dock with its very own USB-C cable.
The rugged black and grey design may not be as eye-catching as some of the other controllers on the list but we love the simplicity of it, especially when paired with the ‘faceted D-pad’.
This controller can be used both wirelessly and wired if needed. With a battery that lasts around 40 hours, you won’t find yourself searching for the charger that often.
Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3
Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 3
The Nacon Revolution Pro has a more “boomerang” look when compared to other controllers on this list as well as an asymmetric thumbstick layout that will make all the Xbox users feel right at home – this even stretches to the design on the D-pad which is one single unit rather than four different buttons.
There are a few extra buttons on this controller that you’ll be able to make use of during your playtime. The four extra buttons at the rear of the controller are in a slightly different place than some of the other controllers on this list so it’s worth seeing if you can test-pilot one of these controllers to see if it suits you before purchasing.
If you are going to be using this controller on the PS4 as well as the PC, there’s a handy little mode switch button on the rear of the controller that allows you to switch between a PC or PS4 mode. In PC mode, you’ll be able to customize things such as the sensitivity of the triggers and thumbsticks.
The software that this controller needs to use isn’t the best out there and might take a while to learn how to use. There are preset profiles that are available but if you want to start tinkering, you’ll have to learn some of the intricacies of the software first.
While this isn’t the most expensive controller on our list today, it still has a fairly large price tag. While you’ll still be paying a premium for this controller, the build quality and some of the buttons don’t feel as great as they do in other controllers are this price point.
Razer Raiju Ultimate
Razer Raiju Ultimate
While this doesn’t look like the most comfortable controller you could hold, it does look like the most durable. Weighing in at a hefty 352 grams, this is likely to do more damage to the floor you drop it on than the controller itself. The blocky design may turn a lot of gamers away from this controller but it looks like Razer has tried to improve the design a little bit with the integrated Chroma lighting.
Aimed towards the esports market, the Razer Raiju has a set of traditional DualShock style thumbsticks as well as a set of paddles on the back. You’ll be able to change out the thumbsticks, D-pad and quick control panel to make this controller as comfortable for you as possible. There are also four multi-functional buttons on the controller that can be programmed to whatever you want.
If you want a controller that simply feels great to use every time you pick it up, it will be hard to go back to using a standard controller after gaming with the Razer Raiju Ultimate. The buttons are tactile and clicky and feel like they could last forever. The settings row on the bottom of the controller has also had a bit of a redesign turning them into a great feature that you’ll find yourself using more than you’d think.
You can use the profile button to switch your keymaps in real-time, a button to control the Chroma lighting, and there’s even a lock button that disables a large section of inputs to stop you pressing the wrong thing during the heat of the actio
DualShock 4
DualShock 4
If you just want a simple ‘no thrills’ solution to gaming with a controller on your PC, the DualShock 4 has to be one of the most familiar controllers out there. Being the latest iteration of the classic DualShock series of controllers, every gamer around the world will have held one of these at some point.
Unfortunately, you won’t have much in the way of customization when it comes to this controller. The best you’ll be able to do will be some kind of aftermarket product if you want to spice up the theme or even the feel of the thumbsticks. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the base controller though, the DualShock 4 is great to hold and responsive as ever during gaming.
The ergonomic design means you can hold this controller for hours on end and the quality of the buttons, triggers, and thumbsticks are excellent. If you are buying this controller as a gift for someone, be aware that sometimes there can be a few compatibility issues when connecting it to the PC for the first time which might take some tinkering to get sorted.
Scuf Vantage 2
Scuf Vantage 2
If you are after something a bit different, Scuf has a range of colorful controllers that would look great in any gaming setup. You can change the color, the thumbsticks and even the texture of the grips so we’re sure you’ll find one that’s right for you.
When it comes to the experience of gaming, there’s the great addition of the removable paddles on the back which correspond to the action buttons on the front. These allow gamers to keep their thumbs on the thumbsticks so they can use the back paddles for fast-paced or advanced gaming. This would be great in a first-person shooter title or an MMO.
Scuf controllers also have an interesting trigger control system which allows you to use quick shift trigger stops to reduce unnecessary trigger movement – perfect for shooting titles where precision is key. You can adjust the triggers to reduce latency so that you can make weapons fire with one tap or even extend the size of the trigger to make them easier to press quickly.
With digital triggers that reduce reaction time by producing an instantaneous click (much like a mouse click), this makes it the ultimate controller for those who love shooter games.
Final Word
That finishes up our list of the best controllers for PC today. We hope this guide helped you make up your mind if you were looking for a new controller and eased a bit of the stress of having to make comparisons.
We know our users are busy people, that’s why we’ve made sure to include this short roundup section that will help give you an idea of where each of these controllers excels. If you want more information on any of these, simply scroll up to the relevant review.
While we certainly haven’t covered every controller out there, why not let us know which you think is the best? Simply leave a comment below or head on over to our Community Hub to have a chat with fellow minded gamers.